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.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.