This fabulous, well-managed resort opposite Belongil Beach is a terrific and affordable alternative to staying in central Byron. Attractive dorms, cottages and self-contained apartments are scattered through the hammock-filled gardens. There's daily yoga, free bikes and the fun Treehouse pub next door. It's a 15-minute walk (or free shuttle ride) down the Belongil Beach into town.

Gathered around an attractive palm-lined heated pool this modern, tidy complex is in the centre of town and only a short walk away from the beach. Friendly and knowledgeable staff run free walking tours and other activities. There are substantial discounts in the low season.

For an archetypal Byron experience, try this ramshackle hostel by a picturesque swamp, 15-minutes walk from town. Choose from colourful six- to 10-bed dorms, a female-only lakeside cottage, or tepees. Couples can opt for aptly titled ‘cube’ rooms, island-retreat canvas huts or the pricier 'love shack' with bathroom. There's yoga, didge lessons and regular bush-tucker walks.

This motel-style backpackers across the road from the beach has balconies off each room and plenty of communal space – including a bar with pool table and ping pong. Motel rooms have kitchenettes and some have spa baths. Dorms are for international guests only.

Byron’s biggest (and priciest) backpackers packs a punch with its glossy designer-led decor. The dorm rooms are comfortable, but they’re not half as good as the king rooms, which have a bathroom, fridge and plasma television.

The tightly packed cabins and shady tent sites at this holiday park sit within an attractive bush setting, close to the beach and the lighthouse.

Amid a large garden on a quiet street is this delightful old Queenslander with airy verandas and six elegant rooms with four-poster beds. It's about a 10-minute walk to the beach, or jump on a complimentary bike.

Statues of Hindu deities watch over the pool at this gorgeous contemporary complex. Rooms are luxurious, plus there's a shared kitchen, lounge, BBQ and large pool and spa.

Featuring global charm and a tropical setting, Bamboo Cottage treats guests to Asian- and Pacific Island–inflected rooms in a home-away-from-home atmosphere. It’s on the quiet side of the tracks.

Polished floorboards, white linen and a leafy setting a couple of kilometres south of town make this a good choice if you like to be removed from the throng. A continental breakfast is included and there are complimentary bikes

Hidden within a town-centre commercial building a couple of blocks from the beach, this complex has a pleasant set of apartments grouped around a swimming pool. The 'deluxe' units have loft bedrooms, new furnishings and full kitchens.

Targeting couples via a strict two-person-per-booking rule (groups and families should look elsewhere), this holiday park is clean, comfortable and secure. It’s tucked away in the backstreets and blissfully quiet.

Ignore the highway motel exterior and you'll discover spacious and sparkling clean rooms, not to mention welcoming staff. Less than a minute to the surf.

There are three fabulously decorated Caribbean-style plantation cottages at this chic enclave in the centre of town, all with private decks opening on to tropical gardens. If this wasn't cool enough, there's also the option of sleeping in a polished-aluminium Airstream caravan parked on the back lawn.

Byron’s best-kept secret requires booking well in advance. It's worth it for the experience of staying in one of these four restored 1920s cottages (sleeping four to seven) metres from the sand of Clarkes Beach, or in the heritage-listed Assistant Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages.

About 4km south of town, these luxe one-bedroom villas are spread through the resort's jungle-like greenery. When you’re not drinking cocktails by the infinity pool, taking complimentary yoga classes or indulging in the spa, follow the boardwalks down to Tallow Beach.

Only 100m from the beach, this place has immaculate rooms and a great vibe. For $5 you can use the surfboards, sailboards and bikes.

By the lake and near the beach, this family-friendly holiday park has a wide range of units, from rustic cabins without bathrooms to a deluxe villa sleeping six. There's new amenities and a kitchen for campers.

Gaze at the surf from your modern apartment or take a splash with a borrowed board from reception. The one-bedroom apartments are the same size as the two-bedrooms, so they feel more spacious.

Hip kids serve a delicious selection of Latin American and Spanish treats from morning to late in this cool little licensed cafe.

With the atmosphere of a luxury beach house, the deck at Foam is the ultimate spot to share a bottle of cold white wine and a long lunch as you gape at the beauty of Seven Mile Beach.

Manicured and well positioned, this park is on the lagoon and an easy walk from the centre. In addition to usual camping and caravan spots there's also a range of self-contained units, including three flash villas.

With its lush garden setting and tidy rooms, this well-kept place is our pick. The rooms aren't overly large, but they all have kitchenettes and snazzy furnishings.

This former school has been converted into a luxurious guesthouse, filled with restored 1920s furnishings. All rooms are indulgent: the most grand has a four-poster bed and spa bath.

The 1940s Hotel Brunswick is a sight to behold. It has decent pub rooms and the restaurant (mains $20; open 10am to 9pm) serves great nosh. There’s live music Thursday to Sunday.

This recently renovated motel has bright, spacious rooms with Brunswick River views from the balconies, and is just a quick walk to the surf beach.

This pretty, weatherboard cottage in central Bangalow has two simply decorated white rooms, and French doors opening on to the deck and edible garden. There is an additional one-bedroom studio. Larger groups can hire out the whole place.

Set within grassy hills about 4km north of Bangalow, this complex has three well-spaced self-contained houses with views across the lush valleys. The ‘eco’ in the name includes water-conservation technologies and solar power.

Amid hilly farmland are these four luxury cabins with well-stocked kitchens and spa baths (outdoors in the cabana suite). It's a wonderfully private place to stay and guests have access to nature trails, a yoga room and a beautiful salt-water pool