Landlubbers ahoy! Here’s your chance to stay in a 30-foot wooden yacht named Belafonte II. Now retired, the boat is converted into a tiny eco house hideaway for land sailers! No need to navigate or watch out for stormy weather. This ‘sea-faring’ Eco Stay NSW for two is nestled in a bamboo grove in peaceful bushland north of Byron Bay.
Read on for fascinating information about this Tiny House. Also, see the list of Things to Do at the end of the post…
Accommodation Type: Eco-Friendly and Organic | Tiny House
Destination: Byron Bay Hinterland | New South Wales | Australia
Accommodation Resources
Best for: B&B, Cool Boat Conversion, Up to 2 Guests, Byron Bay Hinterland
This hideaway is located on a 3-acre rural property in Wilson’s Creek, in the beautiful hinterland forest of the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales. You’re 30 minutes (17.2 km) to Byron Bay.
This area encompasses fertile lush valleys around Tweed, Clarence, and Richmond rivers. You have Pacific beaches to the east and The Great Dividing Range to the west. (Source)
Your eco stay is only 45 minutes from the Gold Coast airport but you have all the privacy you need for your cool getaway.
Your Accommodation
The Belafonte II has been cleverly restored with a tiny house and decks attached to the boat. The comfy double bed is in the boat’s bow and carved wooden french doors lead out to the decks, the wonderfully quirky shower (includes shampoo and soap), and a well-maintained composting toilet.
Tip: in case you’re new to composting toilets, these are clean with no smells and work by breaking down (composting) organic material by microorganisms.
Travel Resources
- Take your time and discover secret spots and wilderness in the Byron Bay Hinterland with a Jucy Campervan or Car. Book now and pay later are also available.
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance. Have you checked out Cover-More Travel Insurance? They have a range of policies depending on your trip plans.
- See the best day tours with GetYourGuide and let them do the organising!
Relax Outdoors
Outside the boat, you have your private courtyard to enjoy the bird sounds. Books are provided for relaxed reading in your private little paradise.
Top Tip: firefly season is from late August to September – best seen at dusk all around the garden.
Bed & Breakfast
Breakfast and refreshments are included in the price along with delicious local honey. To maintain your privacy all the food is stocked for your arrival, so you don’t need to see your hosts.
They’re only a phone call or walk away if you run out of food.
You’re supplied with fresh bread and a range of teas, milk, butter, free-range eggs, cereal, biscuits, wine, and mineral water.
For shopping, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants you’re only five minutes from the unique village of Mullumbimby, one hour to Nimbin, and 30 minutes to Byron Bay.
Good to Know at your Eco Stay NSW
Mobile reception can be a bit patchy but there’s wifi and a smart TV with Netflix and YouTube.
Accommodates 1 or 2 guests. The double bed is in the bow of the boat.
The galley-style kitchen includes a gas stove, microwave, small fridge, toaster, dishes, utensils, coffee machine, and pods.
Air-conditioning and heating provided
Guest Review
The Belafonte 2 has everything you need for two. Awesome bathroom and shower. Ample stuff to cook with and the breakfast and food provided was again perfect for the experience on board a ship retired from the sea, especially the local honey!
Belafonte II is Great for
- Global nomads
- Close to Byron Bay and Nimbin but private and peaceful
- Romantics
- Stay while attending local yoga retreats or visiting nearby alternative therapists
- Solo Stays
- De-Stressing
- A good base for the activities in the region
- A lovely stop on The Rainforest Way (see below)
Conclusion
At this Eco Stay NSW the Bellafonte II is a beautiful and romantic hideaway that is unique and comfy too. You’ll love the calming atmosphere and the closeness to nature. With no knots to tie or sails to unfurl you’ll be clear ‘sailing’ in a Sea of Tranquility!
The Rainforest Way
At this eco-stay, you’re surrounded by the stunning Rainforest Way. According to Traveller.com, these are seven self-driving scenic touring routes that connect the Northern Rivers and Queensland rainforests.
This includes a whopping 14 Heritage-Listed National Parks, alternative lifestyle Nimbin, mountain biking tour opportunities at Nightcap National Park, stunning Lions Road, built by the locals, deep in the rainforest, boutique enterprises, quaint villages, and lots more.
Here’s the official website: https://www.therainforestway.com.au/about/
Things to Do Near the Tiny Boathouse
Swim at amazing white sand beaches: Byron Bay (Tallow Beach is quiet), Broken Head, Whites Beach, Brunswick Heads
Local Bush Walks
Visit: Newrybar Village, Brunswick Heads Village, Bangalow Village, Federal Village
Visit Crystal Castle: a beautiful crystal sanctuary only 5 minutes away: https://www.crystalcastle.com.au/
Fun at The Macadamia Castle Animal Park: https://www.macadamiacastle.com.au/
Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk (very hot in summer which is also fire season and may be closed). Read more here and check if the park is open: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/cape-byron-walking-track
Tea Tree Lake
Swim at Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Heads, just south of Byron Bay, and enjoy the healing powers of this tea tree lake.
The tea trees around the lake release their rejuvenating oils into the water, which turns the water brown but is wonderfully healing for your skin and hair.
Tea tree oil is traditionally used for dandruff, acne, cuts, burns, and other skin ailments. Don’t miss this ‘medical bath’! There’s also a smaller tea tree lake in Suffolk Park, a 5-minute drive from Byron Bay.
Markets
Check here for the latest dates/times for the Byron Bay Markets and others in the region: https://www.byron-bay.com/byronbay/market.html
- Byron Bay Markets: 1st Sunday of the month
- Mullumbimby Farmers Market: every Friday morning
- Mullumbimby Craft Market: 3rd Saturday of the month
- Nimbin Markets: 4th and 5th Sunday of the month
- The Channon Markets (Lismore): 2nd Sunday of the month
- Bangalow Markets: 4th Sunday of the month
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