River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage
This is the secret hinterland hide away that has up til now been word of mouth only. The cottage is an eclectic mix of style and comfort. And feels like you're staying in your own holiday house
The 10 acre property has been planted with a variety of tropical fruits - perhaps a grapefruit for breakfast, mango for lunch and a pomegranate for dessert! The star attraction is the privacy and the beautiful Wilsons River that provides an excellent swimming hole and a regenerated rainforest to wander through or have a picnic lunch.
The layout of the cottage includes combined kitchen and dining room, lounge, main bedroom with double bed and second bedroom with a double bed and a trundle bed, bathroom and covered deck.
You're in the hills but we do have everything a modern holiday maker could want - Electricity, cold and piping hot running water and will be turned on prior to your stay. We have an upright gas stove & oven, fridge, dishwasher, wood burner and cd/radio/ipod dock, tv and dvd, basic furniture, cutlery, crockery, sheets, blankets and dooners for all beds + a CD library and some games and cards. Outside you can cook on a great wood barbeque or on the gas barbie. Plus we have an iron, electric blanket and all the kitchen appliances you’ll need to whip up delicious meals.
The Federal Store: The store is the only shop in the village and is a meeting place for the locals for anything and everything. It acts as the supermarket, bottle shop, post office, newsagent and eftpos outlet.
Some tips: A torch for night time spotting, gum boots for wet weather, table linen for glamour dining and beach towels for taking a dip in the creek or the sea.
Trips in the area
Within the region can be found a number of attractions.
Byron Bay: Eastern most point of Australia. Lots of restaurants and shops in this rapidly growing tourist spot. Beaches such as Wategoes, Broken Head, Tallow and the Pass are well worth a visit. A pleasant walk and picnic can be had from Wategoes to the lighthouse. There is a golf course on the south side of town. Ballina: The home of the big lobster, movie theatre and airport. Bangalow: A ‘pretty’ town and now bypassed by the highway. The town has been restored to it’s former glory and hosts galleries, second hand/antique stores and cafes. Try the Woods and visit the country market on the last Sunday of the month. Minyon Falls: 15 minutes by car from Federal is a 300m cascading waterfall into the valley of the palms. Picnic grounds, look outs all set in rainforest. A number of walks, including a 5km walk to the bottom of the falls. Brunswick Heads: 10 minutes up the Pacific Highway from Bangalow. Great pub for a counter lunch and lots to discover. Lennox Heads: Best right hander on the coast, but watch the rocks. Nimbin: Hippyville! Lismore - Lizard ville: Bustling regional centre 30km west of Federal. Supermarkets, cafes, airport and University. Mount Warning: A day trip for the more adventurous. Mullumbimby: A 10km drive from Federal along the Coorabel ridge, giving breathtaking rural and coastal views. ‘The biggest little town in Australia’ The Channon: 30 minutes west, tricky to find but worth the trip for the monthly market (2nd Sunday) great variety of plants, food and crafty produce. Along with the sights and sounds. The Gold Coast: Only an hour up the highway to glitz, glamour and gluttony. Casino, Pacific Fair and airport.
Just some suggestions, but you can discover the rest yourselves.
Check out our Instagram account for more images on Federal Hilton #federalhilton
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Check out by 10am (unless otherwise arranged)
please leave the house as you found it and don’t forget to follow the What To Do When You Leave info we have provided.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number PID-STRA-29120, 2480
Property # 9023218
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Federal
Located in Federal, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Andrew Johnston Big Scrub Nature Reserve and Goonengerry National Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens and Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens - 21 min drive - 17.0 km
Minyon Falls - 22 min drive - 16.6 km
Belongil Beach - 30 min drive - 29.5 km
Main Beach - 30 min drive - 29.9 km
Wategos Beach - 34 min drive - 33.0 km
Getting around
Mullumbimby Station - 31 min drive
Ballina, NSW (BNK-Ballina - Byron Gateway) - 38 min drive
Restaurants
The Farm Byron Bay - 22 min drive
Yaman Mullumbimby - 22 min drive
Santos Organics Mullumbimby - 22 min drive
Baker and Daughters - 22 min drive
The Other Joint - 22 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage?
As of 11 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage on 14 Jun, 2026 start from S$230, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage located?
Situated on a river, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Andrew Johnston Big Scrub Nature Reserve, Goonengerry National Park and Snows Gully Nature Reserve. Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A great family venue to relax and have the kids unplug and enjoy the outdoors.
Louise was especially helpful and the cabin was tidy and well stocked.
Would highly recommend.
A peaceful spot, with a friendly community near by.
The artwork was aspiring to curious little minds, as was the art deco furniture pieces and the older cutlery.
We look forward to visiting Federal again....hopefully for a bit longer next time.
Lisa D.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr, 2024
Thanks so much for staying Lisa and so glad you and your children enjoyed the vintage and eclectic elements in the house.
Look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
A little bit of everything, country retreat, fresh water creek and the beaches only 20 mins away!
Lovely trip away - only criticisms would be the lack of fans in the living area, laundry and screen doors! Otherwise, perfect. Very well stocked kitchen, awesome shower pressure and a good opportunity to get kids off screens!
Anita B.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Thanks for staying with us and glad you had a great time.
Thanks also for your comments - always good to get feed back from guests.
As we are on tank water we are unable to offer a washing machine for guests - but we do have a washing tub, washing powder, pegs and a clothes line - if you need to wash during your stay. We also highly recommend the Laundry Mats in Mullumbimby and Bangalow - drop your load off , have a coffee and explore the villages - then hang it out at home.
A quaint country cottage. What you see is what you get. Beautiful gardens, quiet, peaceful surrounds. Furniture, though old was comfy and created a cosy and sentimental atmosphere. Crackling log fireplace made for a warm and cosy living area. Well equipped kitchen with everything you need for a self-contained stay. No phone signal so got a welcome break from the outside world. Friendly locals helped us find places to eat, things to see and gave directions when we got lost. Close to all the fun spots, Byron, Mullumbimby, crystal castle.Dont delay if you want a quiet restful retreat.
Having travelled from Sydney over a few stop-overs with Canadian friends and after enjoying two relaxed days in Federal Hilton I asked the friends what was the highlight of the trip. Their enthusiasm was for Federal. Arty, the solitude, the environment and thanked me for finding such an amazing place.
Loved it Louise.
Aileen Kelly
Andrew K.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Nov, 2022
So good to hear Aileen. Hope you can come and spend an other stay with friends at the Federal Hilton in the future & safe travels to your Canadian friends.
We’re glad you found us too!
We spent a week in this vintage/retro cottage with our young teen boys. Cosy, quirky, gorgeous. We stayed in winter, enjoyed the log fire at night but still dared to jump in the swimming hole. Freezing. We want to come back in the summer now. The back deck was a glorious spot for family breakfasts and late evening card games. The neighbours dogs adopted my boys who ran around the property with them instead of spending time on screens. There's everything you need providing you follow the instructions when you book. It feels isolated but you're still close enough for good coffee, newspapers and that extra bottle of wine. We travelled to Byron for dinner easily enough once we got used to narrow, windy roads. But really we just wanted to chill out at the property. The week felt like a real break of total relaxation. Get yourself a massage in Bangalow and don't miss the most divine Mexican at Chupacabra in Suffolk Park.
Liane M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
So glad you enjoyed your in stay at our house in the Federal hills - and look forward to welcoming you all back again soon. And I promise the swimming hole is not freezing in summer time!!
Absolutely amazing! The house is just gorgeous and perfect for a little get away surrounded by nature. Louise was super helpful and informative. Thank you
We had a lovely time at The Federal Hilton. Magical gardens to frolick and have a fire in; lots of gorgeous wildlife to spot; and a warm, cosy cottage with great kitschy gear to chill out in. It was clean, comfortable and all was as communicated. We’ll definitely be back.
We had a sublime time at the Federal Hilton. Beautiful flowers and surrounds; amazing wildlife and lovely fur babies from next door! The children loved exploring and creating and the big people loved relaxing and reading by the fire or on the deck. Local walks and visits were great and the cottage itself was fabulous, inspirational while homely. Thanks so much - we loved our stay - we’ll be back.
It was a lovely break from the big smoke Very quiet and lovely to hear the birds, esp the kookaburra, in the morning. It was a very cold period, and great that there was a solid supply of firewood for the woodburner
All appliances worked well. Very nice hot showers. Comfy beds.
It suited me and my kids.. had lots to talk about and explore
Loved the quirky design, colours and all the bits and pieces in this beautiful cottage. Its not luxury but its so comfortable and the log fire is lovely. Once opened up the house really connects with the outside and the surrounds are stunning, beautiful and loads of wildlife visitors. The local Cafe Doma and the Produce shop were amazing and had everything we needed for a great long weekend.
As described in listing. I chose this place for the restorative powers of the open fire and the river is a bonus. Stayed during a cold snap. Enough blankets and wood to keep us warm. Lots of little extras to look at in the cottage. Something different. I would stay again.
Very quiet & secluded yet neighbours not far away if needed. Beautiful tress and shrubs around - enjoyed strolling around, down to the river etc. Perfect for dropping out of all the hassles for a while, I read, sketched, slept well & happily, thank you.
Miriam L.
About the host
Hosted by Louise Bickle
We live in the inner city suburb of Redfern and this is our much loved holiday escape. We like to share this beautiful hideaway with other like minded guests (although not at the same time of course). We try to get up to the hills as often as possible so our house has that homey feeling rather than your usual holiday let, we are always updating something or making things more comfortable.
Why they chose this property
Before the original European settlers arrived, the Federal Valley was a rain forest & bush area called the ‘Big Scrub’. The settlers were afraid of the ‘big scrub’ so they cleared all areas of the land. The land was then used mostly for the running of livestock.We bought the property in 1978 & at that time there was only one tree on the entire 10 acre block, (it’s the one to the left of the deck, the Red Apple Tree). All the other trees & shrubs have been planted by us or spread by birds or the elements. The rain forest at the creek edge has slowly regenerated by it self.From 1979 to 1986, the top paddock was planted as an orchard of avocados. These unfortunately were slowly killed off by phitopherous (a root disease).The Federal Valley was also a proposed dam site, a 10 year battle was fought & won by the community in 1995. The dam would have flooded the valley entirely, our property would have had water to the top gate. All the wild life & trees would have been lost.Our 10 acres now hosts many interesting trees & shrubs, among them we have grapefruit, limes, oranges, tung oil, pecans, black bean, mango, custard apple, macadamia & coffee as well as a huge range of gums, cedars and pine trees to name a few.We are slowly creating a beautiful garden, there are both fragrant & colourful species that do their thing at different times of the year.At the creek we have turtles, a platypus family, a kingfisher family & hundreds of other birds, butterflies & reptiles.We hope you relax & enjoy your stay!
What makes this property unique
Our back grounds are in textiles, theatre and interior styling - so you'll find an eclectic mix of furniture and furnishing. We like cooking and eating at home so the kitchen is very well equipped for the holiday chef. We have a teenage son who has spent his growing up years, holidaying on the property, so we have a very child friendly environment and lots of books, CDs and DVDs to keep all ages entertained + a trampoline! AND we have no wifi. Internet and mobile coverage is a very recent addition to the area - but try to stay off grid for 100% relaxation. Read a book on the deck, relax in the butterfly chairs, swim in the swimming hole, spot wildlife and enjoy the sunshine.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests