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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhoods 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 Neighbourhood Guide
- Byron Bay’s 5 Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
- #1 Byron Bay Centre: Where to Stay in Byron Bay for Your First Time
- #2 Fletcher Street: Where to Stay in Byron Bay on a Budget
- #3 Byron Bay Centre: Where to Stay in Byron Bay for Nightlife
- #4 Sunrise: Coolest Place to Stay in Byron Bay
- #5 Lili Pilli Byron: Where to Stay in Byron Bay for Families
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Byron Bay
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Byron Bay
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.
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
Best Airbnb in Byron Bay: Spacious airy apartment
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.
Best Hostel in Byron Bay: Wake Up! 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 neighbourhood.
Best Hotel in Byron Bay: Atlantic 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.
Atlantic Byron Bay is one of our favourites in Byron Bay but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood 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.
Byron Bay’s 5 Best Neighbourhoods 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 neighbourhoods in much more detail.
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 neighbourhood 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.
Best Airbnb in Byron Bay Centre: Spacious airy apartment
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.
Best Hostel in Byron Bay Centre: Byron Bay YHA
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.
Best Guesthouse in Byron Bay Centre: Byron Palms Guesthouse
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.
Best Hotel in Byron Bay Centre: Atlantic Byron Bay
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.
Atlantic Byron Bay is one of our favourites in Byron Bay but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
We’ve tested countless packs over the years, and now we’ve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag.
Want more deetz on why we love it so damn much? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
Learn More Now!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 neighbourhood 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.
Best Airbnb in Fletcher Street: Cheaper isn’t possible…
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.
Best Apartments in Fletcher Street: Byron Bayside Central Apartments
These charming apartments are located in one of Byron Bay’s best neighbourhoods. 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.
Best Hotel in Fletcher Street: Aquarius Backpacker Resort
Aquarius Backpackers Resort is conveniently located near Fletcher Street, the best neighbourhood 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.
Best Hostel in Fletcher Street: Nomads Byron Bay
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.
Nomads Byron Bay is one of our favourites in Byron Bay but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood is for you! Here you can excite your sense with everything from thrilling Mexican to savoury local fare.
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.
Best Airbnb in Byron Bay Centre: Charming home with Netflix
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.
Best Hotel in Byron Bay Centre: Garden Burees
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.
Best Hotel in Byron Bay Centre: Beach Suites
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.
Best Hostel in Byron Bay Centre: Backpackers Holiday Village
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.
Backpackers Holiday Village is one of our favourites in Byron Bay but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected. It’s just that easy.
Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Buy an eSIM!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.
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!
Best Hostel in Sunrise: Wake Up! 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 the cafes and restaurants of the trendy Sunrise neighbourhood.
Best Hotel in Sunrise: Bayshore Bungalows Byron Bay
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.
Bayshore Bungalows Byron Bay is one of our favourites in Byron Bay but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hotel in Sunrise: Elements Of Byron – MGallery by Sofitel
This is one of the most luxurious options for Byron Bay accommodation. It is set near the popular Sunrise neighbourhood 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.
Elements Of Byron – MGallery by Sofitel is one of our favourites in Byron Bay but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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. 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 neighbourhood.
- 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.
Best Airbnb in Lili Pilli Byron: Great home with chill vibe
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.
Best Hotel in Lili Pilli Byron: The Bower Byron Bay
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.
Best Apartments in Lili Pilli Byron: Byron Lakeside Holiday Apartments
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.
Best Motel in Lili Pilli Byron: Byron Sunseeker Motel Byron Bay
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.
Byron Sunseeker Motel Byron Bay is one of our favourites in Byron Bay but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Byron Bay
World Nomads’ mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently.
They’ve been doing it since 2002 – protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you.
Get a quote below or read our in-depth review!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
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.
Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email [email protected] to find out how.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
