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

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 .

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