With something for everyone, this list of Northern Rivers Holiday Accommodation is a dreamy selection of unique and eco places to stay in Byron Bay’s Hinterland and near World Heritage Listed Nightcap National Park. Discover rainforest retreats, an amazing world-class spa, a converted Byron Bay bus, an exotic Balinese Villa, and more hidden gems. All set within stunning rainforest locales…
Destination: Byron Bay Hinterland | Northern Rivers | New South Wales | Australia
Accommodation Type: Eco-friendly and Organic | Conversions | Boutique and Spa
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1. Mesa Bus – Deluxe Byron Hinterland Eco Stay
Best for: Quirky Bus, Fire Pit, Bath with Views, Washing Machine, Rosebank, Up to 6 Guests
Escape to the Mesa Bus, a quirky eco-stay nestled amidst the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls of the ancient volcanic Hinterland.
Unwind in modern comforts, savour organic coffee, and witness the wonders of nature – all within a 10-minute drive from Minyon Falls.
With 2 bedrooms, a chilling/living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, a walk-in shower, and a bath with endless views.
As the sun dips below the horizon, gather around the crackling fire pit and share stories under the starlit sky.
You’re sure to see wallabies, and echidnas and hear the local kookaburras at this Hinterland treasure!
Guest Review
Magic, picturesque location that feels isolated but is not too far from town for food/sightseeing. Bus is quirky and fitted out with all the essentials, from beds to a bookshelf.
Good to Know
- the bus is air-conditioned
- towels and linen are included in your stay
- Cape Bryon Lighthouse is 39km from the bus
- See more at Booking.com
2. Sanctuary in the Pocket: Balinese-inspired Villa with Pool & Spa
Best for: Private Luxury Villa, Lush Gardens, Modern Kitchen, Peaceful, Up to 4 Guests
Spacious and gracefully furnished, this luxurious villa is designed in a modern Balinese style. Sanctuary in the Pocket is set in a fenced five-acre tropical garden with a large pool and spa.
You can unwind and bliss out indoors in the sophisticated interiors or outdoors in the gorgeous exotic oasis.
With plenty of space, the villa is the perfect venue for weddings, honeymoons, romantic interludes, peaceful retreats, and festival accommodation.
The villa has two bedrooms. You’ll love the main bedroom with gorgeous Egyptian linen on the queen-size pillow-top bed, a private courtyard, and an inside/outside bathroom with a magnificent Balinese stone bath. The second bathroom includes two pillow-top single beds and an en-suite.
Guest Review
True hidden paradise! This was one of the most peaceful stays where you can sit for hours and just relax. Loved it!
Comment by Emma
The lounge and spacious kitchen lead out to the large deck with outdoor seating and dining surrounded by Balinese-style landscaping. The daybed and swinging seat are under the gazebo looking out at the lovely pool and 5-person spa pool.
What’s Near?
If you can drag yourself away from this idyllic villa then you’re near Brunswick Heads for beach life, a swim at Torakina Beach, a visit to alternative Mullumbimby for village life and the farmer’s market, and a hike around Mount Warning.
Take a Tour of the Property
Good to Know
- Woodfire combustion heater for cooler weather, air-conditioning for summer
- Remote-controlled 4K Sony Smart TV, Bose Sound System
- Indoor and outdoor lighting
- You also have the choice of a studio for two, or Bliss Cottage for 4 guests
- See more at Booking.com
3. Gaia Retreat and Spa
Best for: Beautiful Vistas, Serene, De-Stress, Life Changing, Yoga, Personalised Spa Treatments, Brooklet, Suites and Villas for up to 4 Guests
This world-renowned luxury health spa stands on the highest point of Bandjalung Shire in the Byron Bay Hinterland.
Gaia Retreat and Spa offers luxurious retreat-style bungalows, healthful organic food, amazing spa treatments, personal trainers, a yoga studio, a swimming pool, and private jacuzzies.
Set on 25 acres of tranquil countryside and landscaped gardens, this award-winning retreat is a magical placed designed to heal body and soul.
Ideal if you want to detox, get fit, de-stress, boost your health, lose weight, refresh your spirit, or simply need a peaceful and serene escape.
Good to Know:
- Dietary needs are catered for
- Fitness Centre with Gym and Workout Room, Steam Room, and Tennis Courts
- Read Reviews and check availability at Tripadvisor
Northern Rivers Holiday Accommodation Near Nightcap – Wollumbin National Park:
3. Nightcap Ridge – Rainforest Retreat
Best for: Stargazing, Firepit, Rainforest Hideaway, Wildlife, Dorroughby, Up to 4 Guests
Nestled within 67 acres of private conservation rainforest Nightcap Ridge is a peaceful and ecological retreat where you can chill out and slow down.
Set within World Heritage Listed Nightcap National Park and Minyon Falls, Nightcap Ridge is a collection of off-grid cottages with one or two bedrooms for up to four guests.
Each cottage is solar-powered with spring-fed water from the creek, French doors that open out to the deck, an indoor slow-combustion fuel stove for cosy evenings, and a lovely clawfoot bath for soothing contemplation.
With no internet, you can literally switch off from the world, and enjoy the books, games, cards, outdoor campfire (don’t forget marshmallows!), and starry nights.
The stylish cottages are self-catering, the owners supply eggs, milk, and bread, but for everything else visit the fab delis and local shops in the nearby villages and stock up before you arrive at Nightcap Ridge.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a stove, oven, fridge, and crockery and cutlery. You can cook outdoors on the BBQ too.
Nightcap Ridge is 350 metres above sea level and temperatures are cooler than at sea-level so bring a warm jacket for cooler evenings.
A walkers paradise, explore the ancient forest around you and discover water holes, lily ponds, swim in the creek and dams, and discover native flora and fauna. You might see Bower Birds, Owls, Swamp Wallaby, Goanna, Little Bent Wing Bats, Koala and many more.
Guest Review
The location whilst luxuriously remote is also close enough to go out during the day and enjoy some of the lovely local towns like Bangalow, Newrybar and Eureka for great local cafes and shops.
Good to Know
- All linens, toiletries, and mosquito nets are provided
- Free mountain bikes are available for use
- Room service is available
- See more at Expedia
4. Frog Hollow Luxury Lake House
Best for: Your Own Private Lake, Jacuzzi, Massage, Kayaking, Lillian Rock, 2 Guests
Frog Hollow Lake House is a luxury and romantic retreat set on a private lake in a park-like forest setting.
Savour the indoor and outdoor spacious spaces with large king bedroom and wood-burning fireplace, Lounge, fully-equipped kitchen and a lakefront deck. From here you can fish or kayak on the lilypond lake.
At the end of the day enjoy a glass of champagne in the covered jacuzzi with views across the lake to mountains beyond and starry skies.
This Northern Rivers holiday accommodation is a stunning spot designed to seduce guests with the luxurious interiors and the peace and natural beauty of the rustic surrounds.
Good to Know
- Massage and Yoga can be booked in advance
- WIFI, sound system, TV, books
- Air-conditioning, wood burning fireplace
- Book at the Frog Hollow Website
5. ‘Black Sheep Farm’ Guest House Nimbin
Best for: Star Gazing, Peaceful, Child-friendly, Swimming Pool, Nimbin, Up to 5 Guests
Set on 30 acres of bush, this handcrafted wooden cottage is a rainforest hideaway. Black Sheep Farm is less than 1km to Nightcap National Park, you’re sure to see local wildlife and birds. Watch out for wallabies!
The cottage is only 6kms to Nimbin for supplies, cafes, and shopping. There are 3 beds – a queen bed, bunk beds, and a single bed. Fully-equipped kitchen, lounge with fireplace, and deck with a fireplace for cooler nights.
Good to Know
- Sauna available
- Creek for swimming nearby
- TV, books, games
- See more at Stayz
Big List of Things to Do in the Northern Rivers Region
The Northern Rivers in New South Wales is a region rich in culture and nature. Named for the three rivers of Tweed, Richmond and Clarence the area encompasses cool Byron Bay and white sandy beaches in the east to charming inland villages and Rainforest Parks.
Markets
- Art and Craft Markets: Bangalow, Nimbin, Channon, Byron Bay, Channon
- Farmers Market: Lismore, Nimbin, Uki, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Blue Knob
Art
- Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
- Ninbella Art Gallery at Bangalow for Australia’s top indigenous artists’ work
- Lismore Art Galleries
Shop
- Mullumbimby Chocolate Shop
- Eat at Harvest Newrybar for local premium Northern Rivers produce
Nature
- Border Ranges National Park
- World Heritage Listed Nightcap/Wollumbin National Park
Nimbin
- Nimbin Hemp Embassy, Nimbin Candle Factory, free public swimming pool
- Hanging Rock Falls and natural swimming hole on Stony Creek Road near Nimbin
- Bhavana Organic Farm and Cooking School
Unique Things to Do
- Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens in Montecollum
- Brunswick Heads for the restored Brunswick Picture House for a movie
- Drive the Rainforest Way
- Killen Falls and large natural swimming hole, 16-minutes drive from Lennox Heads
- Visit: Macadamia Castle and Animal Park – between Byron Bay and Ballina
- Zaytuna Permaculture Farm
See Tripadvisor for top attractions and adventure in Byron Bay and Byron Shire
Drive
The Rainforest Wayis a beautiful trip through the Northern Rivers National Parks and ancient rainforest.
