Wategos Byron Bay: One of the country’s most sought-after seaside locations

Byron Bay is the perpetual Aussie darling, never out of favour. The Northern Rivers locale is loved for its bushy hinterland running into sparkling palm-hedged stretches of coastline, its low’n’slow wave breaks and cruisy pace of life. Natural beauty is sliced with top-tier stays and destination dining. There is, however, one particularly lush pocket: Wategos.

The exclusive beach enclave has become one of the country’s most sought-after seaside locations. You’ll find fewer than 100 properties in the residential area of Wategos, built on a steep hill below the Cape Byron Lighthouse, and home to elite residents and celebrities.

At the most easterly point of Australia’s mainland, Wategos is bang-on Byron – and a lot quieter than town. There’s only one way in and out: along the shady Lighthouse Road. Snake slowly past impressive holiday houses fronting secluded coastal views; when you reach a hairpin bend, you’ll know you’re moments from getting your first glimpse of the crescent-shaped Wategos Beach shoreline. Score a park and you’re set.

Byron icon Raes is here, with laid-back luxury across five suites and two penthouses in an arching Med-inspired building that dates back to the ’60s. A stay in any of the whitewashed spaces is characterised by an effortless, easy-living style. Interiors by celebrated Sydney designer Tamsin Johnson shine with one-off vintage finds. Outside, a freeform pool breaks up tropical gardens. The place is coveted for a reason.

The villa’s dining room is just as renowned. Captained by chef Jason Saxby, who’s done time in the kitchens of Sydney’s Quay and Pilu, the restaurant is an Aussie one-off with plates heroing local seafood. Views of the waves stretch from accordion windows, surfy black-and-white photos coat the walls – the service is schmick and the food is excellent.

Just before summer, and celebrating 30 years of the hotel, the team welcomed Raes Guesthouses to its stable. Just 100 metres away, 10 impressive rooms – some with private balconies, all designed by Johnson – embody the signature Raes style, which is as much a fixture of Wategos as the longboarders in the ocean.

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On premises there’s a courtyard bar for happy hour and a coffee cart for the morning, but it’s only a seven-minute drive into town, which is ripe with dining rooms and boutiques. Behind Bar Heather’s velvet-curtained entrance, chef Ollie Wong-Hee serves plates that are as tasty as they are interesting. Don’t skip the signature shiitake-topped potato chips, which is delicate, earthy and excellent with a half-pour Martini. Finish with a burnt honey and cardamom ice-cream sandwich for dessert. Stop in across the street at Luna Wine Store for a bottle to take home; or pause in the lobby of Hotel Marvell, where Byron Bay Oyster Bar shucks the finest bivalves.

If you’re hanging in Wategos, you’ve got a car. And you’re better off for it. A short drive away and you’ll be at Kouzina, the homestyle Greek restaurant with zippy salads, just-rolled dolmades and chargrilled proteins. Venture into the hinterland for a long lunch with European hospitality (and an amaro-laden drinks trolley) at The Hut, or coffee with a view from the sweet Cosmos caravan.

Agent Lens

with Liam Annesley from Byron Bay Real Estate Agency

Why does this area appeal to high-end buyers?

Wategos Beach in Byron Bay has become a highly sought-after area for luxury buyers due to several factors that combine to create an exclusive and idyllic lifestyle. The stunning enclave is known for its natural beauty, with lush greenery, sparkling blue waters and sweeping coastal views. Nowadays, the area is bolstered by the presence of celebrities and high-profile figures. Dominated by high-end, architecturally designed homes, luxury buyers seek a lifestyle centered around relaxation, self-care and nature in this ever-changing jewel of Byron.

Where to stay in Wategos

Este, 11 Brownell Drive, Wategos

Room rate: From $5000 pn

Located beneath Byron Bay’s iconic lighthouse, this three-level residence offers breathtaking ocean and rainforest views over Wategos Beach. Set to open in May, it consists of two luxe villas, accommodating up to 14 guests. Wake to a rooftop terrace vista before starting your day with a dip in the glass-bottomed infinity pool. The exclusive retreat features detailed interiors including hand-laid stone paving and Italian travertine connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Enjoy a personalised concierge service, driver, plus private chef arrangements and spa treatments.