Famously trendy Byron Bay has captured the imagination of surfers and creatives around the world. One of New South Wales' — and indeed Australia’s — most legendary beach towns, this coastal community brims with hip hideaways, wellness retreats, cool cafés and craft boutiques. The town’s hotels, villas and guesthouses share the same blissful spirit, with the best places to stay in Byron Bay promising an easygoing vibe, achingly cool interiors and a focus on local produce. What more could you ask for?
Cape Byron Lighthouse marks Australia's easternmost point. Rise early to see the sun slip up and over the sea, or join fellow surfers out on the waves. Whether you’re an eager beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a superb selection of surf points, board hire and expert instructors to help you on your way. Keen water sports enthusiasts can kayak, sail, swim and go whale watching in the Byron Bay area, too. Back on land, stroll along Byron’s leafy streets to sample cracking cafés, bohemian boutiques and great neighbourhood bars.
There’s a strong wellness focus here, so you’ll find rejuvenating meditation and energising yoga classes in souful studios, as well as soothing spa treatments and a wealth of alternative therapies. Other highlights include the popular Byron Bay Community Markets, as well as the lively music and arts scene. As you follow coastal paths on foot or by bicycle, hiking up to impressive viewpoints and tucking into picnics in sight of the sea, it’s easy to understand why Byron gets under your skin. The hosts at the best places to stay in Byron Bay have chosen to make this little slice of paradise their home, and are passionate about the area. Expect a warm welcome and local recommendations galore.
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Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A buzzy surf-focused hostel in the heart of Byron Bay, with airy double rooms & shared dorms of up to eight bunk beds. Spaces are fresh & light with a white & blue palette, retro surf artwork & a playful feel. Guests share a kitchen and the rooftop bar hosts happy hour & game nights. Lively & fun.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A refreshingly affordable adults-only guest house on the south-eastern side of Byron, close to Tallow Beach. Set alongside a big swimming pool, whitewashed rooms have queen or king beds & studios boast mezzanine lofts. Private bathrooms are ensuite or steps away. Tranquil, airy & understated.
Byron Bay
A stylish whitewashed B&B just 10 minutes from the heart of Byron Bay. Simple bedrooms are spacious & airy, and the house is very peaceful. Savour communal breakfasts, kick back on the terrace & sunbathe alongside the swimming pool. The sauna, steam room & massages are very relaxing. Adults only.
Byron Bay (Australia)
A heritage property in landscaped gardens, a stone's throw from the centre of Bangalow. Eight elegant suites, cottages & a chic apartment with clean white lines & original artwork. Wide shaded verandas are perfect for enjoying breakfast overlooking Byron Creek & three acres of gardens.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A seriously cool reimagining of a 1980s motel by a collective of Bryon Bay creatives. Think inviting rooms & family bungalows clad in earthy tones, with original artwork & shared gardens. There's a swimming pool, convivial tiki-style bar & library, too. A retro dream welcoming guests of all ages.
Byron Bay (Australia)
An achingly hip boutique property in Australia's iconic Byron Bay. Offering various accommodations from suites to a house for ten, all beautifully styled in white and soft grey hues. Everything has been thought of from cinema screen TVs to private entertainment areas. Fabulous.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A hip collection of whitewashed lodges set around a magnesium pool. Spacious rooms & studios have crisp white linens, private balconies, cool original artwork & handmade curios. Shared spaces include chic open-sided kitchens, sitting rooms & garden-facing decks. Easygoing Byron Bay bliss.
Byron Bay (Australia)
An elegant Tuscan-inspired collection of suites moments from Wategos Beach & Cape Byron Lighthouse. The 10 guest rooms boast four-posters, stone floors & whirlpool tubs in marble bathrooms. Hearty breakfasts are served & gourmet hampers offered. Two lap pools & a fireside lounge add to the appeal.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
Set in 18 hectares of tropical rainforest just minutes from the beach, this luxury hotel offers comfort and style just outside town. Suites are light, airy — all have private balconies, kitchens and huge freestanding bathtubs. Great facilities include daily yoga, a swimming pool & soothing spa.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A collection of chic, light-filled studios & multi-bedroom apartments close to popular Main Beach. Elegant apartments feature soft blue, green & cream tones on cosy L-shaped sofas, cane accents & plants aplenty. Well-equipped kitchens & panoramic balconies are fantastic — plunge pools a real bonus.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A lovely tranquil guesthouse between Byron Bay & Clarkes Beach. Four guest rooms & one apartment channel Hamptons seaside style, with whitewashed interiors featuring soft linens & pastel accents. A shared plunge pool & communal spaces await, with homemade breakfasts by friendly hosts.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A gorgeous 1970s-inspired adults-only boutique bolthole close to town & Main Beach. The rooms & two-bedroom suite are decorated in earthy terracotta, dusky pink and moss-green tones. Think big curved headboards, gauzy curtains shielding views of the magnesium pool & two stylish bars. Oozing cool.
Byron Bay (Australia)
An eco-conscious and stylish resort set on 50 acres of lush grounds bordering Belongil Beach. Interiors have a distinct Scandi-cool feel with ligth & airy bedrooms, and boast beautiful spacious bathrooms. Featuring a top notch restaurant, poolside bars, spoiling spa facilities and yoga. Fabulous!
Byron Bay (Australia)
Hip hideaway cottage close to the buzzing heart of Byron Bay. Elegant double rooms come stocked with healthy yet indulgent treats, and some have a private garden and plunge pool. Communal gardens, kitchen and lounge areas are decorated in a tasteful, understated style. Adults only & very cool.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A striking contemporary hideaway with three spacious guest rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows framing rural & ocean views. Tranquil and adult-only, this chic escape offers big private balconies, sink-into bathtubs & cosy beds — all within sight of those mesmerising views. Retreat in real style.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A collection of stylish one- & two-bedroom villas with pitched ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and refreshing plunge pools. Handmade details, elegant linens & monochromatic tones create an air of tranquil sophistication. Kitchens, dining areas, sitting rooms & gardens promise blissful seclusion.
Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A striking Spanish Mission-style villa perched on Wategos Beach, this glamorous hotel has its roots in the swinging '60s. Reimagined as a seven-suite gem with pale textiles, handmade tiles, soft curves & beautiful views, it's now a Byron boutique favourite. The spa & gourmet eatery are sensational.
Byron Bay (Mullumbimby Creek)
A beautiful rural retreat, with hip pavilions & a refreshing pool on Mount Koonyum. Built using reclaimed materials, the three modernist pavilions are dazzling small spaces of steel, wood & glass. Gourmet breakfasts & multi-course dinners await, along with soothing massages. Honeymoon bliss.
Byron Bay (Australia)
An elegant guest house with the feel of a country manor in 4 acres of mature gardens. Chic rooms & suites have big beds, whirlpool tubs & fireplaces - some have garden-view balconies. Sumptuous shared spaces are warm & inviting, plus there's a saltwater pool. Savour big breakfasts & gourmet hamper.
