Blackbird Byron

As one of the most popular holiday destinations in NSW, the Northern Rivers region has seen the emergence of countless notable places to stay, but none quite like Blackbird. A secluded, adults-only hotel that combines unpretentious high-end hospitality with striking brutalist design, Blackbird is unconventional from the outset, and a justifiable indulgence if your budget stretches to it.

The hybrid architectural concept – which comprises an impressive open plan communal space plus the three self-contained guest pavilions – was conceived by industrial designer-turned-hotelier James Hudson. The Blackbird ethos reflects his out-of-the-box approach: you’re welcomed like a friend, dinners are a communal affair, and the interior aesthetic is a strangely cohesive blend of Palm Springs glamour and UK graffiti culture.

Each pavilion offers uninterrupted views of Mount Chincogan to the north and Cape Byron to the south through floor-to-ceiling windows, and a handsome fit-out of vintage brass fixtures and industrial-style concrete shelving.

With private chefs, a well-stocked bar, an infrared sauna and a magnesium infinity pool on site, Blackbird is a destination in itself, but it’s worth venturing out to explore the imposing mountains that surround the property. Drive up to Koonyum Range and you’ll find a waterfall running down the side of the mountain, with rocky outcrops opening up to views across the hinterland all the way to Cape Byron.