Amaroo Bangalow: Luxe cabins, koalas, and fireplaces

Find bucolic bliss at this contemporary eco-estate in Bangalow.

‘Amaroo’, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘a beautiful place’, couldn’t be a more apt name for this newly opened estate in Bangalow. Spread across 213 acres of rolling green hills, lakes and manicured gardens, this working farm and modern retreat offers bucolic bliss for those seeking a restorative break.

Discover Amaroo Bangalow – the newest luxurious retreat nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland.

Owned and operated by business and life partners Cathy and Mike – a couple you would forgive for being far less humble given what they’ve created – the estate was designed and built with sustainability at its core. “Everything we’re doing is for the land and for ourselves, and the ecotourism has naturally become a part of that," they shared. The pair have found themselves responsible for restoring the land’s ecological balance, which they’ve spent six years doing, and the property now operates 100 per cent water and 70 per cent energy independence.

Well-suited to both cosy winter stays and sunny summer getaways, Amaroo Bangalow offers bucolic bliss with their modern retreats that are nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland.

Location

An aerial view of the rolling green hills at Amaroo Bangalow. — Amaroo Bangalow is set in the lush Byron Bay hinterland. (Image: Timothy Birch)

Amaroo Bangalow is located on a sprawling 213-acre property in lush Bangalow. It’s a 15-minute drive from the centre of Byron Bay and just a few minutes’ drive from Bangalow town – though you’ll likely find it hard to tear yourself away from the property beyond grabbing supplies.

Bangalow is a charming historical village with boutique shops, a Saturday morning farmer’s market, and fantastic eateries like the popular Ciao Mate! . The idyllic hinterland region is dotted with farms, rainforests and waterfalls.

The property is a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

Style and character

The rustic and contemporary interior of Amaroo Bangalow. — Rustic meets contemporary design in this Byron Hinterland stay. (Image: Timothy Birch)

There’s a quiet magic to arriving at Amaroo Bangalow. As you drive up the road, with only one other property in sight, a grand contemporary gate welcomes you. Beyond it, a winding driveway lined with palms leads you to the architecturally designed estate.

Mike and Cathy worked with East Coast Bush Regeneration to guide the development of the land – once used for grazing by four generations of farmers, then left uncultivated. Since then, it has been transformed with nearly 50,000 trees (and counting) planted across the property. Today, modern black-clad cabins with warm timber interiors made from sustainable materials sit nestled into the revitalised landscape.

Koalas, wallabies, platypus, water dragons and an abundance of native birds also call the property home and Mike and Cathy have teamed up with Bangalow Koalas to plant more trees to create a thriving habitat for koalas and local wildlife.

Facilities

Swimming pool at Amaroo in Bangalow. — Spend warm days by the emerald green swimming pool. (Image: Timothy Birch)

Amaroo Bangalow is designed for group stays, but whether you book one cabin for an intimate weekend away or all four (for up to eight adults and six children), you will have the entire property to yourself. That means your only neighbours will be cows, chickens and native wildlife.

The central lounge pavilion is equipped with laundry facilities, a bathroom, a commercial-grade kitchen, a spacious dining area and a living area with a fireplace.

The outdoor area features a fully equipped kitchen with a pizza oven for al fresco dining and entertaining. The emerald green swimming pool, accompanied by comfortable seating, is ideal for warmer days, as is the convenient outdoor shower. During cooler months, the firepit and biophilic conversation pit offer a cosy spot to roast marshmellows.

The property’s expansiveness invites guests to take leisurely walks and enjoy the sunset and sunrise from the two large swings on either side of the hill – a glass of bubbles at sunset is encouraged! There are bubbling creeks on the property that make for an idyllic picnic spot, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the resident platypuses.

Concierge services such as catering, babysitting, private tours and in-house spa treatments can also be arranged.

Rooms

A cabin with a rainforest view at Amaroo in Bangalow. — Each accommodation looks out to the rainforest. (Image: Timothy Birch)

The property comprises four studio cabins, three sitting in a row, and the other, a standalone loft. Each of the accommodations features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the rainforest for ultra-peaceful vibes, linen bedding, a fireplace, a kitchenette and living and dining spaces.

The Loft sits on two levels with larger kitchen and living facilities as well as a laundry.

Handcrafted lighting and dining tables made by Mike and his father, Vince, add a personal touch and a deep sense of connection to the property.

Food and drink

A picnic at Amaroo in Bangalow. — Enjoy a picnic by the lake. (Image: Timothy Birch)

There are no dining venues on-site, but guests can collect eggs from the free-range chickens, and by spring 2025, they will be able to collect honey from the beehive.

The team can organise an unforgettable dining experience of your choosing, be it a long lunch, a starlit dinner or a picnic by the lake.

Does Amaroo Banglow have access for guests with disabilities?

Amaroo Bangalow has accessible cabins and bathrooms and can cater to people with accessibility needs. Contact the accommodation for more details when booking.

Is Amaroo Bangalow family-friendly?

A swing overlooking hinterland views at Amaroo Bangalow. — Head to the swing at sunset for picturesque views. (Image: Timothy Birch)

Amaroo Bangalow is designed with large families in mind, and Mike and Cathy welcome and encourage multi-generational families to come together. Cabins provide privacy, while the main pavilion is perfect for connecting with loved ones.

Pets are also welcome on the property, and there are dog bowls in each of the accommodations.

Details

Best for: Families and large groups.

Address: 47A Cedarvale Rd, Bangalow

Cost: From $800 per night

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

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

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

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.

This new Byron hinterland stay has luxe cabins, koalas and fireplaces