Booked the Wollongbar motel based on the location, price and good reviews. A quick easy two minute walk into town. Also, with private beach access through a gate at the back of the property, you can walk across the train tracks, down the path to Belongil beach and up to Main beach. While located on busy Shirley St, I didn’t notice any traffic noise, just the sounds of the ocean. We stayed in a Double Balcony room, upstairs towards the back of the building. The room was very spacious, comfortable and clean. It is an older style motel but has been updated and while basic has everything you need (fan, aircon). The room felt a little dark due to the aspect and older style security windows but you could open the balcony door to let in light and air (the navy blue accents contributed to the darker feel). If styled with sandy creams or earthy tones, the room would feel a little lighter and more Byron, and flow better with the cream and white exterior. Same with the pool, a few simple updates, with a coat of white paint, a couple of new lounge chairs and some pot plants or landscaping would really lift the pool area. The pool was lovely and warm, we had a swim everyday day after the beach. Overall our stay was quiet and relaxing, being located close to but just outside the busy town. We were talking to someone who has been coming to Byron for the last 16 years and always stays at the Wollongbar, doesn’t even look elsewhere. The ‘affordable for Byron’ price is a step up from a private room in a hostel. We didn’t have a car and while a bus stop was located right out front of the motel, we never saw a bus go by. Byron isn’t well set up for public transport, so it’s harder to get around town without a car, we did a lot of walking. I just wish they had adult and kids bikes available at the motel! Most bike rental places were closed after COVID. The Byron Bus interchange is less than a 10 minute walk, we caught the public bus direct to Ballina airport on the way home about an hour’s trip (cash only $4.50 Adult / $2.20 Child). The reception staff were lovely and helpful. While the room was not serviced during our stay you could get fresh towels and toiletries from reception. And there was an on-site laundry $3 wash $3 dry.
Very Good
45 Reviews