17 of the best Airbnbs in Byron Bay

For self-contained, boutique-style stays in the Bay, these are Byron’s absolute best Airbnbs.

Enduringly popular, Byron Bay’s free-spirited appeal and high-definition natural beauty ensure this holiday enclave pops up on everyone’s travel agenda at least once in a lifetime. From five-star hotels to holiday parks, there are plenty of places to bed down beachside, but if you’re after accommodation with that extra bit of Byron magic, self-contained Airbnbs are the way to go. Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot to sift through, so take this shortcut to booking success with our edit of the best Airbnbs in the shire.  

1. Bei Villa

interiors of Bei Villa — This villa comes with thoughtfully designed Japandi interiors.

It’s all architecturally designed coastal vibes at this central Byron villa that’s styled with a Japandi aesthetic. Sink into the MCM House sofa, cook up in the full oak-and-terrazzo kitchen, and enjoy luxe Aesop toiletries. A walk from town and beaches, the one-bedroom Bei Villa has its own private patio with an outdoor shower, so you can wash off the sand before settling in for aperitivo hour.

2. Swell Studio

Swell Airbnb Byron Bay — Unwind in the inviting pool that overlooks Tallows Creek.

Wake up to the soothing rhythm of the ocean at this stylishly revived studio a stone’s throw from beautiful Tallow Beach, which stretches along Suffolk Park on the south end of town. A sleek, forest-green kitchen is fully equipped for your self-catering needs. And there’s also a barbecue, a terrazzo-tiled bathroom with an invitingly deep tub, and access to a shared pool. 

3. Cashina

interior of Cashina AirBnb — Get your own private slice of Greece in this Mediterranean-inspired escape.

Just one kilometre from the beach, this Mediterranean-inspired new-build in Suffolk Park is ripe for oceanside romance. You can work on your Byron chill in the private courtyard, cook up a lazy breakfast in the small kitchen and unwind amid the white-rendered interiors that transport you to Santorini. Astutely considered style makes this one-bedroom villa the perfect place to slip into holiday mode.

4. Lilli Pilli Cabin

interior of Lilli Pilli AirBnb — This stunning listing is designed for guests to experience coastal luxury.

This gorgeous ship-lap cabin is all your Byron fantasies realised in a muted, white-washed palette. Hemmed by trees, this sweet but petite one-bedroom abode flows through to a private deck and leans right into a coastal aesthetic with oak cabinetry, raked ceilings and arched doorways. Town is just a 6-minute drive away, but you’ll find good coffee and cocktails close by at Road House.

5. Sanctum by the Sea

exterior of Sanctum by the Sea AirBnb — Get ready to unwind at this lush, tranquil retreat.

This three-bedroom house gets the weekend away off the chat and into real life. Sleeping up to nine guests, this two-storey home near Tallow Beach is set in a lush tropical garden with a jacuzzi for a bit of bubble time. A large deck, the use of bikes, surfboards and bodyboards, and space to bring your dog and kids also makes Sanctum by the Sea a good fit for families.

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6. The Brook View

The Brook View AirBnb interior — This airy and spacious cabin is perfect for couples and small families.

If you’re after a Byron escape that’s a short step from the bustle of town, you’ll find this two-bedroom contemporary cabin in the lush and pastoral Ewingsdale. Fringed by gum trees, sit on the deck and watch the sun move across the lush lawn or wander through the orchard to pluck citrus, mulberries or pomegranates straight from the tree. The light-filled and beautifully styled cabin has a full kitchen, barbecue, private entrance and outdoor shower for quick rinses post-beach.

7. Allawah Cottage Farmstay

exterior of Allawah Cottage AirBnb — Bookmark this romantic Airbnb for your next couple’s getaway.

A stunning five-minute drive from town, Allawah Cottage is set on a picturesque, 16-acre working cattle station. Here you can take your tree-change longing out for a spin with full access to walk or ride a bike through the property, paying your regards to resident cows, horses and chooks. Sweet and modern, the one-bedroom cottage is fully self-contained and features a large, north-facing deck that’s perfect for enjoying your morning coffee as you watch the wild wallabies.  

8. Pacific Vista

interior of Pacific Vista airbnb — A great choice if a private pool is your ultimate wanderlust wish.

If the one requirement for your Byron accommodation is an epic pool, then you can stop scrolling, you’ve found it. This grey-hued, ultra-modern apartment has a soothingly minimal style with concrete floors, rendered banquettes and steel-coloured furnishings – all of which unite to make that aquamarine pool really pop. The apartment has the run of the lower level of a two-storey home with its own kitchenette, patio and pool access, but do note the owners live above.

9. Belongil Beach Pad

interior of Belongil Beach Pad airbnb — This holiday home is for guests who are planning a Byron Bay surf trip.

At just 50 metres from idyllic Belongil Beach, this ocean-adjacent two-bedroom pad is perfect for surfers and beachcombers. It’s three levels of breezy living with the loungeroom, dining and semi-outdoor kitchen on level one, a master bedroom and bathroom on the second level, and a second bedroom set in a charming, third-floor attic. With a wood-panelled ceiling, modern stylings and indoor-outdoor flow, it’s easy to feel at home here.

10. Prairie Byron

outdoor tub at Prairie Byron Airbnb — This charming property is most adored for its rejuvenating outdoor tub.

If you like to bathe under the cover of darkness, you’ll love this luxe little stay that treats guests to a private outdoor bathtub. The one-bedroom cottage has a full kitchen, but if you’d rather not bother with domestic duties while on holiday, ride one of the bikes into town for dinner. Considered styling and high ceilings make the light-flooded space feel larger than it is.

11. Woollybutts

Woollybutts interior — Woollybutts has been thoughtfully curated with new and vintage pieces.

This hinterland hideaway near hip Federal Village greets guests at the end of a dusty country road. While it’s a 25-minute drive from Byron and 15 minutes from Bangalow and Mullumbimby, you’ll relish the relative isolation once you’ve settled into this one-bedroom cabin set by a beckoning 15-metre magnesium pool. Lolling in a hammock on the deck, you’ll find little reason to leave Woollybutts. But a quick trip into the village for excellent Japanese at Doma is definitely recommended.

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12. The Barn Door

This spacious listing fuses comfort and luxury.

Rustic luxe welcomes up to four guests at this renovated, light-filled barn in charming Coorabell. While there’s only one, loft-style bedroom in this former machinery shed, a sofa bed accommodates an extra two in the open-plan lounge room. Chill on the deck and sit around the fire pit to relish your rural surrounds.

13. Havana Byron Bay

interior of Havana Byron Bay airbnb — The rustic feel of this property screams perfect city escape.

This deeply Byron abode with its eclectic, on-point styling leans right into the town’s alternative roots. Just a stroll to the centre, Havana Lodge occupies the top two levels of a three-storey ‘treehouse’, where white-washed floorboards, stained-glass windows and richly hued furnishings create a delightfully bohemian vibe. The two-bedroom stay even comes equipped with a lofty meditation room, so you can get your Zen on when you return from the beach.

14. The Cottage in Byron Bay

interior of The Cottage Airbnb — An elegantly furnished and cosy cottage that will give you the space to relax.

This three-bedroom weatherboard escape is a beautifully leafy retreat with an easy-going, tropical style that deftly acknowledges the original elements of the cottage. When the beach doesn’t beckon, open the charming French doors and cool off in the plunge pool or spa or sip a cool drink on the sweet front porch. Set in central Marvel Street, the beach and town centre are both within easy walking distance.

15. Drifters Studio

interior of Drifters Studio — This studio is a couple’s holiday dream.

Small but perfectly well-appointed, this one-bedroom, architecturally designed studio is a couple’s haven. A kitchenette ensures you have all you need on hand, but with town just five minutes by foot, replenishing supplies for a romantic lock-in is easy. Bright and sweet, it’s a pared-back retreat by the beach.

16. Seahaven

room at Seahaven airbnb — The room boasts unbeatable ocean views.

This one makes the list for its show-stopping ocean views, which you could easily spend all day watching from the generously proportioned deck. Positioned at the foot of the Cape Byron Lighthouse in Wategos, the location of this gem can’t be oversold. While the styling of this comfortable two-bedroom stay could benefit from a little attention, it’s easy to overlook when you clasp eyes on the undulating blues of the Cape beyond.

17. Figtree Creek Retreat

interior of Figtree Creek Retreat — A trip can’t go wrong with this stylish and cosy space made for all-day lounging.

Ascend to the loft of this stylish A-frame cottage to take in the serene rural vistas of Byron’s lush hinterland. Bring your furry friend and roam the beautiful three-acre property in Middle Pocket that meanders down to a softly flowing creek. Light-flooded and styled with a rustic luxe aesthetic, this secluded two-bedroom retreat coaxes guests into deep relaxation. Enquire about the onsite infra-red sauna and bucket shower to edge your stay with a little self-care.

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.