28 Degrees Byron Bay – Accommodation Review

This luxurious and quiet adults-only oasis sits back from the street behind a screen of tropical greenery. It may feel like it’s on the edge of town but it’s only a few minutes walk from the best Byron Bay has to offer; from beaches and bars to markets and walks.

This accommodation has seven guestrooms and a marked attention to detail: the vibe is upmarket guesthouse meets boutique hotel. Take note of the recycled French oak floorboards, the organic bed linen and the commercial-grade kitchen appliances.

Where is 28 Degrees Byron Bay

On the corner of Marvell and Middleton streets, 28 Degrees is a three-minute walk east to the main road, Jonson Street, and two more minutes to the main bus interchange. Head north on foot and you’ll feel the sand of Main Beach between your toes in about five minutes. 

The closest airport to Byron Bay is Ballina Byron Gateway – a 30-minute drive away. Car rental is available there or book a private airport transfer (try Byron Luxury Tours) or local shuttle bus service, such as Byron Easy Bus. 

What’s near 28 Degrees Byron Bay

There’s plenty to see and do within walking distance of the property so you won’t need a car unless you want to go further afield (there’s lots to see in the hinterland – from tiny townships to Minyon and Killen falls). 

The furthest end of town on this side of Jonson Street is less than 10 minutes walk. You can stroll to the cinema, plaza and retail shops, along with a range of different eateries, from highly rated restaurants to popular drinking establishments, including The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co., The Northern, Beach Hotel, Top Shop, Di Vino, Bang Bang, Chihuahua and Japonaise Kitchen. 

What else is within walking distance? Palace Cinemas, Woolworths, Clarkes Beach (and top-rated waterfront restaurant Beach Byron Bay), Byron Farmers Market, Cape Byron Lighthouse and Bay Grocer.

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Room types

Being a guesthouse, all seven ensuite rooms vary in size and features. There are three rooms in the main house and four in the front annexe section. 

In the house, there are two 25-square-metre Main Classic Rooms to the rear and an 80-square-metre Luxury Master suite on the top floor. The latter includes a north-east-facing balcony that captures the morning sun and views to the headland, a spacious seating area decked out with a pair of cosy armchairs and a refurbished antique clawfoot bathtub. All of these rooms have easy access to the communal kitchen and a section of the fridge and pantry to use – this is where you’ll find your chilled minibar items. 

The front annexe section of the building has three 50-square-metre Plunge Pool rooms on the ground floor that include access to a small deck, garden and outdoor shower, as well as a private pool. Some of these rooms also have direct access to the street so you can forgo using the shared entrance.

At the top of the annexe is the 30-square-metre Lighthouse Room, which has a direct view to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. All of the rooms in this section have their own minibar and tea and coffee-making facilities.

If you’re travelling as a small group (up to six people) you can book all three rooms in the main house (two Main Classic rooms and the Luxury Master) – they share a communal entrance as well as the pool, kitchen, dining and living areas. If you’re travelling as a couple and would prefer to have a little more privacy and your own complimentary in-room minibar, opt for one of the Plunge Pool rooms or the Lighthouse Room. 

You’ll find all rooms kitted out with linen robes from The White Room, amenities from Hunter Lab and a beach umbrella along with plush beach towels.

Rates include breakfast (organic yoghurt, fruit compote and homemade paleo granola) and complimentary minibar provisions from top-notch producers, many of which are locally sourced, including wine and beer, juice, crisps, Mount Warning bottled water, Tea Shop Tea, Moonshine Coffee, Koko Black chocolates and, of course, coconut water – it is Byron Bay after all.

Restaurants and bars

Breakfast is included in the rate for all rooms and consists of yoghurt, fruit compote and granola. And there’s a full kitchen downstairs (including a sizeable oven and gas cooktop) if you want to take advantage of the local produce and self-cater. 

If you’re looking for other options, popular cafe Bayleaf and The Mez Club restaurant sit side-by-side, a two-minute jaunt down the road, while the Railway Friendly Bar, a rustic live-music venue with a pub menu and outdoor seating, is a further two minutes away across Jonson Street. 

Travel for work

Wi-fi can be accessed throughout the property and there are plenty of communal areas where you can set-up your laptop: the comfortable couches downstairs in the den/TV room, the well-lit dining table by the kitchen and the lounges by the pool if you want to get some sunshine while you work. 

If you don’t mind perching on a stool while you work, the Lighthouse Room on the top floor of the annexe has a built-in counter by the window facing the street with views of, you guessed it, the headland and Lighthouse in the distance. 

Pool and spa

All guests have access to the communal pool at the centre of the main house, which is maintained at a pleasant 28ºC (you read correctly and no, the property is actually named for the latitude of the town). The pools aren’t fully chlorinated but use water filtered using the Grander system – so you can enjoy a dip without that harsh chemical smell. 

There’s no gym onsite but swimmers and surfers can wander down to the beach. If you prefer to get your workout on land, walk or run the Cape Byron Walking Track up to the eponymously named lighthouse. Try heading out before sunrise to take in the stunning views from Australia’s most easterly point, before the day warms up and the crowds appear.

Time for a massage? Ask your hosts, who can organise a relaxation, pregnancy or remedial massage to have in your room.

What you need to know

The property is located in a quiet residential area so guests are asked to keep noise to a minimum. There’s no smoking onsite and no TVs in any of the rooms (the vibe here is more of the switch-off kind) but there are Bose Bluetooth speakers and a selection of novels, magazines and photography books. 

For afternoon drinks, BYO favourite tipple and help yourself to the complimentary Strangelove mixers and garnish from the drinks trolley under the stairs – it’s replenished daily.

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