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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AI Prompt
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.
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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
