Design-led hotel-hostel brand Drifter has launched its first full-scale product in the Australian market this week with the opening of Drifter Byron Bay, swiftly followed by a Little Drifter in Sydney.
The 260-bed Drifter Byron Bay, located close to the beach at Lateen Lane, marks the brand’s official entry into the Australian market and follows the launch of its first property, Drifter Christchurch, in June 2024.
Designed to deliver “the social energy of a hostel with the quality and amenity of a boutique hotel”, Drifter has ambitious growth plans for Australia and New Zealand with properties on the way for Melbourne, Wellington and Auckland in 2026.
“Drifter Christchurch has been the proof point we needed to show that today’s traveller is seeking so much more than just a place to sleep – they want connection, experience and community,” said Drifter CEO Luke Moran.
“The response to what we’re doing with Drifter has been incredible and with Drifter Byron Bay, we’re building on that success, taking the blueprint from Christchurch and evolving it into something that’s just as thoughtful, social and just a straight up place to be.
“[Drifter Byron Bay] is the next step in our journey to redefine what modern travel looks like for the free-spirited traveller, but there’s also so much more to come for Drifter in Australia, New Zealand and even further afield.”
Drifter Byron Bay features 52 rooms – both shared and private suites, most of which have balconies – a communal space for dining, games and movie screenings, a communal kitchen, open reception with lounge and workspaces, and a 7-metre rooftop pool with a dedicated poolside DJ booth.
The interior design and fit out, which was led by Drifter’s project design and delivery lead, Larissa Fuller, showcases custom art and local print photography.
“Drifter Byron Bay redefines coastal design with a modern palette of sun-washed ochres, rusted maroons, and sea greens layered with eclectic global influences and art-driven communal spaces,” Fuller said.
“Our dramatic aqua-toned rooftop pool and expansive leisure deck is framed with lush tropical landscaping and is a striking architectural anchor for the property which offers tactile finishes, original artworks and sculptural details throughout the common areas and rooms.”
As with all Drifter and Little Drifter venues, Drifter Byron Bay offers a program of free experiences designed to bring guests together including The Cook Up, a family style meal put on by the Drifter team and the Drifter Fit Check offering group wellbeing activities such as a run club and beachside yoga.
“Drifter properties elevate the accommodation experience into something design-led and experience-rich to facilitate connection with others,” said Drifter Co-Founder, Hugh Stephenson.
“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. 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.”
The smaller-scale version of Drifter, known as Little Drifter, now has seven locations across Australia’s east coast – the latest opening in Sydney’s inner-west suburb of Glebe on Wednesday.
The launch of Little Drifter Glebe follows a multi-million-dollar refurbishment which commenced in late May.
Also offering 52 rooms – four of which are private suites with signature Drifter bunks in shared rooms offering privacy curtains, individual power outlets, lighting, and lockable storage.
The retro-look property features local art and photography, a guest rooftop with views over the Sydney skyline, a wellness space with day beds and outdoor boxing, yoga and pilates gear, a custom-designed laundry and gaming additions such as a pool table and electronic dart boards.