13 of the best hotels in Byron Bay for your next beach getaway

Supplying holidaymakers with chic chills and dazzling pools, these are our top picks for stays in Byron Bay.

Any Byron Bay hotel is in hot competition with the wave-lapped sands and the town’s rhythmic energy that lures holidaymakers out of their accommodation. So hotels here have been ever-evolving to fringe stays with exceptional design and amenities that cocoon guests in laidback luxury.

From architecturally designed digs with magnetic rooftop bars to relaxed style at revamped retro hotels and a ranch experience in the hinterland, these are the best hotels in Byron Bay that offer more than just a place to rinse and rest between beach sessions.

1. Hotel Marvell

sun loungers by the pool at Hotel Marvell — Laze on the shaded sun lounges by the pool. (Image: Hotel Marvell)

When this new-build, five-star hotel opened in 2023 it was confirmation that Byron Bay’s desirability as an escape route was firmly intact. Designed by award-winning Byron architect, Harley Graham, Marvell is an edifice of cool complete with a rooftop pool and bar, both of which oblige for sundowner drinks, as well as the downstairs Byron Bay Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant. Rooms are elegantly styled with natural and textural touches, and the chic, curated common spaces invite lingering amid earthy tones and lush greenery.

Address: 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

2. Basq House

The swimming pool at BASQ House. — Dive into paradise.

A tranquil, riad-style sanctum in the heart of Byron. You’ll enter Basq House ’s white-washed and open lobby through a discreet laneway entrance, finding yourself amid a deftly styled space with ’70s-era Californian bungalow vibes lifted with contemporary touches. A shimmering centrepiece pool entices with daybeds and rooms are vignettes of minimal cool with terracotta hues. There’s no restaurant onsite, but snacks and drinks are available by the pool for days spent lounging at its edge. When the mood strikes to venture out, Hotel Marvell’s rooftop bar and restaurant are right across the road and you’re just steps from the bongo beat of Byron’s heart.

Address: 4 Fletcher Lane, Byron Bay

3. Swell Hotel

the bedroom at Swell Hotel, Byron Bay — Bed down at this coastal retreat.

This petite, 16-room boutique hotel is a laidback enclave of coastal style set just a gentle stroll down the street from Main Beach. It’s adults-only here, so you can be mostly assured Zen by the hotel pool or in the wellness space, which includes an infrared sauna and ice bath. To keep hitting those health highlights during your stay, Swell Hotel offers guests complimentary access to Byron’s Mahi Health Club. You can also sit and sink into the mineral pool onsite or recharge post-beach in your natural-toned, ’70s-leaning room.

Address: 11 Butler Street, Byron Bay

4. The Sunseeker

a couple relaxing in the pool at The Sunseeker, Byron Bay — Take a dip in the advanced mineral pool.

If you’re hunting those rays, then The Sunseeker welcomes you to catch them by its lushly hemmed pool. When it’s time to retreat to shadier spaces, enjoy a drink in the castaway-style pool bar. Accommodation in this ’80s-built revived surf motel takes the best elements of the era and finesses them with contemporary touches. Choose to stay in a beautifully hip room, a garden cabin or, if you’re a group, you might take over the residence. A coffee cart parked out-front supplies morning motivation, but otherwise, you’re a 10-minute walk into the south end of town.

Address: 100 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

5. The Atlantic

the pool area at The Atlantic, Byron Bay — The Atlantic has an array of amenities including a stunning swimming pool.

The tropical, palm-fringed grounds of this white-hued escape are tricky to leave. A large, magnesium pool shaded by pandanus is part of the problem, but the neutral and natural rooms are also deeply captivating with their invitation to do hardly anything at all. Luckily the central location of The Atlantic makes flitting to the beach an easy thing, so you can be back quickly to lounge once more in these soothing surrounds.

Address: 13 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

6. Raes on Wategoes

the coastal white interior of Raes on Wategoes, Byron Bay — The Spanish-style interior exudes charm. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

While the brilliant-white facade is unmissable with its rambling, Spanish-style, mildly Moorish architecture, no doubt you’re already well aware of Raes on Wategos . That would be thanks to its preceding reputation as the go-to for the rich and famous in Byron’s most affluent enclave. With its Capri-style luxe, Raes makes a lot of bucket lists, as it should with its ultra-mod but timeless interiors and ocean-infused freshness. It’s all about confident luxury here, but if you can’t sprig for the digs, you can still enjoy the glow with dinner at Raes Dining room, a drink at the Cellar Bar or a treatment in the onsite spa.

Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay

7. Elements of Byron

private villas by the lake at Elements of Byron — The private villas are tucked away in a calming oasis. (Image: Elements of Byron)

Steps to the sand and with a lavish, lagoon-style pool strongly suggestive of day-long laziness, you can entirely cocoon away with a stay at Elements . With the unending soundtrack of waves, stylish tucked-away villas and an onsite restaurant and spa, the tug of town can quickly lose its appeal. Capitulate to utter relaxation and spend your stay treading a path from beach to pool to that deep bath.

Address: 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

8. Crystalbrook Byron

an aerial view of a woman swimming in the pool at Crystalbrook Byron — Dive into tranquillity at Crystalbrook Byron’s pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

Shaded within 45 acres of verdant rainforest, you’ll find Crystalbrook Byron toward the Suffolk Park end of town and a short hop to renowned Tallow Beach. Wander to your suite along the boardwalk canopied by endemic trees and listen to the melodic sounds of your lush garden surrounds as you unwind by the pool. The Eleme Spa offers a further portal to relaxation or more indulgent pursuits, so linger over cocktails at the Blue Pool Bar or Verandah and book dinner at Forest.

Address: 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay

9. The Bower

the classy white interior of The Bower cottage, Byron Bay — Head to The Bower for an elevated, rustic stay. (Image: Jessie Prince)

With the recent addition of an in-house spa, the polished lustre of The Bower is even more appealing. Soothingly monochromatic and softened with luxe linens and textural elements, you can choose to stay in a room for two, a five-bedroom cottage, or a lovely barn, among other options. A heated magnesium pool is an alluring shade of crystal blue and the adjacent bar adds further ways to refresh from 11am to 5pm. While the town is a 15-minute walk away and beaches a further 5 minutes, you can swing your leg over one of the complimentary bikes and get there much faster.

Address: 28 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

10. Sun Ranch

the pool at Sun Ranch, Byron Bay — This ultra-cool accommodation takes cues from Californian ranch houses of the ’70s. (Image: Supplied)

The hinterland sun rolls over the achingly cool, Californian-inspired Sun Ranch in Coopers Shoot, just a 15-minute drive to Byron. There’s a hefty recall of ’70s cowboy (and girl) design with heavy timbers, a sienna-rich colour palette, olive-green tiles and crazy paving, but somehow it comes together without evoking style clichés. Observe the undulations of the pastures beyond when you spend the day by the beautiful rock-walled pool, pull on your riding boots and go for a horse ride or gather friends together for a long, coal-cooked lunch at the Field House. There are six, two-bedroom barns, for adults-only pool suites and one private suite. Having a party? Book the entire ranch.

Address: 17 Byron Creek Road, Coopers Shoot

11. The Brunswick

an outdoor pool at The Brunswick, Byron Bay — The Brunswick is a dreamy escape next to the beach.

For beachside escapes that are a little more low-key than the hubbub of peak-Byron, head to Brunswick Heads, just 15 minutes north. Smaller, but equally chill with a river, creek, beach and little bays, this sunny spot also has great eateries and the iconic Hotel Brunswick, where you can enjoy live bands in the expansive beer garden. A walkable distance to it all is The Brunswick , a renewed, stylish but simple stay. Soft tones and Byron luxe is the mood board for the rooms, while the pool is a perfect place to open that long-neglected book. A plus for pooch-loving travellers is that small dogs are welcome to stay.

Address: 2-6 Old Pacific Highway, Brunswick Heads

12. The Sails Motel

the exterior of The Sails Motel, Byron Bay — The chic, old-school motel has been updated with modern features. (Image: Supplied)

A fancied-up old-school motel, The Sails has 22 comfortable and chic, marine-blue rooms that manage to be both affordable and somewhere you actually want to stay. The pool brings back sun-bleached nostalgia and the onsite restaurant and bar, St Maries, has a genuine vibe with locals descending for cocktails and pizza on sunny evenings.

Address: 26-28 Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads

13. 28 Degrees

curtains slightly open letting the light in at 28 Degrees guesthouse in Byron Bay — The chic rooms offer laidback luxury.

Here is a place where rest is not optional. A slow luxury retreat, 28 Degrees has seven rooms, no TV and no children. Its Marvell Street locale makes it close to all of Byron’s glittering assets, but here amid the quietly opulent guesthouse, there’s no cause to do anything but pause. Some villas have plunge pools, while rooms in the main house enjoy access to a lap pool. Before you arrive, you can organise a range of bookable experiences from in-room massages to champagne or cheese platters on arrival. There are also honeymoon, babymoon and aftermoon packages.
Address: 12 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Discover the best luxury accommodation in Byron Bay.

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 .