Koalas, cockatoos & conscious design: Welcome to Amaroo
A first look: Unique boutique eco-retreat and working farm opens in Byron Bay hinterland
A new chapter of sustainable luxury has begun in the Byron Bay hinterland with the official opening of Amaroo Bangalow, a boutique eco-retreat set among rolling hills, rainforests, and working farmland in Northern NSW.
Perched on the scenic Bangalow ridge and surrounded by 213 acres of rejuvenated countryside, Amaroo offers a rare blend of elegance, privacy, and purpose. The property features four standalone studios and a shared lounge pavilion with a gourmet kitchen, expansive dining area, sun-drenched decks, and a sparkling pool.
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Whether it’s a romantic escape for two or a group getaway of up to eight adults and six children, Amaroo invites guests to embrace the quiet of country living with exclusive access to the estate’s pavilions, gardens, and walking trails.
But Amaroo is more than a beautiful place to stay—it’s a retreat rooted in regeneration and sustainability. Its owners, Mike and Cathy Tomkins, purchased the once-neglected grazing property in 2016 and have since transformed it into a flourishing natural sanctuary.
Over six years, they’ve planted more than 45,000 native trees, working with local experts to restore the landscape and create thriving ecosystems for native wildlife, including koalas, wallabies, and black cockatoos.
“From day one, our vision was about healing the land and inviting others to experience its beauty,” say the owners, who partner with Bangalow Koalas and East Coast Bush Regeneration to ensure the property’s ecological health is preserved for generations to come.
Sustainability is at Amaroo’s core, operating at 100 percent water independence and 70 percent energy independence, with solar power, rainwater collection, and natural spring creeks supporting day-to-day operations.
Guests can immerse themselves in farm life—collecting eggs from free-range chickens, spotting the resident Black Angus cattle, or simply relaxing beside the bubbling creek.
The design of Amaroo is just as thoughtful. With earthy textures, natural linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows, each space invites guests to slow down and reconnect—with nature, loved ones, and themselves.
Shared spaces like the 14-seat dining table, commercial-grade kitchen, and outdoor pizza oven bring people together, while private outdoor rainforest showers, secluded picnic spots, and sunset swings offer moments of stillness.
Dog and cat-friendly, Amaroo is a rare gem where luxury meets purpose, set to be one of the region’s most sought-after stays in 2025.
Bookings are now open for couples and groups seeking an authentic, grounded, and utterly relaxing escape in the heart of the Byron hinterland.
Mandy has over two decades of experience in accommodation and tourism industry writing, and she is also an accomplished editor and publisher. As co-Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd, a trusted B2B content provider for the accommodation and education sectors in Australia and New Zealand, she oversees high-quality print and digital content across notable publications, including AccomNews, Resort News, and School News, along with the property listing platform AccomProperties. Mandy’s contributions have been recognised with the Female Leader Award at the Best of Tourism 2023 and the ARAMA Life Member Award in 2024.