15 of the most romantic places to stay in Byron Bay

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Byron Bay is as romantic as it is beautiful, making it the perfect place to celebrate with your significant other.

Now you’ve picked Byron Bay as your destination and mentally packed your itinerary full of the best things to do in Byron, the only question that remains is, where to stay?

Whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to amp up the TLC, these romantic accommodation options will leave you in the mood for love.

1. Blackbird luxury escape

hinterland views from the bedroom at Blackbird luxury escape, Byron Bay
Bed down at this serene haven. (Image: Property Shot Photography)

Best for: Sustainable seclusion

The Byron accommodation offering got a whole lot more beautiful when it welcomed Blackbird – an environmentally sustainable, luxury assortment of self-contained pavilions and facilities. What started as the brainchild of James and Stella Hudson quickly blossomed into a secluded oasis, framed by acres of the famous green rainforest and hinterland. The couple spend the day rustling up breakfasts and pizza on-demand, offering local recommendations, sorting in-room massages or on-site yoga.

Wake to spectacular views of Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean, and spend the day in your own little world – or if you fancy, 30 minutes away in the buzzing town centre.

2. The Atlantic

an outdoor pool at The Atlantic, Byron Bay
Expect total bliss at this boutique hotel. (Image: The Atlantic)

Best for: Sun-drenched stays

For those who have been to Byron before, many of these accommodations require very little introduction. The Atlantic is one of them.

This ultra-trendy boutique hotel puts the bay at your fingertips, with four unique cottages all lovingly restored with meticulous attention to detail.

Soak up the sun on the lawn, read under a palm tree and enjoy balmy evenings by the fire – romance comes naturally at this coastal home away from home.

3. Shambhala

the Sarita retreat at Shambhala, Byron Bay
A three-bedroom retreat perched on the treetop with rainforest views. (Image: Shambhala)

 Best for: Barefoot beachfront escapes

Hidden in the exclusive enclave of Belongil Beach is Byron’s best-kept accommodation secret. The four unique cottages of Shambhala are set within the rainforest, yet remain one of the few properties positioned right on the sand.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by magnificent temple doors and statues, leading to both the accommodation and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces, all with absolute beachfront access.

4. The Bower

a bedroom with bathtub at The Bower, Byron Bay
The suites are spacious and feature a freestanding bath. (Image: The Bower)

Best for: Reigniting passion

Say hello to Australian beach style, reinvented.

Similar to the famous Halcyon House in Cabarita, The Bower reimagines the iconic surf motel, combining the barefoot ambience of Byron Bay with contemporary luxury. And we do mean luxury…

Standing on almost half a hectare, this New York-inspired property offers accommodation in an array of formats; including barns, cottages, hotel rooms and suites. There’s also an award-winning circular swimming pool, framed by low-hanging palm trees and that famous Byron foliage. A stay here will reignite your faith in romance – if not with each other, then with the design decisions of this incredible property.

5. Elements of Byron

Elements of Byron
Spend your days relaxing poolside.

Best for: Relaxing poolside, all day

Glistening pool, utter relaxation and some of the best serenity Australia has to offer, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to head to Elements of Byron. Six years in the making, the property opened in 2016 after a $100 million beachfront build. Now, it’s heralded for its design, eco-values and luxury appeal.

Spend your days surrounded by bures, settees and hanging lounges by the lagoon pool. It’s the jewel in Elements’ crown. And when you’re all baked out, book a session at the popular Osprey Spa – in advance if possible.

7. Raes on Wategos

the beach house interior at Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay
Each suite boasts understated coastal elegance. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

Best for: Celebration luxe

Housed on the most coveted real estate in Byron Bay, Raes on Wategos is a boutique retreat that embodies the very definition of opulence.

This perfectly quiet pocket of Byron Bay, with its sparkling turquoise waters and pretty beach houses tucked into the hills, is more beautiful than words can explain. From the moment you arrive at this white 1960s villa on the edge of the idyllic Wategos Beach, you can tell you are somewhere special. Accommodation options include a villa, two penthouses and four luxury suites, enjoyed after a night of modern Australian at the Raes Dining Room, and sunset drinks at the Cellar Bar.

6. Byron Cove Beach House

Best for: Beach-adjacent romance

Bed and breakfasts are the backbones of any romantic escape – aren’t they?

Our pick is the Byron Cove Beach House , the ultimate place to indulge, luxuriate and cocoon. Retreat to one of four studio-styled rooms, all fitted with luxurious furnishings, large beds and an ensuite. Then, finish your stay with an extensive selection of delicious breakfast options. Situated right next to the bustling town centre, it’s only a minute’s walk through the nature track and over the sand dunes to Belongil Beach. Perfection.

8. Cape Byron Retreat

outdoor huts at Cape Byron Retreat
Cape Byron Retreat offers a soothing respite. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Hideaway vibes

Sit back, relax and enjoy the hinterland serenity at this adults-only retreat.

The beauty of Cape Byron is both its scale and locale. At three acres, the tranquil heaven offers expansive views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), and all the fresh air your heart could desire. It feels a world away, and yet it’s only 7 minutes’ drive from the heart of town (and its beaches). Select from one of eight rooms, ranging from deluxe king villas to cottage studios and spa rooms – just to turn up the dial on the romance. Some rooms also have kitchenette options, which is an added bonus for those who splurged on accommodation.

No matter which room you choose, Cape Byron Retreat will deliver.

9. Beach Suites

sunlounger and umbrella by the pool at Beach Suites, Byron Bay
Relax on a cosy sun lounge by the pool. (Image: Beach Suites)

Best for: Partners with pets

Overlooking the iconic Main Beach, Beach Suites offers the best in upscale stylish boutique studios and large, airy apartments. If you want somewhere to park and call home both short and long-term, indulge in a setting that is individually catered with all the modern conveniences. There are flat-screen TVs, free wireless Internet, Foxtel, intercom access and secure undercover parking in an unrivalled, central location. They are also the only pet-friendly luxury option in the area, which is perfect for couples who travel with companions.

10. The Brooklet

the interior of The Brooklet, Byron Bay
Retreat into architectural villas with lush garden views. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Best for: Luxe with a side of wellness

Nestled in the hinterland behind Byron, The Brooklet is a beautifully curated luxury escape to revive all romance. There are one- two- and three-bedroom architectural villas set on lush and undulating gardens, but you’ll only need one bedroom for intimate interludes, where you can either cosy up by your indoor fireplace or lounge by the property’s 25-metre pool. You can also enjoy some wellness as a couple with the hot tub, ice bath and sauna or book in for a massage in the stylish treatment room.

11. Bask & Stow

white-painted exterior with outdoor chairs at Bask & Stow
Bespoke suites exude coastal charm. (Image: Bask & Stow)

Best for: Tropical vibes

Five king-size bespoke suites all white-washed and infused with Byron style are set just a short stroll from dazzling Clarkes Beach. Here you can let the salt dry on your skin as you return to your soothingly styled, air-conditioned digs or refresh in the beckoning plunge pool. Elegant and thoughtfully curated, Bask & Stow will restore your lovers’ glow.

12. 99 Acres

a luxe retreat at 99 Acres with its own deck
Bask in unparalleled comfort at 99 Acres. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Courtship in the countryside

This ridge-top retreat in Bangalow spoils guests with sweeping 360-degree hinterland vistas. There’s a five-room guesthouse or four stand-alone villas, each with its own deck, to settle into for some couples’ downtime. Take the eight-minute wander into town, revive in the 99 Acres pool or just watch the sun disappear in a pantomime of golden hues from your deck.

13. Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

romantic stays in Byron-Bay
This tranquil rainforest sanctuary is the perfect place to cocoon away.

Best for: Asking the big question

Right on the NSW and Queensland border, about one hour from Byron, this tranquil rainforest sanctuary is the perfect place to cocoon away with your better half. Whether you opt to snuggle up in a creek-side spa cabin soundtracked by melodic water, a canopy or glass terrace bungalow, or one of the luxury lodges with private plunge pools, you’ll be in a lushly hemmed heaven where the pressures of the outside world can’t intrude. Head to the bar lounge and wine cellar for a cosy drink before enjoying dinner delivered to your room. And when romance really is the only requirement, you can take the matrimonial plunge in style with one of three proposal packages to choose from.

14. Ingenia Holiday Parks Glamping

Best for: Love on a shoestring
Love doesn’t always require a huge investment. Lock in for nature-edged romance with glamping in a stylish belle tent at Byron’s Ingenia Holiday Park . There are no half-deflated blow-up mattresses and soggy canvas here, but rather a plush, king-size bed, air-conditioning and private deck. Festooned with fairy lights and nestled amid the 28-acre beachfront park, it’s ideal for budget liaisons.

15. Swell Hotel

Swell Hotel
Rooms feature an elegant combo of velvet and timber furnishings.

Best for: Retro vibes and relaxation

Swell Hotel is all sumptuous 70s-style interiors that foster connection and relaxation. While it’s located in the middle of town, this adults-only stay has 16 uniquely designed suites which means you won’t be fighting for pool space or yearning for peace and quiet.  This is a wellness-drive retreat, so expect a state-of-the-art cedar sauna, magnesium mineral swimming pool healthy elixirs served poolside), infrared sauna and an ice bath.

Originally written by Eliza Sholly with updates by Lara Picone

Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Thredbo River Track
Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.