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

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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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

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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Byron’s newest boutique stay is here – and with rates from $70, it won’t break the bank

    Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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    The coastal stay redefining affordable accommodation.

    After successfully launching seven smaller stays along the east coast, boutique brand Drifter has opened its first full accommodation experience in Australia. And while the elevated offering is remarkable in its own right, its location really seals the deal.

    The location

    Originally launched last year in Christchurch, New Zealand, Drifter has skyrocketed in popularity among travellers seeking a boutique stay on a budget. Due to this success, the company quickly crossed the ditch to open seven Little Drifter properties – four in Sydney, two in Melbourne and one each in Canberra and Cairns.

    Drifter hotel in Byron Bay, NSW
    The boutique Drifter brand has finally landed in Byron Bay.

    Now, its first full-scale operation has opened its doors in one of Australia’s trendiest beach towns – Byron Bay. Situated a 200-metre walk from Main Beach and just around the corner from the bustling town centre, the property has managed to claim prime real estate.

    Guests have the entire beachside locale at their fingertips. Spend your morning by the sea before grabbing some top-quality coffee and wandering between boutique shops touting handmade wares. Or enjoy a sleep-in and relax throughout the day before an early dinner at one of Byron’s best restaurants, then head back to Drifter for a good night’s sleep.

    The accommodation

    With neighbours like Basq House , Hotel Marvell and Crystalbrook Byron , Drifter joins an impressive line-up that makes picking a place to rest your head way more difficult than it needs to be. So what makes it stand out? The answer is actually pretty simple: good looks, good vibes and seriously good value.

    Drifter takes a hotel-meets-hostel approach, where community, connection and affordability meet sleek design, modern facilities and most importantly, privacy. Don’t let the ‘hostel’ label fool you – this is a truly boutique hotel with all the mod-cons to match, just paired with the lively and social spirit often associated with cheaper stays.

    “From the beginning, Drifter was about redefining the idea of accommodation so that it’s as memorable as the destination itself. To do this, Drifter properties elevate the accommodation experience into something design-led and experience-rich to facilitate connection with others,” says Drifter co-founder, Hugh Stephenson.

    “We’re not trying to be just another hotel or hostel; we’re creating a better version of both, and Byron Bay is the perfect place for that idea to thrive. It’s a destination already known for culture, music, surfing and wellness, and we’ve built a property in Drifter Byron Bay that mirrors that energy.”

    Drifter hotel in Byron Bay, NSW
    Those seeking peace and privacy can book the king penthouse suite.

    Those staying at the 52-room, 260-bed hotel have complete control over what their holiday looks like. Social butterflies will love Drifter’s blended share rooms – but that doesn’t mean bunking with strangers is your only option.

    Choose from twin shares for two, lively 10-bed set-ups, or something in between. Whether you’re travelling with mates or flying solo, there’s a fit for every style. If a quiet retreat is more your speed, you’re covered for private rooms too, from a cosy double-bed suite to the indulgent king penthouse.

    Drifter’s stunning rooftop area acts as the beating heart of the hotel. Offering views across one of Byron’s best beaches, you’ll find a seven-metre pool complete with expansive sun deck, DJ booth and the Revel Room, a communal space for games and movie screenings. The property also features a fully equipped guest kitchen, individual fridge storage, an open reception with lounges and workspaces for business on the go.

    The details

    Drifter is located at 1 Lateen Lane in Byron Bay on NSW’s North Coast. The hotel is now taking reservations, with opening rates starting at $70 per night for a bed in a shared suite or $220 per night for a private room. Guests with accessibility needs should contact Drifter ahead of booking to confirm room availability.

    While there’s no on-site car park, nearby Middleton and Lawson streets have free on-street parking. The local council has also put together a handy guide to both free and paid parking sites across town.