Airbnb
If you’re feeling the pull of Byron Bay’s laidback, left-of-centre magnetism, you’re not alone. More than a million people visit this stunning northern New South Wales hotspot every year – including 840,000 Australians in the year to March 2025, according to Byron Shire Council data.
So there’s no doubt it’s a special place. The natural beauty, where bush meets the sea on a rugged coastline of pristine beaches, has attracted people from all walks of life to Byron Bay, on Arakwal Country. And there is an abundance of creative community spirit, local markets, alternative eateries and wellness spaces to experience.
As the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, it’s a year-round haven for those seeking a dose of nature and eclectic spoils.
From hidden sanctuaries tucked in the centre of town to the real-life retreat used in the first season of Nicole Kidman-starring series Nine Perfect Strangers, read on for our curated edit of luxe Airbnbs within Byron Bay and its rolling hinterlands.
GT‘s top picks for Byron Bay accommodation in 2025
- Best trendy town retreat: Friday Hut (here’s why)
- Best designer beachside getaway: Studio Onyx (here’s why)
- Best escape to the country: The Barn Door (here’s why)
- Best for a contemporary coastal aesthetic: Eternity Beach House (here’s why)
- Best beachfront escape: Sway (here’s why)
- Best for a romantic retreat: Fig Tree Villa (here’s why)
- Best for a luxe homestead: Temple Farmhouse (here’s why)
- Best pet-friendly, luxe accommodation: The Eco Lodge (here’s why)
- Best for a tropical wonderland: The Arbour (here’s why)
- Best intimate, in-town getaway: Cactus Rose Villa (here’s why)
- Best for the ultimate group retreat: Soma (here’s why)
The best Airbnb stays in Byron Bay 2025
Best for: a trendy town retreat
Sleeps: two guests
Right in the heart of Byron Bay, Friday Hut offers a chic retreat with just the right touch of rustic style. Think exposed bricks and beams, floor-to-ceiling gable windows and a private outdoor bathtub surrounded by jasmine and bougainvillea vines. The property, which has four separate residences, also includes a communal veggie garden, Mediterranean style courtyard and fire pit and – all just a leisurely 10-minute stroll from town.
Reasons to stay:
- Private courtyard with freestanding copper bathtub
- Floor-to-ceiling gable windows and motorised skylights
- Casual kitchen and dining area
- Communal fire pit, courtyard and veggie garden
- Free parking on premises
- 10-minute stroll to Byron’s town centre and Dolphin’s Beach
Location: Byron Bay
Best for: a designer beachfront getaway
Sleeps: two guests
This chic, architecturally-designed, modern beachfront studio offers fresh, contemporary style and high-end appliances and amenities. Think Aesop toiletries, 100% flax linen bedsheets, electric black out blinds, advanced water filtration and a 65-inch 4K LG OLED TV with Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos surround sound. Outside, there’s an inviting patio with leafy surrounds – Arakwal National Park is at the edge of the quiet cul-de-sac and the studio has complete privacy from the main residence – and Tallow Beach is just a 5-minute walk away.
Reasons to stay:
- Architecturally-designed modern studio
- Queen bed with Master Tailor mattress and 100% flax linen bedsheets
- Ensuite with rain shower, luxury towels and Aesop products
- Full kitchen with oven, dishwasher, electric cooktop, kettle, Nespresso machine, microwave, toaster and blender
- 65-inch 4K LG OLED TV and Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos surround sound
- Advanced water filtration including alkaline water tap in kitchen
- Free street parking
- Five-minute walk to the beach and 10-minuet walk to Byron Bay’s famous “The Road House” and “The General Store” cafes
Location: Byron Bay
Best for: an escape to the country
Sleeps: four guests
With a stunning open plan design and beautiful landscaping outside, it’s hard to believe this beautifully renovated shed ever housed machinery. But that’s part of the charm of The Barn Door, located a cruisey 15-minute drive from Byron Bay and 10-minutes from Bangalow. It’s the ideal country escape for couples or small families, complete with a clawfoot bathtub, wall mounted 65″ Samsung ‘The Frame’, record player and records and an outdoor barbecue and table setting.
Located on a 10-acre property, the hosts live 100 metres away, giving you a sense of privacy as you take in the beautiful vistas of the hinterlands.
Reasons to stay:
- Well-appointed kitchen with views across the hinterland
- Loft-style, open plan bedroom with king-size bed
- Lush dressing gowns for your comfort
- Spacious bathroom with freestanding bath and separate shower
- Outside deck area with a Webber BBQ and outdoor setting
- Free parking on premises
- Short drive to Byron Bay, Bangalow and surrounds
Location: Coorabell
Best for: contemporary coastal aesthetics
Sleeps: six guests
A home fitting for rainforest fae, Eternity Beach House is a beachside eco-stay situated just footsteps from Belongil Beach in Byron. Drenched with light and made from eco-friendly materials – such as hemp, lime, clay and sustainably-sourced timber – this bohemian oasis blends indoor and outdoor living naturally. Spend the arvo surfing before walking 15 minutes along the beach into town for dinner.
Reasons to stay:
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Outdoor fireplace
- Swimming pool
- Multiple decks
- Outdoor hot shower
- Free parking on premises and a 15-minute beach walk to town
Location: Belongil Beach, Byron Bay
Best for: a beachfront escape
Sleeps: 11 guests
In the hillside across from The Pass – a legendary surf break that’s primely positioned for strolling to Cape Byron lighthouse or into town – is Sway. With five bedrooms, bikes and surfboards for guest use, it’s the ideal stay for those who are partial to an active holiday. Then again, you could just sit back and relax by the infinity pool, which has incredible panoramic views of the bay.
Reasons to stay:
- Infinity pool
- Beach access
- Bikes and surfboards
- Outdoor covered deck with barbecue
- Free parking on the premises
Location: Byron Bay
Best for: a romantic retreat
Sleeps: three guests
Named after the beautiful, 500-year-old fig tree that stands guard on the property, Fig Tree Villa is a romantic hideaway on two acres of beautiful land just a five-minute drive from all the action in Byron Bay. This renovated, private villa has a country cottage feel, with high-end amenities inside, an ensuite bathroom with garden views and a wraparound deck complete with wrap around deck with outdoor dining to soak up views of the huge private garden and creek – which you can also explore.
Reasons to stay:
- Private villa on a two acre property with landscaped grounds and creek to explore
- Well-equipped kitchen with stove top, oven, cutlery and plates, pots and pans, Nespresso machine, fridge and toaster
- Smart TV with Netflix and Stan
- Indoor-outdoor feel with plenty of windows, high raked ceilings and a wraparound deck
- Romantic packages available on request
- Five-minute drive to Byron Bay, beaches and surrounds
- Free parking on the premises
Location: Ewingsdale
Best for: a luxe homestead
Sleeps: nine guests
Perched on 75 rolling acres of hinterland, Temple Farmhouse is a secluded Airbnb that’s perfect for relaxing and exploring. It boasts panoramic views, a lap pool, herb garden and fire pit, with enough room for nine guests. It’s also just an eight minute drive from the neighbouring town of Bangalow and 20 minutes from Byron Bay.
Reasons to stay:
- Pool
- Fire pit
- Herb garden
- Handmade swing
Location: Nashua
Best for: pet-friendly accommodation
Sleeps: eight guests
Tucked into the beachfront rainforest of Broken Head, the Eco Lodge is designed by award-winning architect Harley Graham to have a minimal environmental footprint. It boasts contemporary open plan living, thermal mass concrete floors, a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen and a pool.
It’s also a short walk to Broken Head beach and Tea Tree Lake, and just a 10-minute drive to Byron Bay town. With lush rainforest and treetop views, this north-facing and pet-friendly home is ideal for the eco-conscious gourmand.
Reasons to stay:
- Designed with a minimal environmental footprint
- Magnesium plunge pool
- Shared beach access
- Breakfast
- Snorkelling gear
Location: Broken Head
Best for: a luxe tropical wonderland
Sleeps: six guests
The Arbour is architecturally designed with luxury touches, just a short drive to Byron Bay town. There’s also plenty to see and do on your doorstep, with Tallows Beach and Suffolk Park’s cafes within walking distance. Spend the morning in the tropical garden or by the pool before wandering to the beach for the afternoon sun.
Reasons to stay:
- Plunge pool
- Walking distance to the beach
- Small dogs allowed upon application
Location: Suffolk Park
Best for: an intimate in-town getaway
Sleeps: two guests
Seamless indoor-to-outdoor living and eclectic décor will charm you in this hidden gem located in town, above the iconic designer store Spell. It features one bedroom, a light-filled kitchen and outdoor dining areas for your own private oasis. Enjoy a dip in the private pool or lounge on the daybed with a good book before strolling 10 minutes through town to Clarkes Beach for sunset.
Reasons to stay:
- Private pool and outdoor area
- Central location
- Heating and cooling
Location: Byron Bay
Best for: the ultimate group retreat
Sleeps: 16 or more guests
If Soma seems eerily familiar to you, it might be because it was used as a primary filming location in the 2021 series adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers. Located on 22 acres of rainforest just outside of Byron, Soma is an ideal group retreat. It features an open concept layout with floor-to-ceiling windows, a freshwater pool, yoga dome, infrared sauna, three treatment rooms and a magnesium ice bath. With the option for breathwork sessions, massages and meditation courses, as well as catering and laundry services, you can’t get more luxe than Soma.
Key features:
- Private, heated infinity pool
- Sauna
- Fire pit
- Parking for up to 10 cars
- Optional relaxation treatments
- 11.5 bathrooms
Location: Ewingsdale
Four Things To Keep In Mind When Planning Your Byron Bay Airbnb Stay
Three days is an ideal amount of time to soak up the vibes in Byron Bay and unwind from everyday life, but around seven to 10 days would be better if you want to explore more of the beautiful surrounding areas. This is backed up by data from the Byron Shire Council’s Tourism Monitor, which showed Australian guests stayed an average of 3.3 nights in the March quarter of 2025, while international guests stayed an average of 9.7 nights.
Byron Bay is a beautiful, vibrant destination throughout the year, so you’ll find plenty to see and do in whatever month you’re there. But March to November is probably the best time to avoid oppressive heat, humidity and the summer school holiday crowds (although even in December to February it’s stunning).
A car makes it easy to visit popular attractions like the Cape Byron Lighthouse, which is around 3.5km from the town centre, or The Three Blue Duck’s popular outpost, which is around 6km out of town. But there are plenty of culinary delights in Byron Bay itself, so if you’re staying in town without a car, walking or cycling is a beautiful way to take in the magnetic charm of this coastal jewel.
The ongoing popularity of Byron Bay has led to a new limit of 60 days for most non-hosted short-term rental accommodation in the Byron Shire. These caps are designed to manage an overall housing crisis in the area. But there are exemptions for two precincts in and around Byron Bay Town Centre and at Brunswick Heads, as well as separate studios, villas and other Airbnbs where the host also lives on the same property. So there are still plenty of Airbnbs around Byron Bay – you just may need to be quick to book.
Related articles:
- Best Byron Bay hotels for the luxury jet setter
- 13 of the best farm stays in NSW for a rustic escape
- 12 luxe Airbnbs in NSW for your next getaway
