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Set in New South Wales, Byron Bay is a gem-city for travellers which offers so much more than surfing, beaches and barbecues.
But knowing the best neighborhood in Byron Bay to stay in is super important. That’s why we put together this epic guide for where to stay in Byron Bay.
This article was written with one purpose in mind – to help YOU find the best area in Byron Bay to stay in based on what YOU want to do.
So whether you’re looking to party the night away, chill out on the beach or indulge in the best food in town, our guide to Byron Bay’s best neighborhoods will get you exactly where you need to be!
So get excited – here are our top picks for where to stay in Byron Bay, Australia.
- Where to Stay in Byron Bay
- Byron Bay Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Byron Bay
- Byron Bay’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Byron Bay
- What To Pack For Byron Bay
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Byron Bay
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Byron Bay
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Byron Bay.
For budget travellers, we’d recommend staying at one of Byron Bay’s awesome hostels. They offer comfy beds and a chance to meet like-minded travellers while keeping the accommodation costs low.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Spacious airy apartment | Best Airbnb in Byron Bay
This apartment can’t give you a better location. You’ve got the beach around one corner, nightlife options around the other and all of the best hot spots right around you. The home is so big that you can easily bring some friends along. This Airbnb is a great sport to start exploring the lively city.
Wake Up! Byron Bay | Best Hostel in Byron Bay
Wake Up! Is our favourite hostel in Byron Bay. It is a lively and vibrant hostel with vivid décor and fresh, airy spaces. It offers stylish private and dorm-style rooms with AC, lamps and USB ports. This hostel is close to cafes and restaurants in the trendy Sunrise neighborhood.
Atlantic Byron Bay | Best Hotel in Byron Bay
The Atlantic Byron Bay is a stylish four-star property and our pick for the best hotel in wtsByron Bay. It offers modern and spacious accommodations with luxury toiletries and excellent features. There’s also a myriad of wellness amenities, like a terrace, a lap pool, and a BBQ area.
Byron Bay Centre
Byron Bay Centre is located at the heart of the action. It is where you’ll find a great selection of delicious restaurants, cosy cafes, independent shops and lively bars.
Fletcher Street
Set at the centre of the city, Fletcher Street is one of the liveliest and most vibrant areas of byron bay. It stretches just several blocks from the heart of downtown out towards the beach and is packed with great shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Byron Bay Centre
Not only is this the best area in Byron Bay to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time, but it also wins our vote for where to stay in byron bay for nightlife.
Sunrise
Just a short ten-minute bike ride from the centre of the city is Sunrise, one of the coolest places to stay in Byron Bay. This mostly residential neighbourhood is one of the hippest ‘hoods in the area because it allows visitors a relaxing, restful and beautiful place to stay that is close to the beach and packed with amenities.
Lili Pilli Byron
Lili Pilli Byron is a charming and quaint neighbourhood located south of Byron Bay Centre. It is known for its nice vistas and natural scenery, and its large swaths of single-family homes.
Byron Bay is, hands down, one of the coolest places in Australia. It’s is a creative, laid back and cool city set on Australia’s East Coast. It is located in New South Wales and is nearly 800 kilometres north of Sydney. It boasts incredible natural beauty, a thriving culinary scene and plenty of arts industries, including filmmaking, writing and fine arts.
The city and its surrounding area is home to approximately 30,000 people. It is divided into several districts, and in this Byron Bay neighborhood guide we’ll explore the best places to stay based on your interests and budget.
Byron Bay Centre is where you’ll find a vast array of shops, restaurants and cafes, and is ideally situated for sightseeing, exploring, and surfing. Because of all this, Byron Bay Centre is our pick for where to stay if you’re visiting for the first time or if you’re looking for nightlife.
Fletcher Street is one of the trendiest areas of the city. It is a lively and vibrant neighborhood with eateries, bars, and bistros. It also a great selection of hostels, which is why it wins our vote for where to stay in Byron Bay for one night.
Northwest of the city centre is Sunrise. One of the coolest places to stay in Byron Bay, Sunrise offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere, easy access to nature and a myriad of tasty restaurants.
And finally, Lili Pilli Byron is a serene neighborhood south of the city centre. It is our top pick for where to stay in Byron Bay with kids because it is close to a great variety of activities, attractions, cafes and more.
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Byron Bay’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Still not sure where to stay in Byron Bay? Don’t worry because in this next section we’re going to breakdown Byron Bay’s best neighborhoods in much more detail.
#1 Byron Bay Centre: Where to Stay in Byron Bay for Your First Time
Byron Bay Centre is located at the heart of the action. It is where you’ll find a great selection of delicious restaurants, cosy cafes, independent shops and lively bars. This central neighborhood offers something for travellers of all ages and styles, which is why it is our top pick for where to stay in Byron Bay for your first time.
But that’s not all! Byron Bay Centre is also a great place to make your base if you’re interested in getting out and exploring the surrounding area. From here you’ll find plenty of links to the beach, nature reserves, and out to Cape Byron, the easternmost point in Australia.
Things to See and Do in Byron Bay Centre
- Enjoy an amazing breakfast with an incredible view at Beach Byron Bay.
- Explore the nearby Cumbebin Swamp Nature Reserve.
- Feast on fresh and delicious local fare at Rae’s on Wategos.
- Grab drinks at Fisherman’s Lookout.
- Hike out to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
- Hop on a boat and watch whales, dolphins and other sea creatures swim past.
- Sip refreshing cocktails at Railway Friendly Bar.
- Stretch your legs on the Cape Byron Walking Track.
Spacious airy apartment | Best Airbnb in Byron Bay Centre
This apartment can’t give you a better location. You’ve got the beach around one corner, nightlife options around the other and all of the best hot spots right around you. The home is so big that you can easily bring some friends along. This Airbnb is a great sport to start exploring the lively city.
Byron Bay YHA | Best Hostel in Byron Bay Centre
This lively and vibrant hostel is one of the best places to stay in Byron Bay. It is located in the centre of town and is just steps from the beach, shops and restaurants. It has large rooms with shared bathrooms, private beds and a range of facilities.
Atlantic Byron Bay | Best Hotel in Byron Bay Centre
The Atlantic Byron Bay is a stylish four-star property and our pick for the best hotel in Byron Bay. It offers modern and spacious accommodations with luxury toiletries and excellent features. There’s also a myriad of wellness amenities, like a terrace, a lap pool, a BBQ area and so much more.
Byron Palms Guesthouse | Best Guesthouse in Byron Bay Centre
A great location and comfortable beds, this four-star guesthouse has it all! It is located near the centre of Byron Bay and is a quick bike ride from the beach, great bars, delicious restaurants and quirky shops. It has 5 spacious rooms with modern amenities, a garden and laundry facilities.
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View on Osprey#2 Fletcher Street: Where to Stay in Byron Bay on a Budget
Set at the centre of the city, Fletcher Street is one of the liveliest and most vibrant areas of Byron Bay. It stretches just several blocks from the heart of downtown out towards the beach and is packed with great shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. If you’re backpacking Byron Bay, this area is perfect for you.
In addition to all that, Fletcher Street is the best neighborhood to stay in Byron Bay if you’re on a budget because it has a myriad of backpacker hostels and good-value hotels. So whether you want to meet new people, party the night away, or simply find the cheapest bed in town, Fletcher Street has exactly what you’re looking for – and more!
Things to See and Do in Fletcher Street
- Eat fresh and delicious seafood and shellfish at The Balcony Bay & Oyster Co.
- Excite your senses with flavourful Mexican fare at Miss Margarita.
- Feast on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes at Orgasmic.
- Grab a slice from Il Buco Café & Pizzeria.
- Indulge in delicious traditional Spanish fare at St. Elmo Dining Room & Bar.
- Kickstart your day with a sensational breakfast from Bayleaf Café.
- Pick the healthy options at Combi Byron Bay.
- Sip cocktails and whiskey at The Bolt Hole.
- Sit back, relax and enjoy a great meal at Mokha.
Cheaper isn’t possible… | Best Airbnb in Fletcher Street
Alright. Byron Bay is not an area that is known for its super cheap accommodations. This Airbnb has the lowest rate for the nightly stay we could find, but hold on, we’ve got a little hack for you. The apartment fits 4 people, so bring some friends along and split the bill at the end of our stay. Everyone gets an affordable holiday and some great socializing time together.
Byron Bayside Central Apartments | Best Apartments in Fletcher Street
These charming apartments are located in one of Byron Bay’s best neighborhoods. They are within walking distance of bars, clubs and restaurants, and the property is a quick bike ride to the beach. Each apartment has A/C, seating areas, comfortable beds, and free wifi.
Aquarius Backpacker Resort | Best Hotel in Fletcher Street
Aquarius Backpackers Resort is conveniently located near Fletcher Street, the best neighborhood to stay in Byron Bay if you’re on a budget. This property has comfortable rooms with modern furnishings and amenities. There’s also a swimming pool, luggage storage and laundry facilities for guests.
Nomads Byron Bay | Best Hostel in Fletcher Street
Two 12-seater hot-tubs, hammocks, benches, decking – the outdoors living at Nomads sounds pretty sweet to us. This Byron Bay backpackers hostel isn’t directly on the beach but it is just a couple of minutes’ walk from it, and sometimes it’s all about that anticipation of a beach day, right? Think air-conditioned dorms and private rooms, a sun-trap of a courtyard, free breakfast, and a more centre-of-town location if you fancy hitting up the nightlife. All good material for a top hostel in Byron Bay. Plus the 8-bed dorms here are quite the bargain.
#3 Byron Bay Centre: Where to Stay in Byron Bay for Nightlife
Not only is this the best area in Byron Bay to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time, but it also wins our vote for where to stay in Byron Bay for nightlife.
Byron Bay Centre is situated at the heart of the city. It is a compact and walkable neighborhood that is home to great bars, lively clubs and plenty of delicious restaurants. Here you can enjoy everything from a great beachside meal to a vivacious night on the town.
Love to eat? Then this neighborhood is for you! Here you can excite your sense with everything from thrilling Mexican to savoury local fare.
Photo: @audyscala
Things to See and Do in Byron Bay Centre
- Dance the night away at Cheeky Monkey’s Restaurant & Bar.
- Drink, dance and party the night away at legendary Woody’s Surf Shack.
- Enjoy signature cocktails and a cool atmosphere at La La Land.
- Indulge in flavourful French fare at The Petit Snail.
- Sip cocktails as you overlook the Pacific Ocean at Beach Hotel.
- Tease your taste buds with fresh seafood at OSushi.
- Try cool, refreshing and fresh local beers at Byron Bay Brewery.
- Visit The Railway Friendly Bar for a night of great food, good drinks and friendly company.
Charming home with Netflix | Best Airbnb in Byron Bay Centre
The nightlife of Byron Bay is amazing, no doubt. But after having a great night out, you should also be able to enjoy a good sleep. This Airbnb is exactly the right home for party enthusiasts. Located on a quiet complex, you can be sure that there aren’t any noises disturbing your night. You can also stay inside and use the free Netflix and Apple TV to cure your hangover.
Backpackers Holiday Village | Best Hostel in Byron Bay Centre
Backpackers Holiday Village is centrally located on the main street in Byron Bay Centre. It is a unique open concept hostel that brings travellers together and encourages socializing. Beds are comfortable and cosy. They also provide free use of surfboards, bodyboards and bikes throughout your stay.
Garden Burees | Best Hotel in Byron Bay Centre
This three-star hotel is an excellent option for Byron Bay accommodation. It is set at the heart of the city and there are numerous amenities and facilities nearby. Each room at this luxurious lodge has stylish décor, refrigerators, and spa tubs. There’s also a coffee bar, bike rentals and an on-site restaurant.
Beach Suites | Best Hotel in Byron Bay Centre
Beach Suites is a modern and stylish four-star hotel set in the heart of the city. It is one of the best places in Byron Bay to stay because it is close to the beach, restaurants, shops and bars. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and spa baths. There’s also a swimming pool, laundry facilities and luggage storage.
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Grab an eSIM!#4 Sunrise: Coolest Place to Stay in Byron Bay
Just a short ten-minute bike ride from the centre of the city is Sunrise, one of the coolest places to stay in Byron Bay. This mostly residential neighborhood is one of the hippest ‘hoods in the area because it allows visitors a relaxing, restful and beautiful place to stay that is close to the beach and packed with amenities.
Sunrise is also the best area in Byron Bay to stay in if you’re looking for a break from the tourists. Although the city centre and beach are nearby, Sunrise is often overlooked by surfers and visitors, so by staying here, you can enjoy all the perks of the city without the crowds.
Things to See and Do in Sunrise
- Catch a few rays on the soft white sands of Belongil Beach.
- Fly through the air with the greatest of ease at fun and exhilarating Circus Arts Byron Bay.
- Go for a dip at nearby Tyagarah Tea Tree Lake.
- Grab a coffee and get all your surf gear at McTavish Surfboards.
- Pack your binoculars and spot local birds and other creatures at Belongil Creek.
- Pop by hip and rustic Folk Byron Bay and enjoy a delicious brunch or flavourful snack any time of day.
- Try handcraft beer and a variety of tasty treats at Stone & Wood Brewing and Tasting Room.
- Take a yoga course with Santosha Institute!
Wake Up! Byron Bay | Best Hostel in Sunrise
Wake Up! is our favourite hostel in Byron Bay. It is a lively and vibrant hostel with vivid décor and fresh, airy spaces. It offers stylish private and dorm-style rooms with AC, lamps and USB ports. This hostel is close to the cafes and restaurants of the trendy Sunrise neighborhood.
Elements Of Byron – MGallery by Sofitel | Best Hotel in Sunrise
This is one of the most luxurious options for Byron Bay accommodation. It is set near the popular Sunrise neighborhood and offers each access to the beach, nature and more. Rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities. There’s also a swimming pool, a private beach and on-site spa.
Bayshore Bungalows Byron Bay | Best Hotel in Sunrise
With its great location, stunning pool and excellent lodgings, its no wonder this is one of the best places to stay in Byron Bay. This property consists of 13 air-conditioned lodges with modern features and facilities. There’s free wifi, an outdoor pool and great tennis courts.
#5 Lili Pilli Byron: Where to Stay in Byron Bay for Families
Lili Pilli Byron is a charming and quaint neighborhood located south of Byron Bay Centre. It is known for its nice vistas and natural scenery, and its large swaths of single-family homes. It has a great variety of essential amenities and offers excellent accommodations for travellers of all ages and families of all sizes. Because of this, Lili Pilli Byron is our pick for where to stay in Byron Bay with kids.
This is also one of the best areas to stay in Byron Bay for nature lovers because it is surrounded by green space. Nearby you’ll find lush parks and verdant landscapes, as well as soft beaches and clear waters.
Things to See and Do in Lili Pilli Byron
- Eat succulent local dishes and Australian favourites at the Roadhouse restaurant.
- Enjoy an amazing and mouthwatering meal right in your hotel with Bring the Chef Home.
- Head out to Tallow Beach for an unforgettable day of sun, sand, surf and sandcastles.
- Hop in the car and take a day to explore Bungalow, a fun and funky nearby neighborhood.
- Laces up your books and trek your way through massive and magical Arakwal National Park.
- Learn to surf and hit the legendary waves of Byron Bay.
- Rent bikes and explore the shores of Tallow Creek.
Great home with chill vibe | Best Airbnb in Lili Pilli Byron
Want to have a relaxing holiday with your family? This Airbnb will fulfil all your needs and offers even more. Stylish and luxurious, with lots of light and air coming through the windows, the whole place feels very welcoming and like a home. It’s close to cafes, a gym and restaurants, as well as the Byron Bay town and the beach.
The Bower Byron Bay | Best Hotel in Lili Pilli Byron
Situated in Lili Pilli Byron, this 3.5-star hotel is a short drive from the beach, national parks, shops, restaurants and more. This hotel is comprised of 15 comfortable rooms with wifi and modern amenities. The property boasts a swimming pool, a tour desk, a library and a golf course.
Byron Lakeside Holiday Apartments | Best Apartments in Lili Pilli Byron
These luxurious apartments are one of our top picks for where to stay in Byron Bay with kids. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, microwaves, washing machines and refrigerators. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, like a swimming pool, fitness centre, a ticket desk and massage services.
Byron Sunseeker Motel Byron Bay | Best Motel in Lili Pilli Byron
This delightful motel is our top pick for where to stay in Byron Bay for families on a budget. It boasts an outdoor swimming pool and offers a range of features, including laundry services. Each room comes complete with air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, private baths and refrigerators.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Byron Bay
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Byron Bay and where to stay.
What To Pack For Byron Bay
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Byron Bay
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a busy and bustling coastal community that has charming shops, cosy cafes, and plenty of opportunities to make once-in-a-lifetime memories. So whether you’re young or old, single or with your family, Byron Bay has something amazing for every type of traveller.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the best places in Byron Bay to stay. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, here is a recap of the best hotel and hostel:
Wake Up! Byron Bay is our favourite hostel because it is lively, vibrant, comfortable and fresh. It has modern décor and is close to the best restaurants in the city.
Our favourite hotel is the Atlantic Byron Bay. This stylish four-star property has luxurious amenities and a variety of incredible wellness facilities.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Byron Bay.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Byron Bay.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Australia instead.
- Widen horizons, relax, and nurture your well-being at these yoga retreats in Byron Bay.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Oceania backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
