Australia richest is home to some of the world's wealthiest entrepreneurs, mining magnates, technology founders, property developers, and business families. Its natural resources, thriving technology sector, established property market, and international consumer brands have created substantial fortunes.
According to Forbes' Australia's 50 Richest 2026 ranking, the combined wealth of the country's 50 richest people and families reached approximately $254 billion. Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart retained the top position with an estimated net worth of $24.6 billion, followed by property developer Harry Triguboff and mining entrepreneur Andrew Forrest.
Technology also played an important role in the ranking. Canva cofounders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht increased their combined fortune, while Atlassian cofounders Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar remained among Australia's wealthiest technology entrepreneurs.
This article explores Australia's top 10 richest people and families in 2026, their estimated net worth, major businesses, and the industries behind their financial success.
Note: Net worth figures are Forbes estimates for its 2026 annual ranking, based on stock prices and exchange rates as of January 23, 2026. These figures can change as market conditions and private-company valuations change.
Top 10 Richest People in Australia in 2026
Rank | Billionaire or family | Estimated net worth | Main industry |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gina Rinehart | $24.6 billion | Mining |
2 | Harry Triguboff | $22.6 billion | Real estate |
3 | Andrew Forrest and family | $20.1 billion | Mining and metals |
4 | Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht | $15.1 billion | Technology |
5 | Anthony Pratt | $11.5 billion | Packaging and manufacturing |
6 | Mike Cannon-Brookes | $10 billion | Technology |
7 | Scott Farquhar | $9.7 billion | Technology |
8 | Frank Lowy | $8.8 billion | Finance and investments |
9 | Kerry Stokes | $7.9 billion | Media and diversified investments |
10 | Bianca Rinehart and siblings | $7.5 billion | Mining |
Source: Forbes, Australia's 50 Richest 2026. All figures are in US dollars.
1. Gina Rinehart — $24.6 Billion
Gina Rinehart ranked first among Australia's richest people in 2026, with an estimated fortune of $24.6 billion. She is the executive chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting, a privately owned company with major interests in iron ore mining, mineral exploration, energy, and agriculture.
Rinehart took control of the family business following the death of her father, mining pioneer Lang Hancock, in 1992. Over time, she expanded the company into a diversified resources group, with the Roy Hill iron ore project becoming one of its major assets.
Australia is one of the world's leading suppliers of iron ore, an essential raw material used to manufacture steel. Demand from international markets, particularly major industrial economies, can influence mining revenue and asset valuations.
Hancock Prospecting has also expanded its interests into rare earths, gas, and agricultural operations, including cattle production.
Although Rinehart retained the top position in 2026, Forbes estimated that her fortune declined by 15% compared with the previous year, partly reflecting lower iron ore prices and other business pressures.
Her career illustrates the enormous wealth that can be generated through ownership of large-scale natural-resource businesses.
Main industry: Mining and natural resources
Estimated net worth: $24.6 billion
2. Harry Triguboff — $22.6 Billion
Harry Triguboff ranked second, with an estimated net worth of $22.6 billion. He is the founder of Meriton, one of Australia's major residential property development companies.
Triguboff built his fortune by developing apartment buildings and residential communities, particularly in Sydney. His company became known for large-scale apartment projects serving Australia's urban housing market.
Property development can create wealth through land acquisition, construction, sales, rental income, and the long-term appreciation of real estate assets. However, developers also face risks related to interest rates, construction costs, financing, and housing demand.
In 2026, Forbes reported that Triguboff's fortune increased by approximately 20%. Meriton also increased its focus on Queensland's Gold Coast, reflecting continued investment in Australian residential property markets.
His success demonstrates how long-term investment in housing and urban development can create one of the country's largest fortunes.
Main industry: Real estate and property development
Estimated net worth: $22.6 billion
3. Andrew Forrest and Family — $20.1 Billion
Andrew Forrest and his family ranked third, with an estimated combined fortune of $20.1 billion. Forrest is best known as the founder of Fortescue, a major Australian iron ore producer.
Fortescue grew into an important participant in the global iron ore industry, supplying raw materials used in steelmaking. The company established a strong position in Western Australia's Pilbara region, where large-scale mining operations support export markets.
Forrest has also pursued investments connected to renewable energy, green hydrogen, and industrial decarbonisation through Fortescue's broader business strategy.
His wealth is closely connected to the performance of mining operations and the value of Fortescue shares. Forbes reported that an increase in the company's share price helped lift his estimated fortune in 2026.
Forrest's business activities show how an entrepreneur can build substantial wealth in traditional mining while exploring opportunities in emerging energy technologies.
Main industries: Mining, metals, and energy
Estimated net worth: $20.1 billion
4. Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht — $15.1 Billion
Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht ranked fourth as a couple, with a combined estimated fortune of $15.1 billion. They are cofounders of Canva, the Australian design software company that has become popular with individuals, businesses, educators, and marketing teams around the world.
Canva provides online tools for creating presentations, social media graphics, posters, documents, and other visual content. Its accessible interface allows users to produce designs without needing advanced professional design skills.
The company's growth reflects rising demand for digital content and simple online creative tools. Subscription services, business accounts, and an expanding collection of design features have helped Canva develop its global business.
In 2026, Forbes reported that Canva's valuation reached approximately $42 billion in August of the preceding year, contributing to the cofounders' combined fortune.
Perkins and Obrecht represent a newer generation of Australian billionaires whose wealth comes from software and digital products rather than mining or property.
Their success demonstrates how a technology company built around a practical everyday problem can reach international markets.
Main industry: Technology and design software
Combined estimated net worth: $15.1 billion
5. Anthony Pratt — $11.5 Billion
Anthony Pratt ranked fifth, with an estimated fortune of $11.5 billion. He is associated with Pratt Industries, a packaging and manufacturing business with substantial operations in Australia and the United States.
The company produces paper, corrugated packaging, and related products used by manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce businesses. Packaging is essential to the transportation, storage, and delivery of goods across modern supply chains.
Pratt Industries has emphasised recycled materials and the reuse of paper products as part of its manufacturing model. Demand for packaging can be influenced by consumer spending, industrial output, and online shopping.
The business illustrates how a traditional manufacturing company can achieve significant scale by supplying essential products to many different industries.
Pratt's fortune reflects the value of ownership in a large industrial enterprise with international operations.
Main industry: Packaging and manufacturing
Estimated net worth: $11.5 billion
6. Mike Cannon-Brookes — $10 Billion
Mike Cannon-Brookes ranked sixth, with an estimated net worth of $10 billion. He cofounded Atlassian with Scott Farquhar in 2002, building a software company that develops collaboration and project-management tools.
Atlassian's products include Jira and Confluence, which are used by software developers, project teams, and organisations to manage tasks, document information, and coordinate work.
The company expanded internationally through cloud-based services and subscription software. Its tools became popular with teams seeking to manage complex projects and collaborate across locations.
Cannon-Brookes has also invested in renewable energy and climate-related initiatives, reflecting his interest in technology and energy transformation.
However, technology fortunes can fluctuate significantly with share prices and changing investor expectations. Forbes reported that Atlassian's cofounders experienced declines in their estimated wealth in the 2026 annual ranking.
Cannon-Brookes remains one of Australia's most prominent technology entrepreneurs.
Main industry: Software and technology
Estimated net worth: $10 billion
7. Scott Farquhar — $9.7 Billion
Scott Farquhar ranked seventh, with an estimated fortune of $9.7 billion. He cofounded Atlassian alongside Mike Cannon-Brookes, helping build the company into a global provider of collaboration software.
The company grew by developing products designed to help teams organise projects, track issues, share documentation, and improve workflows. Its software serves customers ranging from small businesses to large international organisations.
Farquhar's wealth largely reflects his ownership interest in Atlassian, making his estimated fortune sensitive to the company's financial performance and share price.
The success of Atlassian illustrates the potential of software businesses to scale internationally without requiring the physical infrastructure associated with industries such as mining or manufacturing.
Farquhar's entrepreneurial journey also demonstrates the value of building products that solve recurring problems for business customers.
Main industry: Software and technology
Estimated net worth: $9.7 billion
8. Frank Lowy — $8.8 Billion
Frank Lowy ranked eighth, with an estimated fortune of $8.8 billion. He is best known for building Westfield into a major shopping-centre business.
Lowy began developing shopping centres in Australia and expanded the business internationally. Westfield became associated with large retail destinations serving shoppers, restaurants, entertainment venues, and major brands.
The international shopping-centre business was sold to Unibail-Rodamco in 2018 in a transaction valued at approximately $16 billion. Lowy's subsequent wealth reflects his broader investments and financial holdings.
His career is an example of how property development and retail infrastructure can create long-term business value.
Shopping centres also illustrate the relationship between property ownership, consumer spending, tenant demand, and urban development.
Main industry: Finance, investments, and real estate
Estimated net worth: $8.8 billion
9. Kerry Stokes — $7.9 Billion
Kerry Stokes ranked ninth, with an estimated fortune of $7.9 billion. He is known for his interests in media and diversified investments, including his association with Seven West Media and other business assets.
Media companies can generate revenue through advertising, broadcasting, publishing, and digital content. Their commercial performance depends on audience demand, advertising markets, distribution arrangements, and competition from online platforms.
Stokes has also held interests in other sectors, making his fortune broader than media alone.
His business career illustrates how ownership of established companies and strategic investments across different industries can contribute to significant wealth.
The media sector continues to evolve as traditional broadcasters compete with streaming platforms, digital publishers, and social media services.
Main industries: Media and diversified investments
Estimated net worth: $7.9 billion
10. Bianca Rinehart and Siblings — $7.5 Billion
Bianca Rinehart and her siblings ranked tenth, with a combined estimated fortune of $7.5 billion. Their wealth is associated with the Rinehart family and its interests in the mining sector.
The family's business history is closely connected to Hancock Prospecting and the natural-resource industry. Iron ore has been a major source of value, while mineral exploration and other resource-related investments provide additional exposure.
Family fortunes can be distributed across multiple relatives, trusts, and ownership structures. Therefore, a combined family net worth should not automatically be interpreted as the personal wealth of one individual.
The siblings' position on the 2026 list highlights the continuing importance of inherited business interests and family ownership in Australia's billionaire landscape.
Main industry: Mining and natural resources
Combined estimated net worth: $7.5 billion
Which Industries Create the Most Wealth in Australia?
Australia's richest people have built their fortunes across several major sectors. The 2026 ranking shows the continuing importance of traditional industries alongside newer technology businesses.
1. Mining and natural resources
Mining remains one of Australia's most important sources of billionaire wealth. Iron ore, minerals, and other natural resources are major export products, and their prices can have a substantial effect on the value of mining companies.
Gina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest are prominent examples of entrepreneurs whose fortunes are closely tied to the resources sector.
2. Real estate and property development
Property ownership and development have generated substantial fortunes in Australia. Developers can benefit from rental income, residential sales, commercial property, and long-term asset appreciation.
Harry Triguboff's Meriton business demonstrates the scale that residential property development can achieve.
3. Technology and software
Canva and Atlassian highlight Australia's ability to produce technology companies with international reach. Digital products can serve customers across many countries, creating opportunities for subscription revenue and scalable growth.
However, software valuations can be volatile and depend on competition, profitability, and investor expectations.
4. Manufacturing and packaging
Manufacturing businesses provide essential goods for industries such as retail, logistics, food distribution, and e-commerce. Anthony Pratt's packaging operations illustrate how specialised manufacturing can develop into a major international business.
5. Media and investments
Media companies, investment holdings, and diversified business portfolios can create wealth through ownership stakes, operating income, and capital appreciation.
The fortunes of investors such as Kerry Stokes and Frank Lowy demonstrate the value of long-term business ownership and investment.
6. Digital infrastructure and data centres
Data centres have become increasingly important as businesses use cloud computing, AI, and data-intensive services. Australia's technology investment landscape includes entrepreneurs associated with data-centre infrastructure, reflecting the growing demand for computing capacity.
Why Did Australia's Richest People Gain Wealth in 2026?
Forbes reported that the combined wealth of Australia's 50 richest people and families rose by approximately $11 billion to $254 billion in its 2026 annual ranking.
Several factors contributed to this increase.
A stronger Australian dollar: Currency movements raised the US-dollar value of some Australian fortunes.
Mining performance: Changes in the share prices of major resource companies affected the wealth of mining entrepreneurs.
Technology valuations: The valuation of Canva and movements in listed software companies influenced technology fortunes.
Real estate investment: Property ownership and development continued to support major Australian fortunes.
Business transactions: Mergers, acquisitions, and the sale of company stakes affected the valuations of several business owners.
Not every billionaire became wealthier. Changes in commodity prices, investor sentiment, and company performance meant that some fortunes declined during the same period.
How Do Australia's Richest People Build Their Fortunes?
Although their industries differ, several themes appear across Australia's wealthiest entrepreneurs.
Ownership of valuable assets: Equity stakes in companies, mines, property, and other assets can appreciate over time.
Solving business problems: Companies such as Canva and Atlassian grew by developing products that address practical customer needs.
International expansion: Entering overseas markets can increase revenue opportunities and customer reach.
Long-term investment: Holding assets through multiple economic cycles can allow businesses to benefit from growth.
Operational efficiency: Successful companies manage costs, develop competitive products, and build effective distribution systems.
Adapting to change: Businesses that respond to changing technology, consumer demand, and market conditions may be better positioned for long-term success.
These are common patterns rather than guaranteed formulas. Business ownership involves financial risk, and even established companies can lose value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest person in Australia in 2026?
Gina Rinehart ranked first on Forbes' 2026 Australia’s 50 Richest list, with an estimated fortune of $24.6 billion.
Who is the second-richest person in Australia?
Harry Triguboff ranked second, with an estimated net worth of $22.6 billion, primarily associated with his Meriton property development business.
How much are Australia's 50 richest people worth?
Their combined estimated wealth reached approximately $254 billion in Forbes' 2026 annual ranking.
Who are Australia's richest technology entrepreneurs?
Prominent technology fortunes on the 2026 list include Canva cofounders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, Atlassian cofounders Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, and other software and digital-infrastructure entrepreneurs.
Why is Gina Rinehart so wealthy?
Her fortune is primarily associated with Hancock Prospecting, which has major interests in iron ore mining and other natural resources, along with agriculture and related investments.
Does Australia have more mining billionaires than technology billionaires?
Mining remains a major source of Australian billionaire wealth, but technology has also produced substantial fortunes. The ranking includes people from mining, software, real estate, manufacturing, media, and other sectors.
Are these net worth figures updated in real time?
No. The figures in this article refer to Forbes' annual 2026 ranking and its stated valuation date. Real-time wealth estimates may differ as stock prices, exchange rates, and private-company valuations change.
Conclusion
Australia's richest people in 2026 demonstrate the country's strength in mining, real estate, technology, manufacturing, and investment. Gina Rinehart leads the ranking with an estimated fortune of $24.6 billion, followed by property developer Harry Triguboff and mining entrepreneur Andrew Forrest.
Technology founders have also established a significant place among Australia's wealthiest people, with Canva and Atlassian illustrating the global opportunities available to software businesses.
The combined wealth of Australia's 50 richest reached approximately $254 billion, highlighting the influence of business ownership, international markets, and asset values. Although billionaire rankings change with economic conditions, these entrepreneurs and families remain important examples of how businesses can build substantial value across different industries.
For readers interested in global business and finance, Australia's rich list provides insight into the sectors shaping wealth creation and the entrepreneurs behind some of the country's largest business empires.
Editorial source: Forbes, Australia's 50 Richest 2026. Net worth estimates are based on shareholding and financial information, including stock prices and exchange rates as of January 23, 2026.
