Seasoned reality fans will probably be familiar with the beach tans, drama-filled parties and constantly shifting alliances found in Byron Baes. But eagle-eyed Aussies might feel a particularly strong hit of déja vu after getting a glimpse of the trailer and cast. Do I know them from somewhere?
The answer? Probably. Turns out, most of the cast of Byron Baes, Netflix’s first Australian docusoap focusing on a group of hustlers, entrepreneurs and social media stars living in gorgeous Byron Bay, aren’t newbies in the entertainment industry. For some of them, this isn’t even their first spin on reality television. Lucky for you, we’ve done some detective work — à la talent manager/semi professional stalker Alex — and compiled your complete guide to the friendship group that’s rocking New South Wales. Get to know the baes (hell, maybe even throw Jade an Instagram follow — some people on the show sure think he needs it).
Elias — who goes by Elias Black online — is no stranger to the spotlight. He starred on the inaugural season of Love Island Australia, where he lasted 14 days but ultimately didn’t make any lasting romantic connections (but sported some epic shoulder-length locks that we wish had made it to Byron Bay). Now, he’s a model and amateur boxer but, based on his possible interest in fellow cast member Sarah, is clearly still looking for that special someone.
Nathan has also starred on reality television before — but hasn’t exactly been a hero. As a cast member on Season 4 of The Bachelorette Australia, he was axed after discussing cheating rumors about lead Ali Oetjen and ex Grant Kemp. He then appeared on Season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise Australia, where he left in a relationship with Tenille Favios; however, in a post-finale Tell All episode, Tenille revealed he “friend-zoned” her within a week after filming wrapped. Maybe he was just waiting around for a special Goldie musician?
With 1.2 million followers (and surely more to come), Jade says he’s the most followed male influencer in Australia; his account blew up, he says, when he posted with Kim Kardashian. Before he moved to Byron, though, Jade had already made his television debut: He previously appeared on the courtroom reality show Trial by Kyle and the dating show First Dates Australia. Most recently, he starred in The Possessed, a 2021 horror film about an accidental exorcist.
Sarah — who records music under the name st.James — has released one single, a lush pop track called “Reckless Life.” She was previously part of the Melbourne-based musical duo Elle.
Alex, the former assistant of radio host and Australian Idol judge Kyle Sandilands, broke out to manage talent on his own. Now, he’s the director of two influencer agencies: Amplify and the Traction Agency. Judging potential hits isn’t new for Alex: in 2018, he was featured as an expert on the singing show All Together Now.
Jessica, owner of the fashion label Johansen, has had her own brushes with fame: Kylie Jenner has worn two of her designs. The posts reportedly got her $4 million worth of free advertising.
Though this is her first time starring on television, Lauren is a fashion model represented by Associated Models. She’s also a frequent model for her sister’s label, Johansen.
Another woman in fashion, Hannah is co-creative director of her family’s Byron Bay boutique, Bisque Traders. The shop only sources ethically made clothing, and Hannah serves as a model for some of the items.
Photographer Cai has already built up a pretty sizable audience for his work: In addition to his over 10,000 (soon to be more) followers on his photography account, his art is currently being displayed in NSW’s pack gallery studio, and he has a collection of NFTs available for sale on Foundation.
A businesswoman focusing on helping the environment, this is Elle’s first reality television venture. She previously worked as a managing partner at Providus Investments and has since founded One Sustainability Fund, a venture capital fund dedicated to addressing climate change.
Nathan calls this duo a “power couple”: Saskia is a fashion sales director, while her partner “Frimmy” is an entrepreneur working on creating a boutique airline.
Simba had a corporate job in Sydney before experiencing a personal tragedy. Now, he’s a spiritual healer and fire dancer, trying to heal this (completely and utterly divided, by the looks of it) friend group.
