15 of the most romantic places to stay in Byron Bay

Lara Picone Lara Picone
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Byron Bay is as romantic as it is beautiful, making it the perfect place to celebrate with your significant other.

Now you’ve picked Byron Bay as your destination and mentally packed your itinerary full of the best things to do in Byron, the only question that remains is, where to stay?

Whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to amp up the TLC, these romantic accommodation options will leave you in the mood for love.

1. Blackbird luxury escape

hinterland views from the bedroom at Blackbird luxury escape, Byron Bay
Bed down at this serene haven. (Image: Property Shot Photography)

Best for: Sustainable seclusion

The Byron accommodation offering got a whole lot more beautiful when it welcomed Blackbird – an environmentally sustainable, luxury assortment of self-contained pavilions and facilities. What started as the brainchild of James and Stella Hudson quickly blossomed into a secluded oasis, framed by acres of the famous green rainforest and hinterland. The couple spend the day rustling up breakfasts and pizza on-demand, offering local recommendations, sorting in-room massages or on-site yoga.

Wake to spectacular views of Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean, and spend the day in your own little world – or if you fancy, 30 minutes away in the buzzing town centre.

2. The Atlantic

an outdoor pool at The Atlantic, Byron Bay
Expect total bliss at this boutique hotel. (Image: The Atlantic)

Best for: Sun-drenched stays

For those who have been to Byron before, many of these accommodations require very little introduction. The Atlantic is one of them.

This ultra-trendy boutique hotel puts the bay at your fingertips, with four unique cottages all lovingly restored with meticulous attention to detail.

Soak up the sun on the lawn, read under a palm tree and enjoy balmy evenings by the fire – romance comes naturally at this coastal home away from home.

3. Shambhala

the Sarita retreat at Shambhala, Byron Bay
A three-bedroom retreat perched on the treetop with rainforest views. (Image: Shambhala)

 Best for: Barefoot beachfront escapes

Hidden in the exclusive enclave of Belongil Beach is Byron’s best-kept accommodation secret. The four unique cottages of Shambhala are set within the rainforest, yet remain one of the few properties positioned right on the sand.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by magnificent temple doors and statues, leading to both the accommodation and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces, all with absolute beachfront access.

4. The Bower

a bedroom with bathtub at The Bower, Byron Bay
The suites are spacious and feature a freestanding bath. (Image: The Bower)

Best for: Reigniting passion

Say hello to Australian beach style, reinvented.

Similar to the famous Halcyon House in Cabarita, The Bower reimagines the iconic surf motel, combining the barefoot ambience of Byron Bay with contemporary luxury. And we do mean luxury…

Standing on almost half a hectare, this New York-inspired property offers accommodation in an array of formats; including barns, cottages, hotel rooms and suites. There’s also an award-winning circular swimming pool, framed by low-hanging palm trees and that famous Byron foliage. A stay here will reignite your faith in romance – if not with each other, then with the design decisions of this incredible property.

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5. Elements of Byron

Elements of Byron
Spend your days relaxing poolside.

Best for: Relaxing poolside, all day

Glistening pool, utter relaxation and some of the best serenity Australia has to offer, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to head to Elements of Byron. Six years in the making, the property opened in 2016 after a $100 million beachfront build. Now, it’s heralded for its design, eco-values and luxury appeal.

Spend your days surrounded by bures, settees and hanging lounges by the lagoon pool. It’s the jewel in Elements’ crown. And when you’re all baked out, book a session at the popular Osprey Spa – in advance if possible.

7. Raes on Wategos

the beach house interior at Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay
Each suite boasts understated coastal elegance. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

Best for: Celebration luxe

Housed on the most coveted real estate in Byron Bay, Raes on Wategos is a boutique retreat that embodies the very definition of opulence.

This perfectly quiet pocket of Byron Bay, with its sparkling turquoise waters and pretty beach houses tucked into the hills, is more beautiful than words can explain. From the moment you arrive at this white 1960s villa on the edge of the idyllic Wategos Beach, you can tell you are somewhere special. Accommodation options include a villa, two penthouses and four luxury suites, enjoyed after a night of modern Australian at the Raes Dining Room, and sunset drinks at the Cellar Bar.

6. Byron Cove Beach House

Best for: Beach-adjacent romance

Bed and breakfasts are the backbones of any romantic escape – aren’t they?

Our pick is the Byron Cove Beach House, the ultimate place to indulge, luxuriate and cocoon. Retreat to one of four studio-styled rooms, all fitted with luxurious furnishings, large beds and an ensuite. Then, finish your stay with an extensive selection of delicious breakfast options. Situated right next to the bustling town centre, it’s only a minute’s walk through the nature track and over the sand dunes to Belongil Beach. Perfection.

8. Cape Byron Retreat

outdoor huts at Cape Byron Retreat
Cape Byron Retreat offers a soothing respite. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Hideaway vibes

Sit back, relax and enjoy the hinterland serenity at this adults-only retreat.

The beauty of Cape Byron is both its scale and locale. At three acres, the tranquil heaven offers expansive views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), and all the fresh air your heart could desire. It feels a world away, and yet it’s only 7 minutes’ drive from the heart of town (and its beaches). Select from one of eight rooms, ranging from deluxe king villas to cottage studios and spa rooms – just to turn up the dial on the romance. Some rooms also have kitchenette options, which is an added bonus for those who splurged on accommodation.

No matter which room you choose, Cape Byron Retreat will deliver.

9. Beach Suites

sunlounger and umbrella by the pool at Beach Suites, Byron Bay
Relax on a cosy sun lounge by the pool. (Image: Beach Suites)

Best for: Partners with pets

Overlooking the iconic Main Beach, Beach Suites offers the best in upscale stylish boutique studios and large, airy apartments. If you want somewhere to park and call home both short and long-term, indulge in a setting that is individually catered with all the modern conveniences. There are flat-screen TVs, free wireless Internet, Foxtel, intercom access and secure undercover parking in an unrivalled, central location. They are also the only pet-friendly luxury option in the area, which is perfect for couples who travel with companions.

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10. The Brooklet

the interior of The Brooklet, Byron Bay
Retreat into architectural villas with lush garden views. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Best for: Luxe with a side of wellness

Nestled in the hinterland behind Byron, The Brooklet is a beautifully curated luxury escape to revive all romance. There are one- two- and three-bedroom architectural villas set on lush and undulating gardens, but you’ll only need one bedroom for intimate interludes, where you can either cosy up by your indoor fireplace or lounge by the property’s 25-metre pool. You can also enjoy some wellness as a couple with the hot tub, ice bath and sauna or book in for a massage in the stylish treatment room.

11. Bask & Stow

white-painted exterior with outdoor chairs at Bask & Stow
Bespoke suites exude coastal charm. (Image: Bask & Stow)

Best for: Tropical vibes

Five king-size bespoke suites all white-washed and infused with Byron style are set just a short stroll from dazzling Clarkes Beach. Here you can let the salt dry on your skin as you return to your soothingly styled, air-conditioned digs or refresh in the beckoning plunge pool. Elegant and thoughtfully curated, Bask & Stow will restore your lovers’ glow.

12. 99 Acres

a luxe retreat at 99 Acres with its own deck
Bask in unparalleled comfort at 99 Acres. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Courtship in the countryside

This ridge-top retreat in Bangalow spoils guests with sweeping 360-degree hinterland vistas. There’s a five-room guesthouse or four stand-alone villas, each with its own deck, to settle into for some couples’ downtime. Take the eight-minute wander into town, revive in the 99 Acres pool or just watch the sun disappear in a pantomime of golden hues from your deck.

13. Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

romantic stays in Byron-Bay
This tranquil rainforest sanctuary is the perfect place to cocoon away.

Best for: Asking the big question

Right on the NSW and Queensland border, about one hour from Byron, this tranquil rainforest sanctuary is the perfect place to cocoon away with your better half. Whether you opt to snuggle up in a creek-side spa cabin soundtracked by melodic water, a canopy or glass terrace bungalow, or one of the luxury lodges with private plunge pools, you’ll be in a lushly hemmed heaven where the pressures of the outside world can’t intrude. Head to the bar lounge and wine cellar for a cosy drink before enjoying dinner delivered to your room. And when romance really is the only requirement, you can take the matrimonial plunge in style with one of three proposal packages to choose from.

14. Ingenia Holiday Parks Glamping

Best for: Love on a shoestring
Love doesn’t always require a huge investment. Lock in for nature-edged romance with glamping in a stylish belle tent at Byron’s Ingenia Holiday Park. There are no half-deflated blow-up mattresses and soggy canvas here, but rather a plush, king-size bed, air-conditioning and private deck. Festooned with fairy lights and nestled amid the 28-acre beachfront park, it’s ideal for budget liaisons.

15. Swell Hotel

Swell Hotel
Rooms feature an elegant combo of velvet and timber furnishings.

Best for: Retro vibes and relaxation

Swell Hotel is all sumptuous 70s-style interiors that foster connection and relaxation. While it’s located in the middle of town, this adults-only stay has 16 uniquely designed suites which means you won’t be fighting for pool space or yearning for peace and quiet.  This is a wellness-drive retreat, so expect a state-of-the-art cedar sauna, magnesium mineral swimming pool healthy elixirs served poolside), infrared sauna and an ice bath.

Originally written by Eliza Sholly with updates by Lara Picone

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Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.