17 of the best Airbnbs in Byron Bay

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For self-contained, boutique-style stays in the Bay, these are Byron’s absolute best Airbnbs. 

Enduringly popular, Byron Bay’s free-spirited appeal and high-definition natural beauty ensure this holiday enclave pops up on everyone’s travel agenda at least once in a lifetime. From five-star hotels to holiday parks, there are plenty of places to bed down beachside, but if you’re after accommodation with that extra bit of Byron magic, self-contained Airbnbs are the way to go. Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot to sift through, so take this shortcut to booking success with our edit of the best Airbnbs in the shire.   

1. Bei Villa

interiors of Bei Villa
This villa comes with thoughtfully designed Japandi interiors.

It’s all architecturally designed coastal vibes at this central Byron villa that’s styled with a Japandi aesthetic. Sink into the MCM House sofa, cook up in the full oak-and-terrazzo kitchen, and enjoy luxe Aesop toiletries. A walk from town and beaches, the one-bedroom Bei Villa has its own private patio with an outdoor shower, so you can wash off the sand before settling in for aperitivo hour. 

2. Swell Studio 

Swell Airbnb Byron Bay
Unwind in the inviting pool that overlooks Tallows Creek.

Wake up to the soothing rhythm of the ocean at this stylishly revived studio a stone’s throw from beautiful Tallow Beach, which stretches along Suffolk Park on the south end of town. A sleek, forest-green kitchen is fully equipped for your self-catering needs. And there’s also a barbecue, a terrazzo-tiled bathroom with an invitingly deep tub, and access to a shared pool.  

3. Cashina

interior of Cashina AirBnb
Get your own private slice of Greece in this Mediterranean-inspired escape.

Just one kilometre from the beach, this Mediterranean-inspired new-build in Suffolk Park is ripe for oceanside romance. You can work on your Byron chill in the private courtyard, cook up a lazy breakfast in the small kitchen and unwind amid the white-rendered interiors that transport you to Santorini. Astutely considered style makes this one-bedroom villa the perfect place to slip into holiday mode. 

4. Lilli Pilli Cabin

interior of Lilli Pilli AirBnb
This stunning listing is designed for guests to experience coastal luxury.

This gorgeous ship-lap cabin is all your Byron fantasies realised in a muted, white-washed palette. Hemmed by trees, this sweet but petite one-bedroom abode flows through to a private deck and leans right into a coastal aesthetic with oak cabinetry, raked ceilings and arched doorways. Town is just a 6-minute drive away, but you’ll find good coffee and cocktails close by at Road House.

5. Sanctum by the Sea

exterior of Sanctum by the Sea AirBnb
Get ready to unwind at this lush, tranquil retreat.

This three-bedroom house gets the weekend away off the chat and into real life. Sleeping up to nine guests, this two-storey home near Tallow Beach is set in a lush tropical garden with a jacuzzi for a bit of bubble time. A large deck, the use of bikes, surfboards and bodyboards, and space to bring your dog and kids also makes Sanctum by the Sea a good fit for families. 

6. The Brook View 

The Brook View AirBnb interior
This airy and spacious cabin is perfect for couples and small families.

If you’re after a Byron escape that’s a short step from the bustle of town, you’ll find this two-bedroom contemporary cabin in the lush and pastoral Ewingsdale. Fringed by gum trees, sit on the deck and watch the sun move across the lush lawn or wander through the orchard to pluck citrus, mulberries or pomegranates straight from the tree. The light-filled and beautifully styled cabin has a full kitchen, barbecue, private entrance and outdoor shower for quick rinses post-beach. 

7. Allawah Cottage Farmstay

exterior of Allawah Cottage AirBnb
Bookmark this romantic Airbnb for your next couple’s getaway.

A stunning five-minute drive from town, Allawah Cottage is set on a picturesque, 16-acre working cattle station. Here you can take your tree-change longing out for a spin with full access to walk or ride a bike through the property, paying your regards to resident cows, horses and chooks. Sweet and modern, the one-bedroom cottage is fully self-contained and features a large, north-facing deck that’s perfect for enjoying your morning coffee as you watch the wild wallabies.   

8. Pacific Vista

interior of Pacific Vista airbnb
A great choice if a private pool is your ultimate wanderlust wish.

If the one requirement for your Byron accommodation is an epic pool, then you can stop scrolling, you’ve found it. This grey-hued, ultra-modern apartment has a soothingly minimal style with concrete floors, rendered banquettes and steel-coloured furnishings – all of which unite to make that aquamarine pool really pop. The apartment has the run of the lower level of a two-storey home with its own kitchenette, patio and pool access, but do note the owners live above. 

9. Belongil Beach Pad

interior of Belongil Beach Pad airbnb
This holiday home is for guests who are planning a Byron Bay surf trip.

At just 50 metres from idyllic Belongil Beach, this ocean-adjacent two-bedroom pad is perfect for surfers and beachcombers. It’s three levels of breezy living with the loungeroom, dining and semi-outdoor kitchen on level one, a master bedroom and bathroom on the second level, and a second bedroom set in a charming, third-floor attic. With a wood-panelled ceiling, modern stylings and indoor-outdoor flow, it’s easy to feel at home here. 

10. Prairie Byron 

outdoor tub at Prairie Byron Airbnb
This charming property is most adored for its rejuvenating outdoor tub.

If you like to bathe under the cover of darkness, you’ll love this luxe little stay that treats guests to a private outdoor bathtub. The one-bedroom cottage has a full kitchen, but if you’d rather not bother with domestic duties while on holiday, ride one of the bikes into town for dinner. Considered styling and high ceilings make the light-flooded space feel larger than it is. 

11. Woollybutts

Woollybutts interior
Woollybutts has been thoughtfully curated with new and vintage pieces.

This hinterland hideaway near hip Federal Village greets guests at the end of a dusty country road. While it’s a 25-minute drive from Byron and 15 minutes from Bangalow and Mullumbimby, you’ll relish the relative isolation once you’ve settled into this one-bedroom cabin set by a beckoning 15-metre magnesium pool. Lolling in a hammock on the deck, you’ll find little reason to leave Woollybutts . But a quick trip into the village for excellent Japanese at Doma is definitely recommended. 

12. The Barn Door

This spacious listing fuses comfort and luxury.

Rustic luxe welcomes up to four guests at this renovated, light-filled barn in charming Coorabell. While there’s only one, loft-style bedroom in this former machinery shed, a sofa bed accommodates an extra two in the open-plan lounge room. Chill on the deck and sit around the fire pit to relish your rural surrounds. 

13. Havana Byron Bay

interior of Havana Byron Bay airbnb
The rustic feel of this property screams perfect city escape.

This deeply Byron abode with its eclectic, on-point styling leans right into the town’s alternative roots. Just a stroll to the centre, Havana Lodge occupies the top two levels of a three-storey ‘treehouse’, where white-washed floorboards, stained-glass windows and richly hued furnishings create a delightfully bohemian vibe. The two-bedroom stay even comes equipped with a lofty meditation room, so you can get your Zen on when you return from the beach.

14. The Cottage in Byron Bay

interior of The Cottage Airbnb
An elegantly furnished and cosy cottage that will give you the space to relax.

This three-bedroom weatherboard escape is a beautifully leafy retreat with an easy-going, tropical style that deftly acknowledges the original elements of the cottage . When the beach doesn’t beckon, open the charming French doors and cool off in the plunge pool or spa or sip a cool drink on the sweet front porch. Set in central Marvel Street, the beach and town centre are both within easy walking distance. 

15. Drifters Studio

interior of Drifters Studio
This studio is a couple’s holiday dream.

Small but perfectly well-appointed, this one-bedroom, architecturally designed studio is a couple’s haven. A kitchenette ensures you have all you need on hand, but with town just five minutes by foot, replenishing supplies for a romantic lock-in is easy. Bright and sweet, it’s a pared-back retreat by the beach. 

16. Seahaven

room at Seahaven airbnb
The room boasts unbeatable ocean views.

This one makes the list for its show-stopping ocean views, which you could easily spend all day watching from the generously proportioned deck. Positioned at the foot of the Cape Byron Lighthouse in Wategos, the location of this gem can’t be oversold. While the styling of this comfortable two-bedroom stay could benefit from a little attention, it’s easy to overlook when you clasp eyes on the undulating blues of the Cape beyond. 

17. Figtree Creek Retreat 

interior of Figtree Creek Retreat
A trip can’t go wrong with this stylish and cosy space made for all-day lounging.

Ascend to the loft of this stylish A-frame cottage to take in the serene rural vistas of Byron’s lush hinterland. Bring your furry friend and roam the beautiful three-acre property in Middle Pocket that meanders down to a softly flowing creek. Light-flooded and styled with a rustic luxe aesthetic, this secluded two-bedroom retreat coaxes guests into deep relaxation. Enquire about the onsite infra-red sauna and bucket shower to edge your stay with a little self-care. 

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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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire
The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.