Blackbird Byron

Up in the Byron Hinterland, we’ve made a special place where time slows down. Where the noise and demands of life drop away and you can tune in again to what’s important. On a private road, with just a few pavilions, our adults-only site is quiet and secluded enough for you to fully relax and recharge.

There’s lots to explore in the local area and you may want to check out the beaches, walks, markets or eateries. But you might just choose to stay right where you are and enjoy a massage, a laze by the magnesium pool or a session in the infra-red sauna.

Of course, sunset cocktails followed by a chef-prepared meal is always a brilliant way to end the day. You’ll find us perched on the side of Mount Koonyum, just 10 kilometres from Mullum.

So we’re close enough to everything you want and need, but away from the busyness and bustle of Byron Bay. Think less ‘scene’ and more scenery – Blackbird is built for 100% you time.

HISTORY
Blackbird Byron is the vision of founder, James Hudson. After living a busy Sydney hospitality life for many years, a desire to slow down and reconnect led him to this piece of land on an old banana plantation.

Reusing many of the original materials found on site, and inspired by the rejuvenating properties of the fertile soil, their team created an intimate, eco-luxe oasis that nourishes the mind, body and soul.

Blackbird Byron opened in 2018, receiving a prestigious Master Builder’s Award and in 2020 was a finalist in the Hotels By Design series on Network 10, catching the judges’ eyes for its ‘simple, honest, unique’ aesthetic that was both ‘humbling and in touch with Mother Nature’.

Also featured in Tatler magazines 2020 annual travel guide as one of the ‘Top 101 Hotels in the World.’

BRAND
You might be wondering about our name. When we’d just settled the property and had come up to celebrate with a glass of champagne, we were raising our glasses for a toast when a flock of black cockatoos took off just as Blackbird by The Beatles was playing. We took it as a sign.

Our logo was created by the legendary Australian artist & family friend, Bruce Goold. Bruce’s brief was to create an icon to represent our special place.

Referencing the native black cockatoos, Bruce created a ‘Brucus Gooldius Bird’ perched atop a palm frond to imply ‘home, nest, or retreat’, using the simple, hand-held tools of his trade — black ink and a brush.

LOCATION
It feels a little off the beaten track at Blackbird, and that’s how we like it. But in reality we’re just a 12-minute drive from the main street of Mullum and 35 minutes from Byron. GPS will bring you to our door, no problems.

The final couple of kilometres is a bit of an incline up the side of the mountain, and the last 400 metres is our gravel drive. There’s something very special about this area, tucked up in the hills of the Nightcap National Park, one of Australia’s largest subtropical rainforests.

Whether it’s the acres of lush greenery, spectacular views eastwards to Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean, or Mount Chincogan in the distance—believed to be an Indigenous fertility totem—we’re not sure.

In any case, Blackbird invites you to get up and close with the landscape and the wildlife — including the local population of rare and indigenous yellow-tailed black cockatoos, who we’re honoured to share our property with.

THE PAVILIONS
Each of our detached pavilions is positioned to take full advantage of the sunrise views over the Pacific Ocean. The feast for the senses continues with King-sized beds with Egyptian cotton linen, burnished concrete floors, reclaimed timber joinery and Moroccan tiled bathrooms with rainwater showerheads.

In your pavilion, you’ll also find a ‘Star Gazing’ manual to decode the night sky, binoculars to get a better glimpse of the native black cockatoos, and a ‘Byron Trails’ guide to help you discover the rolling hinterlands, nearby national parks and mountains right on our doorstep.

DINING AND DEGUSTATION
You’ll experience the full array of options when eating at Blackbird. We’ll serve you breakfast, you’re on your own for lunch and we have private chefs catering dinner each night (needs to be booked minimum 7 days in advance).

Of course, there are plenty of great eateries around too that you might want to try out, or you can cook up something yourself in our shared facilities (lunch only). Here’s the rundown, and please contact us if you’d like to know anything else about dining at Blackbird.

BREAKFAST

• A selection of locally sourced breakfast goodies is included as part of your stay — think griddled sourdough, fresh local veggies, chia pots, seasonal fruits, house-blended teas and coffee
• Served in the Reception Pavilion from 8–9.30am
• Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available for breakfast — please request at the time of your booking

LUNCH

• Get creative and cook something up in our Reception Pavilion. There are great local markets for fresh produce, which you can store in the shared fridge in the Reception Pavilion, or in your own pavilion fridge
• There is also a range of simple deli items in the Reception Pavilion fridge you are welcome to purchase (refer to the price list in the pavilion)

DINNER

• Seasonal dinner menu using local ingredients 7 nights a week
• Served poolside on our communal table
• Need to be booked 7 days in advance
• We’ll do our best to accommodate any allergies or medical dietary requirements from Tuesday-Fridays; our Saturday/Sunday/Monday menu is fixed so unfortunately, we’re unable to cater for any ingredient changes or omissions on these days

WELLNESS
Whether water therapy or social engagement is your cup of tea, there are everyday opportunities to stimulate the senses at Blackbird – the easy way.

Soak up some healing minerals as you take a dip in our magnesium pool, or sit back and relax as you let the Infra Red Sauna cleanse you from the inside
out. If you feel like an in room massage please reach out to our team and we will organise one of our amazing massage therapists.

ENHANCED STAYS
For those who want to really celebrate something, or someone, with all the Blackbird bells and whistles, choose the full indulgence package — think bubbles, massage and a little something to take home as a memento of your time here. Sit back, relax and enjoy your special occasion. We’ve got you covered.

MASSAGE THERAPY
A type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems.

SWEDISH
A Swedish-style massage primarily involves long, soft, kneading strokes to release tension from the deepest muscles of your body. While releasing tension from the surface layers of muscles, this method uses light, tapping, rhythmic strokes.

DEEP TISSUE
This massage focuses on the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a device. The purpose of massage is generally for the treatment of body stress or pain.

PREGNANCY
Therapeutic bodywork that focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. It enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue.

Website: www.blackbirdbyron.com.au

Rooms: 3

Price: from 284 EUR per night