Blackbird Byron – a hinterland escape in the hills of Byron Bay

Blackbird Byron is a luxury, adults only hideaway perched in the rolling hills of the Byron Bay hinterland that offers exclusivity in a beautiful natural setting. Coastbeat went to stay.

Location

Blackbird Byron is easily accessible off the Pacific Highway, simply take the Mullumbimby turn off and inhale the fresh mountain air as you wind your way to this dreamy destination.

Our Welcome

The property owners, James and Stella Hudson relocated to the north coast, happily trading a hectic city schedule in Sydney for a more laid-back lifestyle. Ultimately, what they have created here is a tranquil place to connect with nature and forget about life’s everyday stresses. It’s bed and breakfast in style!

Three standalone pavilions face due east, offering remarkable views of dense sub-tropical forestry stretching toward an oceanic horizon.

I arrive to Blackbird Byron and am immediately gifted a stunning sunset. Watching the famed Byron Bay lighthouse blinkering in the distance as Julian Rocks (a local dive hot spot) steadily disappears in a pastel blue and pinked hued dusk sky is a moment likely to stay with me for a long while.

Blackbird has captured the market for travellers seeking a private escape from the hordes of visitors that gravitate to the buzz of Byron Bay. Given only a few guests can stay here at any given time, you’re bound to experience a serene getaway.

The magnesium mineral infinity pool has caught my eye – it takes pride of place and overlooks the hinterland vista. I dive in. Semi submerged and facing the sky, I spot the first star of the night and am already thinking about my return visit – and I’ve only just arrived!

A beautiful place to escape the ordinary

The Accommodation

Talk about impeccable design. Aside from the breathtaking views of Cape Byron, you’ll notice the minimalist furnishings in the pavilions. Each pavilion accommodates one couple and has dreamy linen on a king size bed (that looks straight out to the Pacific Ocean), detailed tile work, exposed brass bathroom fixtures, luxe natural fibre kimonos – ideal for lounging and unobtrusive tech additions such as a flat screen tv, air con, Wi-Fi and a portable speaker.

Praising accolades have come in thick and fast for Blackbird. When I commend James on his property’s well-deserved rise to a ‘must stay’ Byron Bay hinterland holiday destination, he casually remarks that its surge in popularity has surprised him.

James and Stella envisioned that Blackbird would make a great country life meets seaside escape but figured it would take some time for word to catch on. Boy, were they wrong! No sooner had I (reluctantly) checked out of Blackbird that I noticed a glowing review of Blackbird front and centre in the Australian Financial Review’s leisure section. And just a few days later I spy the unmistakably stylish retreat has graced the pages of the Sydney Morning Herald’s ‘Weekender’.

Ain’t no doubt about it, the Blackbird Byron secret is well and truly out.

Each of three stand alone pavilions have luxe interiors and can accommodate two guests

For the Foodies

Upon arrival, expect to be greeted by your hosts and presented with a very moreish cheese board and refreshing beverages (French rosé for me and a champagne flute for my friend).

A spacious communal dining area overlooking the fantastic hinterland vistas is available for guest use throughout their stay.

Mornings begin at a leisurely pace. Simply saunter up to the pool area /come dining space and enjoy a fresh breakfast prepared with gourmet ingredients from the surrounding regions. Tip; the locally roasted Moonshine Coffee gets my vote.

With an abundance of world-class eateries nearby, guests are easily lured out for an unhurried lunch and/or an evening dinner at the nearby dining hot spots of Mullumbimby, Bangalow, Brunswick Heads or Byron Bay.

I wholeheartedly recommend the following establishments for a memorable dining experience.

Harvest Newrybar – a true leader in innovative farm to plate produce, expert chefs, excellent floor staff and one of the best balconies for admiring the quaint village setting abound. Read about Coastbeat’s Harvest experience here.

Fleet in Brunswick Heads – be sure to book ahead and reserve your place at this multi award-winning restaurant by the banks of the Brunswick River.

Beach at Byron Bay – a must visit eatery with uninterrupted seaside views over Clarkes Beach. This place is my go-to zone for gourmet breakfasts, celebratory lunches and romantic dinners. It also featured in our best cafes of Byron.

Milk and Honey in Mullumbimby – for delectable wood-fired pizzas loaded with flavour. Tuck into the pork and fennel sausage pizza with mozzarella, tomato, red onion, fennel parmesan chilli. Bellissimo.

The spacious communal pavilion with pool and beautiful coastal views

Byron Bay Hinterland Activities

Okay, so you’ve chosen Blackbird because you most likely want to bail out from the hustle bustle and reconnect with nature. Perfect, because guests are encouraged to do as little as they like here.

Scenic drives, waterfall hikes and day spa treatments are all on offer at this country-meets-coastal retreat. Alternatively, stay horizontal by the pool with a book at hand if that’s more your style.

Hint; ask your welcoming hosts to guide you to the secluded watering hole accessible via a semi steep but easily reached incline right above Blackbird. And, weather permitting you’ll be greeted with a Zen like waterfall scene.

In-room massage treatments can be arranged upon request or venture toward Mullum for a holistic body treatment at Kiva Spa. Touted as Byron’s premier garden day spa, this magical oasis is set amongst a bamboo grove surrounded by spas and pools. My hour massage here was a divine body, mind and soul trip and I’m confident yours will be too.

All in all, a visit to Blackbird is your opportunity to escape the ordinary and indulge yourself in a luxurious hinterland retreat. What better way to experience the relaxing and often healing energy that Mother Nature, and, the hinterland of Byron Bay, never fails to deliver.

The 10-metre magnesium mineral pool is adjacent to the main pavilion

For all enquiries, rates and bookings go to www.blackbirdbyron.com.au

Love this part of the world? See our Best of Bangalow article or read about more great Coastbeat getaways here.