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

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

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