Hostel-hotel hybrid Drifter opens in Byron Bay

A NEW accommodation concept that blends the communal spirit of a hostel with the style of a boutique hotel has arrived in Byron Bay.

Located on Lateen Lane, Drifter Byron Bay features a mix of shared and private rooms and a rooftop pool complete with a poolside DJ booth. There’s also a communal kitchen, workspaces for digital nomads, and areas for dining, games and movie screenings.

Most of the property’s 52 rooms include balconies, many with views over the pool deck. Shared rooms are equipped with privacy curtains on each bunk, individual power outlets, lighting and secure storage. Female-only rooms are available, along with a king penthouse suite for those seeking more luxurious accommodations.

Guests can also enjoy a rotating program of events, including DJ sets, a Sunday cook-up, a run club and beachside yoga.

Australian artist Beni Single, who divides his time between Japan and Mexico, was commissioned to create a large-scale mural inspired by David Hockney’s 1978 poolside series, which wraps around the building. Additional original artworks by Single are displayed throughout the property.

Drifter Byron Bay joins a growing network of Drifter locations across Australia and New Zealand. The brand’s flagship hybrid property, Drifter Christchurch, opened in New Zealand in 2024. It also operates Little Drifter hostels in Bondi Beach, Surry Hills and Glebe in Sydney, as well as in Canberra, Melbourne CBD and North Melbourne.

Drifter co-founder Hugh Stephenson said the brand aims to transform the accommodation experience so that it’s as memorable as the destination. “We’re not trying to be just another hotel or hostel, we’re creating a better version of both, and Byron Bay is the perfect place for that idea to thrive,” he said. “It’s a destination already known for culture, music, surfing and wellness, and we’ve built a property in Drifter Byron Bay that mirrors that energy.”