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.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.