The best places to stay in Byron Bay

First discovered by surfers in the 1960s, Byron Bay’s popularity as a tourist destination began to evolve after the 1973 Aquarius Festival was held in nearby Nimbin. Backpackers started flocking to the NSW coastal town in the 1980s, and since Paul Hogan’s sidekick John ‘Strop’ Cornell bought the iconic Beach Hotel in 1990, the region has gone from strength to strength. While there are still plenty of hostels around, the accommodation offering has certainly gentrified over the years.

Elements of Byron

A sprawling resort with appeal across demographics.

Perfect for: Environmentally-conscious couples, families, girls’ getaways
Inspired by the elements of nature, this luxury resort blends effortlessly into native bushland a few kilometres north of town. The curved roof of the main pavilion was designed to reflect the windswept sand dunes on neighbouring Belongil Beach, and there’s a communal fire pit beside the large, lagoon-style pool. With everything from a nature playground and fairy trail to a stylish spa and an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar hidden among the high-tech, eco-friendly villas, the property appeals across demographics. Dine at Azure Bar and Grill, pop across the road to North Byron Hotel, or catch the solar train into Byron from North Beach Station.
From $515 a night. 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay. Phone: [phone]. See elementsofbyron.com.au

Raes on Wategos

Sleep to the soundtrack of the ocean.

Perfect for: Special occasions, romantic escapes
Fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the shore at this chic, Moroccan-inspired hotel overlooking Wategos Beach. With features such as enormous day beds and deep marble baths, the seven suites, which each have their own unique character, are so beautiful you won’t want to leave. If you do make it out, you can borrow an 88 surfboard and hit the waves, dine at the acclaimed Raes Dining Room downstairs or watch the sunset from the Cellar Bar terrace. A complimentary chauffeur service is also available.
From $950 a night. 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay. Phone: [phone]. See raes.com.au

The Sunseeker

A tropical oasis for sunseekers.Credit: James Tolic

Perfect for: Couples, families
Venture behind the unassuming brick façade of this Californian-style roadside hotel and you’ll discover a surprisingly stylish and lovingly refurbished property bursting with tropical charm. As well as 12 hotel rooms split across two levels there are six inviting bungalows with small courtyards, outdoor baths and Weber barbecues, plus a three-bedroom house, The Residence, which boasts its own a sauna. Get your morning caffeine fix from the on-site coffee cart, housed in a vintage caravan, borrow a bike or scooter to ride into town or relax by the kidney-shaped pool with a drink from the bamboo bar before toasting marshmallows on the communal fire pit in the evening.
From $270 a night. 100 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay. Phone: [phone]. See thesunseeker.com.au

Gaia Retreat and Spa

A Komala Luxe Villa.

Perfect for: Solo travellers looking to rest and reset, couples, special celebrations
Restore your inner calm with a stay in a high-tech villa at this hinterland wellness retreat co-founded by much-loved Aussie Olivia-Newton John in 2005. It’s easy to fill your days at Gaia – which means spirit of Mother Earth – indulging in rejuvenating massages and facials from the on-site spa, and partaking in everything from yoga and pilates to reiki, Qi Gong and sound healing ceremonies. At night, guests converge in the Samoan longhouse-style Kukura House to dine on innovative healthy cuisine, incorporating vegetables grown in the kitchen garden and fish from the aquaponics pond, and sip sustainably and ethically-sourced or organic wine.
From $1875 a night (two-night minimum stay). 933 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet. Phone: [phone]. See gaiaretreat.com.au

The Atlantic Byron Bay

Relax by the magnesium pool.Credit: Alicia Taylor Photography

Perfect for: Byron purists
If there’s one property that oozes Byron vibes, this is it. After being severely damaged in the 2022 floods, The Atlantic’s owners took the opportunity to give the beach house-style boutique hotel a major revamp before it reopened mid-2023. Backing onto a bushland reserve a couple of blocks from the main street, there are 20 rooms decorated with Caribbean-inspired artworks spread across three buildings with communal kitchens and laundries. There’s also a magnesium pool and deck lined with day beds, an electric moke jeep for zipping guests around town, and surfboards and bikes on hand.
From $330 a night. 13 Marvell St, Byron Bay. Phone: [phone]. See atlanticbyronbay.com.au

The Brooklet

Cool off in the 25-metre mineral pool.Credit: Abbie Melle

Perfect for: Kid-free breaks, solo travellers, significant birthday celebrations
Lie back in your freestanding bath and watch the clouds float across the rolling green hills from one of six contemporary brick villas at this adults-only hinterland hideaway, set on a 50-hectare macadamia and stone fruit farm next door to Gaia. Housed in the former tractor shed overlooking the mineral pool, the bar is the perfect place to enjoy a long lunch prepared in the outdoor kitchen with loved ones. The thoughtfully designed villas feature handmade ceramic tiles in the bathroom, SMEG appliances and gas fireplaces. There’s also a Japanese-style cedar hot tub, sauna, gym and tennis court, and a three-bedroom residence The Bails for larger groups.
From $750 a night. 841 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet. Phone: [phone]. See thebrooklet.com.au

Hotel Marvell

Bohemian luxe, or just luxe? The rooftop pool at Hotel Marvell.

Perfect for: Influencers, business travellers
Take in views over town to the misty mountains beyond from the rooftop pool at Hotel Marvell, in the centre of Byron Bay. No expense was spared when it came to building the architecturally-designed five-star hotel, which opened in 2023. There are 16 hotel rooms with smart TVs, Nespresso coffee machines and blackout blinds spread across three levels, plus six suites and two two-bedroom rooms. The buzzing rooftop bar is the place the start the night, before heading downstairs to in-house restaurant, Bonito, which is helmed by former Spicers Retreats chef Minh Le.
From $600 a night. 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay. Phone: [phone]. See hotelmarvell.com.au

Beach Suites Byron Bay

Beachfront digs, complete with private plunge pool.

Perfect for: Surfers, families, couples
A beach pad with your own private plunge pool? Yes, please! Open the gate from your Beachfront Studio and wander down the road to the Beach Hotel or splash out on a two- or three-bedroom Penthouse Suite to make the most of the views across the ocean towards the rocky outcrop Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve. The upmarket accommodation features marble bathrooms with spa baths (with bonus miniature rubber duckies), beachy paintings by local artists on the walls and sprinklings of coral. There’s also secure undercover parking, and you can borrow bikes or ebikes to get out and about.
From $395 a night. 20 Bay St, Byron Bay. Phone: [phone]. See beachsuites.com.au

Hinterland House

A hinterland manor packed with heritage charm.

Perfect for: Family reunions, special occasions, corporate retreats
Gather 15 of your nearest and dearest and splurge on a stay at this heritage-listed house on the outskirts of Bangalow, around 15 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay. Built in 1906, the grand sandstone home sits on a working macadamia farm and has a wraparound verandah, with chandeliers, stained-glass windows and antique light switches adding to its charm. There’s room for the whole clan with four bedrooms – all with ensuite bathrooms – plus two adjoining cottages overlooking the pool and fire pit. You can book a spa therapist, yoga instructor or private chef to come to the home, and there’s a driver with an eight-seater Mercedes van on standby.
From $5500 a night (minimum three night stay). 1390 Hinterland Way, Bangalow. Phone: [phone]. See hinterlandhouse.com.au

Crystalbrook Byron

Luxe facilities on 45-acres of sub-tropical rainforest.

Perfect for: Rejuvenating tropical escapes
Collect a bamboo room key from reception and meander along a timber boardwalk through the rainforest to your suite at Crystalbrook Byron. Previously known as the Byron at Byron, the 42-hectare property underwent a major refurbishment after being taken over in 2020 by sustainably focused hotel group Crystalbrook Collection, which also has offerings in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Cairns. The plastic-free resort has 92 suites fitted with timber louvre windows, rattan lamp shades and tropical print cushions. As well as access to Tallows Beach, just south of Byron Bay, there’s a heated pool, sauna, day spa and a tranquil on-site restaurant, Forest, with a menu showcasing native ingredients.
From $455 a night. 77/97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay. Phone: [phone]. See crystalbrookcollection.com/byron

The Chalet Motel

A refurbished 1950s motel that’s oh-so Byron.

Perfect for: Budget conscious nostalgics
Embrace the retro vibe with a stay at this roadside motel in the seaside town of Brunswick Heads, around 15 minutes’ drive north of Byron. Originally opened in 1954, it has 12 refurbished rooms with quirky features like brass pineapple wall hooks, and vintage appliances. Guests are greeted with a pink neon sign with the words Simple Pleasures behind the bamboo reception desk. Photos capturing the local lifestyle adorn the walls, and there’s a pool and undercover barbecue area.
From $165 a night. 68 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads. Phone: [phone]. See chaletmotel.com.au

Reflections Holidays Byron Bay

Direct beach access from the premium ocean villa.

Perfect for: Families, grey nomads
With a track leading straight down to Clarkes Beach, which has a tidal pool ideal for littlies, Reflections Holidays Byron Bay is as good as it gets for beach loving-families. The Park caters to a wide cross-section of budgets and styles, with powered and unpowered campsites through to tiny houses, cabins and contemporary villas with outdoor kitchens on the deck. There’s a playground and barbecue facilities, with mobile businesses like Kombi Keg and Byron Homemade Pizza popping up during school holidays, when activities such as tie-dying, bead making and pottery workshops are also on offer.
From $51 a night for unpowered campsites and $218 for cabins. 1 Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay. Phone: [phone]. See reflectionsholidays.com.au/parks/byron-bay/