Shambhala

Shambhala at Byron is a set of secluded timber cottages built into rainforest gardens at 14 Childe Street in Byron Bay, with a private spa, steam room and a cabana at each cottage, and wave noise carrying through the trees. It is one of the few genuinely pet-welcoming stays in Byron, and the published policy is unusually clear about how it works.

Dogs at the Shambhala

Up to two small-breed dogs per cottage are allowed with a fee of $50 per dog per night, and you need to flag them at booking. Dogs must never be left alone in the cottage, and outside your own cottage and its private entertaining area they stay on a handheld lead or in a carrier while moving through the shared grounds. Standard conditions cover vaccinations, flea treatment, cleaning up and quiet; management can end a stay if a dog is disruptive, so this suits settled, calm dogs rather than energetic ones.

Max: budget the $50 a night as the price of rainforest privacy. Keep the lead on between cottage and spa, and the steam room wait becomes a sniff-and-settle loop.

Worth knowing

The property has its own beach access path, but that path is not designated for pets. The dog-friendly beach access point is a short walk away on Manfred Street, so plan your morning beach loop that way instead. Cats and other pets are not accepted, dogs only.

Getting there and parking

The cottages sit off Bayshore Drive in the Belongil end of Byron Bay, with on-site parking at each cottage. Town is a short drive or a longer beach-path walk, and the walk itself is the pleasant option in the cool hours.

While you're out there

Belongil Beach South dog exercise area is the closest off-lead run via the Manfred Street access, and The Hum is a garden cafe that handles a leashed dog at an outdoor table. If the small-dog limit rules you out, Tallow Beach Motel at Suffolk Park is a relaxed dog-friendly alternative near another off-lead beach.

More options are in the New South Wales dog friendly stays guide and on the Byron Bay destination page.