Raes on Wategos is a accommodation in Wategos Beach, NSW, Australia, with a price range of $$$$. It has a 4.5/5 rating from 778 Google reviews. Contact: 02 6685 5366. Website: https://raes.com.au.Listed on thegood.guide, the local's guide to Byron Bay.





Wategos Beach · Accommodation
(778 reviews)
$$$$
The only accommodation that sits directly on Wategos Beach, which is already doing a lot of the work. Raes is a small, Mediterranean-style property with a handful of rooms and suites, each oriented toward the water. The restaurant here has long been a destination in its own right, so staying means you don't have to compete for a table or a parking spot on Marine Parade. At this price point, you're paying for position as much as anything else: waking up to one of Byron's most sheltered, least chaotic beaches before the day-trippers arrive. Book well ahead. Rooms at this end of the market move early, and Wategos fills fast across school holidays and long weekends.
Contact the business for opening hours.
We had lunch here and everything was excellent, from the service to the food. It was so refreshing to have a meal that felt genuinely different and still managed to surprise us. Given some of the other expensive dining options in the area, this felt well worth the money and stood out for the right reasons. Lovely lunch, amazing views, and a really memorable experience overall. My only regret is not doing the 7-course menu.
We had the most incredible experience at Rae’s restaurant, and a huge part of that was thanks to Amy. She was absolutely amazing from start to finish — attentive, warm, and genuinely caring. Amy made us feel so welcome and went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Her energy, professionalism, and attention to detail truly elevated our entire experience. It’s rare to come across someone who makes such a lasting impression, and Amy did exactly that. She turned a beautiful evening into something really special. Thank you again, Amy, we’ll definitely be back again!

Byron Bay
Forty-five acres of coastal wetland, freestanding villas pointed at the trees, and private beach access. Elements sits deliberately apart from Byron's centre. The distance from the main strip isn't a drawback; it's the whole idea.

Byron Bay
On Jonson Street, central to everything Byron does well. Walking distance to the beach, the markets, and the better end of town. A practical base in a destination that makes 'location' do most of the work.

Byron Bay
Perched at the top of town with the lighthouse in sight, this YHA property does what the brand does well: affordable beds, shared spaces, and a social mix of travellers using Byron as a base rather than a backdrop.
Friday arrival to Sunday checkout, with the specific bookings, timings, and places that make a romantic Byron Bay weekend feel considered rather than improvised. From a Wategos Beach dinner to a dawn balloon flight over the hinterland, this is the two-night plan worth following.
September to November is Byron Bay at its most functional: whale pods still moving through the headland, hinterland trails in their best condition after winter rain, and accommodation priced below the Christmas cliff. Here is what to do, where to stay, and why spring is the window most visitors overlook.
Autumn is the right season for a Byron girls' trip, and the itinerary is simpler than the group chat suggests. Book the Wategos dinner table first, sort the villa second, and let the rest follow. Here is the weekend, planned properly.
Byron Bay's accommodation market doesn't apologise for its prices. Two properties sit at the absolute top — one for position, one for scale — and the gap between them tells you everything about how to choose. Here is what each luxury stay actually delivers, and which one is worth your money.
Byron Bay in winter is the version locals prefer. Whale migrations off the headland, hinterland day trips in cool clear air, wellness retreats you can actually get into, and accommodation prices that reflect the season. June through August is not the off-season. It is the right season.
Had a lunch at Raes, its in a beautiful location with beach views, the restaurant decor is also very nice. The service was incredible, with staff being friendly and attentive. The food was also nice, although maybe not to my personal taste and quite on the gourmet side. I would recommend the tuna or crab entree which stood out flavour wise compared to the main I had. For the price point of $135 three course I believe some improvements could be made to the main options.
Such a lovely lunch at Raes. The location is absolutely outstanding, especially on a beautiful sunny day. Everything from the starters to the desserts was flawless. We began with the croissant and the savoury waffle, followed by the agnolotti and the tuna as entrées — both were simply perfect. For mains, we had the lamb and the bay lobster, and we finished with an incredible selection of desserts: the chocolate délice, mango cheek, and the Ice VoVo. Every bite was delicious. We also had the chance to chat with the chef, who was incredibly friendly — compliments to him for such amazing food. A special shoutout to Amy, our server, who was kind, professional, and genuinely lovely, and to Ramos, the sommelier (I believe), who together made the experience truly unforgettable. Thank you as well to Andrea for the super tasty spritz. We had an amazing time — thank you to everyone, and see you soon!
Amazing birthday lunch. The staff were fantastic. Amie our main waiter from Holland was so lovely- friendly and professional. Extremely knowledgeable about the food and wine. If you are her line manager get her on the level 3 sommelier course! Ramon our sommelier was brilliant- friendly, professional and charming. I would employ both tomorrow. Food was fabulous. I had crab, duck and cheese all really special. Great wine list. This is a must visit venue.