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.

The Best Places to Stay in Byron Bay

For Retro Cool

• The Sunseeker is a seriously cool reimaginging of a 1980s motel. Designed by a group of Byron Bay creatives, this hip spot has earthy-toned rooms and family bungalows with original crafts and a great library set around a swimming pool in lush gardens. There's a tiki-style bar, surf boards to borrow and a laid-back vibe. For artsy guests of all ages.
• Raes on Wategos, a sensational Spanish Mission-style villa, sits just a few paces from Wategos Beach. A glamorous party pad from the 1960s, this hotel has been reimagined as an indulgent seven-suite haven, with pale textiles, handmade tiles and dazzling views. The sumptuous spa and gourmet restaurant are sure to impress.
• Swell Hotel is a superb, '70s-inspired adults-only pad with terracotta, dusky pink and moss-green decor in atmospheric retro rooms and a two-bedroom suite. Expect curved headboards, round mirrors, cosy armchairs and gauzy curtains shielding views of the magnesium pool and two bars. Book the whole place for a fabulous group celebration with up to 34 guests.
• The Bower also has a hip, vintage feel with a collection of suites and a house for up to 10 guests, all decorated in soft monochromatic tones, with natural materials and soft textures. Sink into the circular pool, savour light bites at the garden bar, or tuck into a gourmet hamper in the privacy of your suite. An achingly cool boutique bolthole.
• Atlantic Byron Bay is a collection of understated whitewashed cottages clustered around a magnesium pool. Airy rooms and studios feature original artwork, handmade curios and crisp white linens with pastel details. Open-plan kitchens invite guests to cook up a storm together, before sinking into cosy sofas and unwinding on the deck beside the surf boards.

For a Boutique B&B

• Bangalow Guesthouse is a heritage property just up the ‘hill’ from Byron Bay in Bangalow. Savour verandah breakfasts overlooking Byron Creek, and hide away in elegant guest suites and cottages with clean white lines and original artwork. Nestled in three lush acres of gardens.
• Victoria's at Wategos offers a selection of Tuscan-inspired suites with four-poster beds, flagstone floors and whirlpool bathtubs in marble bathrooms. A lavish B&B with hearty breakfasts and gourmet hampers. Cool off in the two lap pools, or step out onto Wategos Beach for a scenic stroll. Very romantic.
• Cape Beach House, a tranquil spot between Byron Bay and Clarkes Beach, has four lovely guest rooms and one apartment. Think Hamptons seaside style, with white-on-white interiors, soft linens and cool pastels. The plunge pool and communal sitting room are ideal for unwinding, plus the homemade breakfasts are a real treat. An adult-only B&B.
• 28 Degrees offers seven elegant guest rooms in a pretty whitewashed cottage close to the heart of Byron Bay. An adults only pad with communal gardens, kitchen and lounge, plus healthy yet indulgent treats and DIY breakfast supplies. The best rooms have private gardens and plunge pools. Dreamy.

For a Stylish Resort

• Elements of Byron is a stylish eco-minded resort set on 50 acres of verdant grounds bordering Belongil Beach. Think Scandi-cool interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, clean lines and bold modern art pieces. The excellent restaurant, spoiling spa and yoga classes add to the appeal — as does the superb beachfront setting.
• Crystalbrook Byron, tucked inland on 45 acres of lush rainforest, has light, airy suites with balconies, well-equipped small kitchens and big sink-into bathtubs. The look is cool and contemporary, and continues in the two restaurants and at the serene Elème Spa. Join daily yoga classes, cycle along forest-fringed paths and enjoy guided nature walks.

For a Romantic Retreat

• Blackbird Byron, with its three hip pavillions and a refreshing pool, is hidden on Mount Koonyum. Built from reclaimed materials, these modernist spaces are individually designed with mesmerising views from frames of wood, steel and glass. Gourmet breakfasts and three-course dinners await. Rejuvenating massages complete the restful honeymoon experience.
• Victoria's at Ewingsdale, set in four acres of mature gardens, has just nine luxurious rooms and suites. A quiet hideaway with the feel of a country house complete with saltwater swimming pool and private whirlpool tubs, this is a lovely choice for romantic couples or groups of friends travelling together. A real treat with a timeless sense of charm.
• The Villas of Byron do have two-bedroom options for families, but we love the privacy that these hideaways promise honeymooning couples. Monochrome interiors boast charcoal sofas with cream cushhions, linen-topped beds under pitched wooden ceilings, and indulgent bathrooms with free-standing tubs. Refreshing plunge pools are surrounded by lush vegetation. Lovely.
• Beach Suites Byron Bay also have multi-bedroom apartments for families or friends, but their light-filled studios are a romantic beachgoer's dream. Think soft blue, green and cream textiles in modern, light-filled interiors, with sitting rooms spilling out onto shady decks with pretty plunge pools. With a well-equipped kitchen and panoramic views from the balcony, there's little reason to leave.
• Sundays at Byron is made up of just three huge contemporary suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows framing rural and ocean views, in the region's hinterland. Escape to sink-into bathtubs, private balconies and cosy beds — all with mesmerising views. An adults only favourite in Haynters Hill.

For Great Value

• Byron Palms Guest House is a nine bedroom B&B just ten minutes from the centre of town. Tuck into communal breakfasts, kick back by the pool and enjoy massages and sauna sessions. Rooms are spacious and simple, and the vibe is very peaceful. Adults only and reasonably priced.
• The Surf House is a buzzy, surf-focused hostel with shared dorms and double rooms with fresh, airy interiors featuring retro surf memorabilia. Guests share a kitchen and the rooftop bar fills up for happy hour and game nights. Fun, sociable and affordable.
• Byron Springs Guest House is a well-priced, adults-only spot close to Tallow Beach. The big swimming pool is the hub of the property, which offers simple whitewashed rooms with queen or king beds and en-suite bathrooms or private bathrooms just steps away. The largest rooms have mezzanine lofts.

FOR A PRIVATE HOUSE OR APARTMENT

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to the nearby Ballina Byron Gateway Airport if travelling from within the region, or to the larger Gold Coast Airport, an hour's drive away. Travel to your hotel by bus or taxi. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance.
• New South Wales is ideal for a road trip! If you would like to hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
• Byron Bay enjoys famously beautiful weather throughout much of the year. Some rainfall is expected between January and March, but this can still be a lovely time to travel. Visit outside the Australian school holidays for quieter beaches and great deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Sydney.
• Widen the net and see our pick of the best places to stay in New South Wales.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Byron Bay