Nestled in the hills, Federal Hilton offers a tranquil retreat with an eclectic mix of style and comfort. Enjoy complete privacy on the 10-acre property, featuring tropical fruits and Wilsons River for swimming or picnicking.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 490 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Laundry room
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Fireplace
Add dates for prices
About this property
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
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the cottage: Internet access
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchen island
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Stereo
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Comfort
Ceiling fan
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
In-room accessibility
No lift (single-level property)
Single level property
Smooth flooring in public areas
Stair-free path to entrance
Tile flooring in public areas
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
Near a hospital
On a river
Things to do
Tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Whale watching nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
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.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number PID-STRA-29120, 2480
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
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. Visit our Federal travel guide
Is River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
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).
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
River House (aka Federal Hilton) - Byron Bay Hinterland holiday cottage Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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.
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 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!
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
Verified
4/10 Poor
Rita P.
13 Jun 2025
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
It seems the objective is to not have anyone stay here. We were miserable the first few days. no air circulation & super high humidity. My wife has asthma and she had the toughest time. Most fans Did Not work. I had to play maintenance guy to get enough fans to provide some circulation. FYI, if it was me owning this place I would have an experienced maintenance guy work the contacts in-between switches. This would cause electricity to flow in-between physical switch contacts. humid environments seems to create a residue in-between contacts, thus no electricity to flow. As it now has been Indirectly communicated it seems customers who pay attention to detail may not be wanted. No worries we will stay away.
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.
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.