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.
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.
The spacious reception area acts as a lounge for guests to gather.
Drifter offers a range of cosy communal areas designed for connection.
There are plenty of spots to kick back and relax.
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."
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.
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The rooftop pool acts as Drifter's beating heart.
Summer never looked so good at Drifter Byron Bay.
Skip the sand and take a refreshing dip in the pool instead.
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.
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.
For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.
These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.
1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.
Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.
The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.
Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.
3. Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.
What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.
It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.
Book now for 3 March.
4. New Moon Hike
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.
A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.
Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.
6. Merritts Nature Track
Stop at swimming holes along the way.
On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.
7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.
While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.
The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.
8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.
The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.
