17 of the best Airbnbs in Byron Bay

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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.