Once upon a time, splashing $5 million on an apartment might have bought you a doorman and an underground turntable car park.

Not anymore, but from a lush bolthole in Noosa to above the stately streets of Adelaide, these luxury eyries still buy you a fast track to the high life.

28A/171 Gloucester Street, Sydney NSW
4 beds – 4 bath – 2 parking
Agent: Michael London, raywhite.com.au
Price: $18 million

With the Sydney Harbour Bridge only 450 metres away, this extraordinary Rocks apartment could not be more centrally located or boast more remarkable views.

Located in the sought-after Stamford Residences building, amid other slated luxury developments, it might be a perfect time to buy before prices escalate – if you have a cool $18 million at hand, that is.

With a vast, luxuriously appointed kitchen and swaths of grey marble flooring, this 28th floor, tri-level penthouse offers four vast bedrooms, a media room, walk-through wardrobes, and formal and casual living areas perfect for entertaining in the cooler months with two roof-top terraces for more balmy evenings.

No detail is spared in the interiors although the views, which take in all the icons of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, hardly give the eye a chance to appreciate the quality finishes. All this and a 24-hour concierge.

17/24 Little Cove Road, Noosa Heads QLD
4 beds – 2 bath – 1 parking
Agent: Nic Hunter, offermann.com.au
Price: $4.95 million

Noosa has long been a mecca for two kinds of demographics – cashed-up retirees and private school kids on September holidays.

This neat, spacious two-level apartment, perched above Laguna Bay, offers 330 square metres of elegant living, including four bedrooms with built-in robes and direct-access balconies, two bathrooms and majestic sea views across to Double Island Point.

European fixtures, a wet-bar terrace and a residential swimming pool are some of the luxurious details of this perfectly positioned apartment.

And with 100 square metres of rooftop terrace, the potential for entertaining rivals that of the creme de la creme of Noosa property.

A boardwalk will take you directly from your door to the glistening white sand below or Noosa Main Beach is only a few minutes away – providing a perfect daily ritual for mid-morning coffee or surf or to take advantage of the nearby National Park.

9/3 Washington Street, Toorak VIC
3 beds – 4 bath – 4 parking
Agent: James McCormack, marshallwhite.com.au
Price: $5.1 million

If you happen to need your new Melbourne apartment to come with four car spaces, this palatial penthouse apartment designed by Gaby Hubay may be top of your inspection list.

Smack bang in the heart of prestigious Toorak and a stone’s throw from the historic Como estate and the Yarra River, this three-bedroom has all the mod cons of contemporary apartment living, including an indoor-outdoor entertaining area with vast terraces that are accessible from every room.

Designed by Gaby Hubay, the large, neutrally appointed living areas are complemented by a cosy timber shelf-lined library and luxurious kitchen complete with Gaggenau appliances and the now ubiquitous (and very useful) butler’s pantry.

The main bedroom is enhanced by a spa bath offering a roof-tops view.

903/13-15 Bayswater Road, Potts Point NSW
3 beds – 4 bath – 2 parking
Agent: Deborah Herrigan, raineandhorne.com.au
Price: $4.8 million

This north-facing apartment is one of two penthouses that were built on the roof of an old Art Deco Hampton building in 2011.

Among its many features is a massive, wraparound 224-square metre rooftop terrace providing a view of the city and all the harbour has to offer. Inside is a “house-sized” apartment offering three bedrooms, each with an en suite and access to the terrace.

A huge open living, dining and kitchen area is perfect for hosting envious friends for the New Year’s Eve fireworks while a full-sized laundry takes care of more prosaic concerns.

Best of all, this apartment is based in the vibrant neighbourhood of Potts Point, meaning that a dash to the shops is not a soulless journey. At just under $5 million, this apartment even includes a concierge service.

3801/9 Austin Street, Adelaide
4 beds – 5 bath – 3 parking
Agent: Ross Hocking jnr, brockestates.harcourts.com.au
Price: $5.5 million

While Adelaide’s highest building at 40 floors will be completed by 2020, its 314 apartments are selling now.

This north-east and west-facing penthouse atop the Realm Adelaide is the most expensive in the $200 million project and it is believed to be the most expensive apartment for sale in Adelaide – ever.

The 605-square metre apartment will offer the usual luxurious trappings and latest stylings, including floor-to-ceiling windows and timber-finished interior spaces that flow out to the terrace.

There, a spa awaits while greenery will wrap its way around the terrace’s edges, just to remind you of all those orderly and gracious Adelaide parks way, way down below.

2/21 Millswyn Street, South Yarra VIC
3 beds – 3 bath – 2 parking
Agent: Marcus Chiminello, marshallwhite.com.au
Price: $4.95 million

Almost opposite the Fawkner Park Tennis Centre, a mere hop and a skip to parkland and a few blocks from St Kilda Road trams, this three-bedroom property exudes calm luxury behind its beautifully proportioned limestone and glass facade.

The asking price not only references the prime South Yarra position but also clearly takes into account the three en suite bathrooms, two car parking spaces and a pretty and secluded patio perfect for evening cocktails.

The spacious living areas and kitchen feature a continuous thread of timber and marble in a neutral palette – which would be perfect as a backdrop to an art collection or colourful rugs.

For fans of garden design, the outdoor area has been “Bangayed” – that is, subjected to the very popular symmetrical designs of the landscaper to the stars, Paul Bangay.

This is a very elegant residence that, with its flow-through spaces and privacy, avoids any of the perceived downside of apartment living.