Inside the Byron hinterland hideaway where luxury meets regenerative farming

In the wildlife-rich hills of Bangalow in NSW’s Northern Rivers, Amaroo Bangalow sits on a 213-acre regenerative farm, offering architecturally refined accommodation for travellers seeking privacy and space beyond the beaches of Byron Bay

In a destination where the coast meets the countryside, an exclusively private property spans 213 acres of sustainable farm land. At Amaroo Bangalow in Northern New South Wales, sophistication and sustainability combine in the form of four singular accommodation offerings: three luxuriously roomy cabins and a two-storey loft. 

Together, DFJ Architects (responsible for The Farm Byron Bay development) and award-winning, Brisbane-based Shaun Lockyer Architects have designed a luxury stay befitting this unique setting and its ever-evolving, diverse landscape. 

Guests of Amaroo Bangalow – who have exclusive use of the property, with only one booking available at a time – wake to Eastern whipbird song and the scent of flowering jasmine in a space framed by well-tended, manicured gardens and dense rainforest. A stroll outside their doors, creeks babble, resident chickens cluck, and Angus cattle graze – reminding visitors this working farm is more than a holidaymakers’ hideaway. 

Sustainability at Amaroo

Owners Mike and Cathy Tomkins have appointed themselves the ardent caretakers of this patch of thriving earth, where they’ve worked with local partners to eliminate invasive plant species and reintroduce 45,000 native plants and trees. Their vision is to create an ecosystem that nurtures native birdlife – and guests will learn this vision is quickly coming to life. The couple has also teamed up with Bangalow Koalas to plant more trees across the site to create a koala-friendly habitat.

“When we purchased the property in 2016, we had no idea how much work we were in for. It’s more than an eco-tourism project,” Mike says. “We have an ongoing role to care for the land. We’re planting new trees and plants every week. We’ve irrigated the property ourselves to keep these plants watered. It’s a lot of work, but we want to do it right.”

Not only caring for the land and the animals that inhabit it, Mike and Cathy have also ensured their guests are adequately fed and watered at their accommodation, which opened in September 2024. Remarkably well-stocked kitchens, complete with their chickens’ eggs, make self-catering a breeze. But the pair is also happy to arrange on-site catering from local vendors – ideal for celebrations and special occasions. 

Space to roam

Whether this ultra-private stay is booked for just two adults or for a large group (of up to eight adults and six children), all guests have access to the entire farm. Among the cleverly designed, self-contained structures is a spacious pavilion that encompasses a large well-designed, open kitchen, a dining room with a long table setting that’s perfect for shared meals, a chic fireside lounge space, an outdoor, European-style pizza oven entertaining area, and an emerald-hued plunge pool. 

Come sunset, a picnic on the property’s hillside, perched on one of its large iron swings, becomes an idyllic way to unwind. And, just beyond the three cabins is a peaceful, circular garden centred on an outdoor fire pit that forms a calm-inducing place to gather by night.

Before staying at Amaroo Bangalow, guests can have the team arrange airport and helicopter transfers, a pantry-stocking service, private tours, a babysitting service, catering and events services, restaurant bookings, a curated selection of wines, and in-house massage & spa treatments.

While it’s tempting to hang around, those who wish to explore outside Amaroo can travel into Bangalow for its farmers markets on a Saturday morning, or head to its high street where great food and coffee and independent stores abound. You Beauty, Ciao Mate, Woods Bangalow and Butcher Baker Bangalow lure in travellers with culinary creations and coffee-scented temptations. Gift stores, small fashion labels and homewares boutiques sit wedged between cafes in historic buildings. And, in next-door Possum Creek, The Hut – housed in a former school house – is a popular dining destination for refined yet relaxed repast (think indulgently long lunches with a centrepiece of lobster).

Come sunset, a picnic on the property’s hillside, perched on one of its large iron swings, becomes an idyllic way to unwind. And, just beyond the three cabins is a peaceful, circular garden centred on an outdoor fire pit that forms a calm-inducing place to gather by night.

While in Bangalow, many travellers from near and far opt to admire the boutiques, beaches, and restaurants of Byron Bay. For a laid-back lunch, Pixie Italian offers warm hospitality and house-made pasta alongside fresh salads and sides, well-made drinks and a dapper setting. Between beachside Rae’s on Wategos to the innovative Bar Heather, there’s no lack of flavourful fare within a short driving distance of Bangalow. 

For further reprieve, visitors can head to The Banya, The Byron Bathhouse or Navia Bathhouse to unravel in state-of-the-art, wellness-oriented style. And, for an immersive, cultural experience, Bangalow Bush Tucker Tours are an insightful way to become better acquainted with the region and its homegrown flavours.

amaroobangalow.com