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

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

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