The Bower Byron Bay | Australian Traveller

We checked into the newly refurbished The Bower which features new rooms, a day spa and a bar.

Byron Bay is peppered with breezy stays that channel the laidback town’s coastal charm. The most recent accommodation to catch our attention is The Bower . While not a new kid on the block, this popular boutique hotel has just received a stylish upgrade to its New York chic meets beachy calm aesthetic. The makeover includes the addition of a sparkling new bar, a day spa and four new accommodations, elevating it just in time for summer. And it promises luxe meets relaxed vibes aplenty.

The Bower is one of those breezy Byron Bay stays that perfectly channels the laidback town’s coastal charm. While not a new kid on the block, this popular boutique hotel is turning heads after a recent stylish upgrade to its New York chic meets beachy calm aesthetic.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking a stay at this coastal retreat surrounded by lush sub-tropical gardens.

Location

an aerial view of the Main Beach, Byron Bay — The Bower is just a short stroll from Main Beach. (Image: Harrison Adams)

The Bower is centrally located within walking distance of Byron’s best restaurants, cafes and bars. The General Store Cafe, a popular cafe serving a delicious range of local goods from gourmet granola to cold-pressed juices, is located next door, and Pixie Italian , a sleek Italian trattoria serving modern Sicilian-style bites, is a five-minute walk away – the mafaldine with king prawns, cherry tomato, chilli pangrattato and bisque is a must!

A gentle 20-minute stroll down the road will have you at Main Beach, a popular spot for families as it’s patrolled every day of the year. Cape Byron Lighthouse is less than 10 minutes’ drive away and offers spectacular vantage points for spotting migrating whales. During my stay, I spotted too many whales to keep track of, dolphins and a sea turtle.

The Bower Hotel & Spa signage — Book a relaxed weekend stay at The Bower. (Image: Harrison Adams)

The Bower also offers complimentary LEKKER bikes, and in my opinion, this is the best way to explore the region.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is the closest airport and is a half-hour drive away. Ubers are prevalent in the area, but The Bower also offers luxury transfers.

Style and character

the moody interior of The Bower Byron Bay — The new bar area is a sumptuous spot for a pre-dinner tipple. (Image: Leif Prenzlau)

Multiple creatives have contributed to The Bower’s style over time.

Originally co-owned and designed by Tahliah Lowry (Micalo) alongside architect John Burgess and interior designer Kate Sacks, The Bower mixes New York chic with breezy Byron Bay charm.

Architects Tanev Muir and Studio Plenty guided the recent renovation, enhancing the interiors and adding four new suites, a bar area and an upgraded reception space. They worked closely with local artisans such as Joinery by Morgan and Alexis Williams to craft custom joinery and furnishings. The result is spaces balanced with blackened oak wall panelling, silky lacquered surfaces and custom cabinetry, complemented by lighter accents and soft textures.

Stylist Kimberley Wiedermann of Accolade Design was also called upon in the makeover. Wiedermann sensitively built upon the existing monochromatic aesthetic over 18 months, while also styling the new spaces. “Building on The Bower’s signature monochromatic aesthetic, I introduced rich, earthy textures and tones, layering oversized furniture, artisan-crafted objects and bespoke pieces," she explained.

Styling focused on rich textural elements such as linens, velvets, and vintage artworks in pared-back tones. Photographs by former synchronised swimmer turned photographer Francesca Owens, taken from the hotel’s swimming pool, are displayed throughout the accommodation, adding a personal touch that feels perfectly in tune with the coastal setting.

Facilities

the magnesium pool at The Bower Byron Bay — Soak in the magnesium pool. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

It’s hard to pull yourself away from the hotel’s biggest drawcard – the circle-shaped, heated magnesium pool. While away the afternoon, dipping into the water and lying in one of the cabanas or sun lounges.

From the beach club-style seating area, you can order a range of simple nibbles like Byron Bay Corn Chips with salsa and classic cocktails, local gins, beers and seltzers. The Bower also features a sumptuous new indoor/outdoor bar area that shares the same menu as the pool area and features velvet, and is perfect for pre-dinner tipples or relaxed afternoon drinks.

a woman enjoying a relaxing spa treatment at The Bower Byron Bay — Treat yourself at the day spa. (Image: Jessie Prince)

The on-site day spa offers a range of treatments, from facials to massages, using luxurious Mukti Organics products. I indulged in a 60-minute Power Facial and walked away with impossibly soft skin and a deep sense of calm.

Rooms

The Bower offers a beautiful mix of stays, from romantic studios and luxe king rooms for two, to spacious cottages for families and groups. For relaxed weekends away, the light-filled Junior King Rooms, Junior King Plus and King Rooms sit right by the mineral pool and feature king beds, while the freestanding Studios feature moody interiors and stone baths for pure indulgence. The light-filled Barn, with its kitchenette, private courtyard, and glass-ceiling ensuite with an egg-shaped bath feels like your own private oasis.

For group stays, the reimagined century-old Cottage has five bedrooms – three with ensuites – and a private cedar mineral spa.

the white-washed cottage at The Bower Byron Bay — The breezy beach cottage fits your definition of a dream getaway. (Image: Harrison Adams)

Four new Upper King rooms have been added to the upper level of the property and can be booked from mid-September. Three feature spacious balconies with lush greenery, and all four rooms can be booked together as a private family space.

Every accommodation features luxury amenities by Hunter and Kevin Murphy, a dedicated parking spot directly out front, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a mini bar with gourmet snacks.

Does The Bower have access for guests with disabilities?

The Bower has two Junior King accessible rooms.

Details

Best for: Wellness seekers and small groups.

Address: 28 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay

Room rate: From $300 per night

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Byron Bay’s The Bower just got a luxe upgrade in time for summer