Photography: Timothy Birch
Set on top of a ridge with 360-degree views of verdant rolling hills, Amaroo Bangalow is a luxury escape that is perfectly secluded yet conveniently close to bustling Byron Bay.
Set on a working cattle farm, this is not your average farmstay: there are three architecturally designed cabins and one split-level, loft-style apartment, plus a shared pavilion with a full kitchen, and an open-plan living and dining area complete with wood fire. There is also a pizza oven, barbecue, fire pit and heated pool on the sprawling property.
Amaroo owners Mike and Cathy Tomkins have a home on the farm, but your privacy is assured. Guests can book a single cabin or reserve all the accommodation offerings and enjoy exclusive use of the property. The only people you’ll see are the farmers and gardeners working onsite. You might also spot some chickens – housed in a partially automated, solar-powered henhouse – and the resident cows, of course.
When Mike and Cathy first bought the 86-hectare property – originally a dairy farm – it was covered in camphor laurel trees, which they spent months clearing. They then set about regenerating the small rainforest, located behind the cabins, and planted thousands of native trees and plants. “The neighbours thought we were mad and didn’t know why we were doing it, and now they have all followed suit,” says Mike.
Stay at Amaroo Bangalow
Situated in the heart of the Northern Rivers, this luxurious rainforest retreat offers three self-contained cabins each with breathtaking views, skylit bathrooms and access to a shared pavillion with a full kitchen and cosy living space with a wood heater.
He and Cathy have further plans for Amaroo: more accommodation, a commercial kitchen for cooking classes with visiting chefs, and a function/dining area, which will boast views across Bangalow. They also have large swings to take in the glorious views, which are very Instagrammable, but they are the perfect place to simply sit and relax.
Visit amaroobangalow.com
How far is Amaroo Bangalow from Byron Bay?
Luxury farmstay Amaroo Bangalow is just a 10 to 15-minute drive south-west of Byron Bay.
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