This new Byron hinterland stay has luxe cabins, koalas and fireplaces

Find bucolic bliss at this contemporary eco-estate in Bangalow.

‘Amaroo’, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘a beautiful place’, couldn’t be a more apt name for this newly opened estate in Bangalow. Spread across 213 acres of rolling green hills, lakes and manicured gardens, this working farm and modern retreat offers bucolic bliss for those seeking a restorative break.

Owned and operated by business and life partners Cathy and Mike – a couple you would forgive for being far less humble given what they’ve created – the estate was designed and built with sustainability at its core. “Everything we’re doing is for the land and for ourselves, and the ecotourism has naturally become a part of that,” they shared. The pair have found themselves responsible for restoring the land’s ecological balance, which they’ve spent six years doing, and the property now operates 100 per cent water and 70 per cent energy independence.

Well-suited to both cosy winter stays and sunny summer getaways, Amaroo Bangalow offers bucolic bliss with their modern retreats that are nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland.

Location

Amaroo Bangalow is set in the lush Byron Bay hinterland. (Image: Timothy Birch)

Amaroo Bangalow is located on a sprawling 213-acre property in lush Bangalow. It’s a 15-minute drive from the centre of Byron Bay and just a few minutes’ drive from Bangalow town – though you’ll likely find it hard to tear yourself away from the property beyond grabbing supplies.

Bangalow is a charming historical village with boutique shops, a Saturday morning farmer’s market, and fantastic eateries like the popular Ciao Mate!. The idyllic hinterland region is dotted with farms, rainforests and waterfalls.

The property is a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

Style and character

Rustic meets contemporary design in this Byron Hinterland stay. (Image: Timothy Birch)

There’s a quiet magic to arriving at Amaroo Bangalow. As you drive up the road, with only one other property in sight, a grand contemporary gate welcomes you. Beyond it, a winding driveway lined with palms leads you to the architecturally designed estate.

Mike and Cathy worked with East Coast Bush Regeneration to guide the development of the land – once used for grazing by four generations of farmers, then left uncultivated. Since then, it has been transformed with nearly 50,000 trees (and counting) planted across the property. Today, modern black-clad cabins with warm timber interiors made from sustainable materials sit nestled into the revitalised landscape.

Koalas, wallabies, platypus, water dragons and an abundance of native birds also call the property home and Mike and Cathy have teamed up with Bangalow Koalas to plant more trees to create a thriving habitat for koalas and local wildlife.

Facilities

Spend warm days by the emerald green swimming pool. (Image: Timothy Birch)

Amaroo Bangalow is designed for group stays, but whether you book one cabin for an intimate weekend away or all four (for up to eight adults and six children), you will have the entire property to yourself. That means your only neighbours will be cows, chickens and native wildlife.

The central lounge pavilion is equipped with laundry facilities, a bathroom, a commercial-grade kitchen, a spacious dining area and a living area with a fireplace. ​

The outdoor area features a fully equipped kitchen with a pizza oven for al fresco dining and entertaining. The emerald green swimming pool, accompanied by comfortable seating, is ideal for warmer days, as is the convenient outdoor shower. During cooler months, the firepit and biophilic conversation pit offer a cosy spot to roast marshmellows.

The property’s expansiveness invites guests to take leisurely walks and enjoy the sunset and sunrise from the two large swings on either side of the hill – a glass of bubbles at sunset is encouraged! There are bubbling creeks on the property that make for an idyllic picnic spot, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the resident platypuses.

Concierge services such as catering, babysitting, private tours and in-house spa treatments can also be arranged.

Rooms

Each accommodation looks out to the rainforest. (Image: Timothy Birch)

The property comprises four studio cabins, three sitting in a row, and the other, a standalone loft. Each of the accommodations features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the rainforest for ultra-peaceful vibes, linen bedding, a fireplace, a kitchenette and living and dining spaces.

The Loft sits on two levels with larger kitchen and living facilities as well as a laundry.

Handcrafted lighting and dining tables made by Mike and his father, Vince, add a personal touch and a deep sense of connection to the property.

Food and drink

Enjoy a picnic by the lake. (Image: Timothy Birch)

There are no dining venues on-site, but guests can collect eggs from the free-range chickens, and by spring 2025, they will be able to collect honey from the beehive.

The team can organise an unforgettable dining experience of your choosing, be it a long lunch, a starlit dinner or a picnic by the lake.

Does Amaroo Banglow have access for guests with disabilities?

Amaroo Bangalow has accessible cabins and bathrooms and can cater to people with accessibility needs. Contact the accommodation for more details when booking.

Is Amaroo Bangalow family-friendly?

Head to the swing at sunset for picturesque views. (Image: Timothy Birch)

Amaroo Bangalow is designed with large families in mind, and Mike and Cathy welcome and encourage multi-generational families to come together. Cabins provide privacy, while the main pavilion is perfect for connecting with loved ones.

Pets are also welcome on the property, and there are dog bowls in each of the accommodations.

Details

Best for: Families and large groups.

Address: 47A Cedarvale Rd, Bangalow

Cost: From $800 per night