Hunkered on the top of a hill, nestled within the chirping hinterlands of hippie-infused Byron Bay, this free-standing mansion boasts stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding rolling mountains and glistening ocean.
The walls are splashed with glass from floor to ceiling boasting open plan living areas. Heavy teak sound proof sliding doors rumble on their tracks as you reach multiple wrap around balconies. A gentle breeze flows through the airy and tastefully decorated home, embracing the natural surroundings. You know you have reached paradise, also known as Koonyum Range Retreat.
Showcasing five generously sized bedrooms sprawled across three levels with a media room (which can be converted into a sixth bedroom) housing state of the art mod-cons, this chic house for 12 is the perfect retreat for those looking to getaway, celebrate a special occasion or even to get married. This is the ultimate setting for romance.
The master bedroom, located on the top floor, features twin showers with an oversized bathtub in prime position gazing toward the ocean, as well as a fully equipped surround sound system and deep walk in robe.
Two other bedrooms feature on this top floor along with the media room and a spacious bathroom almost the size of another bedroom. The toilets on this top floor are straight from electronic-infused Japan, with their automatic raising seats and self-cleaning functionalities. They don’t quite fit with the flow of wooden textures and striking artefacts that feature predominately in the house, but are a great little novelty highlighting the international flavours that flow throughout.
The vast wrap around balcony on the second floor borders the gourmet kitchen which is fit for a chef. In fact we had a wonderfully talented chef come in and cook us an amazing Moroccan banquet one evening– just one of the many features that can be offered by Koonyum Range Retreat.
The open living room centred with a two way fireplace, another bedroom with private ensuite, oversized laundry, toilet, second balcony with a full sized BBQ and giant chess board also feature on this level.
The lower level, known as the gazebo level, is home to the breathtaking vanishing horizon pool. Looking out to infinity and beyond, this 12m pool and surrounding entertainment areas are the perfect place to chill under the thatched Bali hut or sip on sundowners as spectacular sunsets paint the sky before you. A quaint self-contained studio is also located poolside.
Boasting handmade teak furniture imported from Indonesia, with rich Persian rugs flowing throughout each room in deep reds and blues, stained glass rustic Moroccan lamps illuminate key living areas as the tinted colours dance on the ceiling. The ambiance of this house is truly exotic.
Offering a complete escape like no other, activities such as an in-house masseuse or private yoga instructor can also be arranged.
The service offered by the owners and their staff is truly on a level of its own. Nothing is too much effort and going the extra mile is an understatement. I mentioned earlier about the chef we organised. I must mention, I requested this service only two days before and even though he was catering for eight weddings the day prior and two the day of our meal. He happily smiled and chatted away as he prepared the most delicious meal even though he was probably exhausted. The staff at Koonyum were flawless in assisting with any request.
To reach this birds-eye paradise, you must have a car. Located half an hour from the touts of Byron Bay and 15 minutes from sleepy Mullumbimby, the road leading to the house is not for the faint hearted. Narrow, windy and did I say narrow? For the slightly less confident drivers, ensure you arrive in daylight hours. For those who are born to drive, get your WRC on!
The last few kilometres of the drive are up a gravel road in deep bushlands and when I say up, I mean up. One part of the road seems almost vertical. Our little Nissan Micra struggled but managed. Once you reach the house though, you may never want to leave again and the drive up to this piece of serene paradise instantly seems like a distant memory.
You are automatically swept up in the fresh Australian bush smell of eucalyptus and pine, the call of the kookaburras as the sun sets and kisses the deck with the taste of salt on the ocean breeze reaching you over the tree tops to your own private paradise. Truly a unique experience.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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