River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage

Photo gallery for River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage

A wooden lounge chair with a hat and a book on it, set in a lush garden with trees and a wooden pergola overhead.
A rustic wooden structure with a roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a purple flowering tree.
A gazebo in a lush garden with various trees and plants.
A red-walled room with a framed picture, a leather sofa with patterned cushions, and a checkered floor.
A bathroom with two windows, one of which has a view of trees and a palm.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Bounce into fun
    One of the few properties with an on-site trampoline.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View map
Federal, NSW
  • Place, Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, Minyon Falls
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Bangalow Market
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Airport, Ballina, NSW (BNK-Ballina - Byron Gateway)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Blue Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Orange Bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

Property grounds
Hinterland Harmony Byron Hinterland
Numulgi
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
Hinterland Harmony Byron Hinterland

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 horse riding and hiking/biking trails.
View more Cottages in FederalOpens in a new window
Map
Federal, NSW

What's nearby

  • Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens - 20 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Minyon Falls - 21 min drive - 15.9 km
  • Bangalow Market - 25 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Belongil Beach - 30 min drive - 29.5 km
  • Main Beach - 30 min drive - 29.9 km

Getting around

  • Ballina, NSW (BNK-Ballina - Byron Gateway) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Farm Byron Bay - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Baker and Daughters - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪sparrow - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Mangosteen - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Butcher Baker Bangalow - ‬20 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 5 November 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage on 20 November 2026 start from NZ$954, 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 Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens and Bangalow Market are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 64 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 64 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 64 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 64 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 64 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely quirky property. The gardens are lovely and it was extremely quiet and peaceful. The house was very well equipped. Some things had seen better days but the linen on the beds was nice. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 October 2026
Our cottage is full of eclectic and vintage finds, so many will have had their heyday and been loved long ago. These add to the charm and quirkiness of the decor. Our bedlinen is 100% organic cotton and we want everyone to enjoy sleeping in beautiful sheets. Thanks for choosing to stay with us at the River House (aka Federal Hilton) and glad you enjoyed your time in the hinterland.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time staying at the Federal Hilton. Beautiful property and quirky house full of character. Very comfortable and relaxing base for exploring a beautiful area. Thanks!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay! Great place, easy access and great coffee shops close by.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, charming and peaceful.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quirky cottage in lovely setting

Beautiful tropical location in a relaxed, eclectic cottage. Perfect for a relaxed, laidback family holiday away from the main throng.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great family destination

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.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Federal Hilton

Relaxing, peaceful, restful, cozy winter break
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely rainforest cottage

Gorgeous!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 October 2024
Thanks for staying at the River House. Hope to welcome you back again soon!!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Federal

Beautiful grounds and river.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

short escape from the city

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 April 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.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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!
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 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.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A secluded hide-a-way

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
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 November 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!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

A Quirky Hinterland Paradise

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 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!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Amazing. As usual
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!!!

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
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you

It was a lovely spot and suited us perfectly. Thanks Louise.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

We loved our stay, fantastic cabin and fantastic property. It was a perfect base for discovering the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Secluded Retreat

Rustic secluded getaway in the heart of Federal. Loved it with all the amenities that were required.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Country Cottage

What a lovely warm and inviting cottage. Enjoyed the books and music and loved the fire. And a lovely property to stroll around.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great retreat

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
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Back into Wildernes

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.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway from it all

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.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
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