First-timers tend to do best based centrally in town, close enough to walk to the beach, cafes and nightlife without needing a car. Alternatively, choose one of the larger resorts for a relaxing beachside holiday.

• Basq House – tucked down a quiet laneway in the village centre, with an on-site bathhouse and rooftop deck.
• Hotel Marvell Byron Bay – five-star base right in the centre of town with the only rooftop pool in Byron.
• The Bower Byron Bay – eclectic boutique rooms a short stroll from Byron's main strip.
• Elements of Byron – sprawling beachside resort with a range of accommodation types, multiple pools, dining and wellness activities.

For an absolute or near-beachfront position, a handful of properties put the sand right on your doorstep.

• Raes on Wategos – absolute beachfront on Wategos Beach.
• Elements of Byron – beachside on Byron's iconic Belongil Beach.
• Drifter Byron Bay – just 200 metres from Main Beach.
• Crystalbrook Byron – rainforest suites just steps from Tallow Beach.
• Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park – just south of Byron, a family- and budget-friendly option.
• Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park – behind Clarkes Beach and surrounded by rainforest.

Byron has several adults-only and boutique hideaways built specifically with couples in mind.

• Swell Hotel – 16-room, adults-only boutique hotel with infrared sauna and ice bath sessions.
• Basq House – a private, laneway hideaway with an on-site bathhouse.
• Raes on Wategos – just seven rooms on Byron's most exclusive beach.
• Soma Byron Bay – book out the whole rainforest retreat for a romantic escape.

Larger resorts with pools, kids' activities and family-sized rooms work best for a Byron holiday with children.

• Elements of Byron – 202 rooms including two-bedroom villas and an 850,000-litre lagoon pool.
• Crystalbrook Byron – family-friendly packages including free kids' entry to Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Ballina Beach Nature Resort – family rooms, glamping tents and a waterpark, 30 minutes from Byron.
• Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park – everything from campsites to glamping tents and cabins, plus a playground and school holiday activities.

It depends on the trip! Byron town puts you within walking distance of the beach and nightlife, while the hinterland trades that convenience for space, greenery and quiet (a car is recommended). Here are some hinterland options:

• The Brooklet – luxury lodge and wellness facilities on a hillside near Newrybar.
• Sun Ranch – a 32-person ranch-style retreat at Coopers Shoot.
• Soma Byron Bay – a rainforest wellness retreat at Ewingsdale.
• Heartwood Farm Byron Bay – a 100-acre riverside cattle farm at Federal.

Yes – several properties sit right in town within walking distance of the beach, shops and restaurants.

• Basq House – laneway location in the village centre.
• Hotel Marvell Byron Bay – central Byron Bay, rooftop pool included.
• The Bower Byron Bay – a short stroll from the main strip.
• Drifter Byron Bay – 200 metres from Main Beach and close to town.

For easy access to Byron's breaks, book somewhere near Main, Belongil, Wategos or Tallow beaches.

• Raes on Wategos – footsteps from the Wategos Beach break.
• Drifter Byron Bay – 200 metres from Main Beach.
• Elements of Byron – beachside on Belongil Beach.
• Crystalbrook Byron – close to Tallow Beach.

Pet-friendly hotels are limited, so you may be better booking a holiday house that can accommodate you and your pooch. Or try these properties:

• Ballina Beach Nature Resort – pet-friendly cabins, villas and glamping tents, plus an on-site off-leash area, around 30 minutes from Byron Bay.
• Beach Suites – luxe waterfront suites with private pools that is 100% dog friendly.
• Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay – allows dogs across select sites and cabins.
• Amaroo Retreat Bangalow – lush hinterland escape perfect for a group stay, with private studios and communal areas.