Take a road trip back in time: Stay at Australia’s coolest retro motels
The Shores has been a Gold Coast landmark for half a century – now rejuvenated for the 2020s. Photo: The Shores
The humble motel was, once upon a time, a fixture of family holidays and lengthy road trips.
From the ramshackle roadside inns of our country towns to the beaut beachfront retreats in quiet coastal hamlets, motels took many shapes and forms.
These budget-friendly accommodation spots dipped out of vogue for a while, but they’re coming back in a big way. A new wave of ultra-cool motels is popping up along Australia’s east coast – some are retro-tinged odes to the holidays of our youth, others are resort-like rest stops that match boutique hotels in luxury.
If you’re planning a road trip up or down the coast, be sure to keep this list of the country’s coolest motels handy.
Queensland
Sunshine Coast
Surfside Motel, Yeppoon: Built in the late 1950s, Surfside Motel retains its old beachside holiday charm, even after a recent renovation that equipped its 13 rooms with all the modern conveniences and amenities one might desire, up to and including electric car chargers.
Across from the beachfront and a short walk from the Yeppoon Lagoon, Surfside Motel is primely placed for exploring the beautiful Capricorn Coast. And its quiet, self-contained rooms, decked out with breezy plantation-style decor offer the perfect space to relax and unwind at the end of a day of busy adventuring.
Halse Lodge, Noosa: Built in the 1880s, this heritage-listed, two-storey guest house has been carefully renovated and redesigned in ways that honour the character of a classic Queenslander, from high ceilings, to timber verandahs and softly-stained glass windows.
Nestled between dense rainforest and warm beaches, Halse Lodge offers colourful and comfortable dorms and private rooms, as well as open and welcoming communal spaces. From yoga on the deck, table tennis tournaments and long games of pool, to evenings soundtracked by classic vinyls, soak in the sunshine and the atmosphere of vintage Australiana.
Keen to check it out? Book here
Loea Boutique Hotel, Maroochydore: A boutique coastal escape opposite the tranquil Maroochy River, Loea is stylish and laid back.
Its 10 elegantly appointed rooms are decorated in calming hues with subtle coastal touches – think tasteful palm prints and woven wooden accents. Within its tranquil walled garden you can take a dip in a magnesium pool, or simply enjoy the idyllic outdoor relaxation areas.
Locally sourced food and drink are available onsite from Loea’s vintage food truck and if you wish to explore the area, free bikes are available for hire. There’s even a pet-friendly room so you and your pooch can holiday together.
Motel Caloundra, Caloundra: The Sunshine Coast’s first net-zero energy hotel, Motel Caloundra’s nine rooms are powered by 47 solar panels on its roof, allowing the hotel to operate almost entirely off of renewable energy sources.
Thoughtfully reimagined as sustainable eco-accomodation, the boutique’s motel has also had an interior facelift, with lush king-sized beds in rooms with stylishly simple colour palettes – welcoming white, coffee and caramel tones abound.
Located in the heart of Caloundra, the motel provides a peaceful resting place a stone’s throw from bustling shops, nourishing eateries and beautiful beaches. Your dream vacay awaits.
Gold Coast
The Shores, Miami: Just 200 metres from Miami Beach on the Gold Coast Highway, The Shores has been somewhat of a landmark since the 1970s.
While it’s common to see older coastal properties knocked down to make way for new builds, owner-builder Greg Strode and renowned stylist and designer Jason Grant instead worked to preserve the 1970s charm of the Miami motel while giving a clever and contemporary nod to the era’s laid-back surf culture.
The chic new boutique motel features a collection of thoughtfully designed rooms and spacious suites with sleek furnishings and pops of colour. Each room at The Shores has plush bedding, soft linens, bar fridges, Nespresso machines, cosy robes and slippers.
La Costa Motel, Bilinga: If it’s a quaint beachside getaway you seek, La Costa Motel delivers. A stone’s throw from Bilinga Beach, this 10-room boutique motel has a laid-back beach shack vibe.
On arrival, you’ll see colourful beach umbrellas, cheerful outdoor seating and the iconic mint-green 1950s building. Inside, there are all the creature comforts you would want from your stay, including cosy beds, hot showers, herbal teas, beach towels and your very own Nespresso machine.
With the beach only 50 metres away, or a vintage bike ride along the boardwalk to nearby Kirra, Tugun and Coolangatta, blissful beach days are never far away.
Cheshire Cat Motel, Palm Beach: In the heart of Palm Beach, ‘The Cat” as it is known, brings a renewed aesthetic and lo-fi luxury to a cruisy beachside setting.
Originally a humble 1960s motel, the building has been lovingly transformed by Gold Coast locals Matty Roberts and Monique Luchterhand, a husband-and-wife team who drew design inspiration from a road trip along California’s sun-soaked coast. Their vision brings together nostalgia and contemporary style, creating a unique destination that reflects the suburb’s relaxed, beachside lifestyle.
Ideal for couples or groups and families of up to four, The Cheshire Cat Motel has six fully appointed queen rooms and a two-bedroom apartment, ‘The Bungalow’, each with onsite parking.
The Mysa Motel, Palm Beach: Nestled in the heart of Palm Beach on the Gold Coast, Mysa Motel is a cosy, boutique haven that blends retro charm with modern luxury.
Just 11 minutes from Gold Coast Airport and a short stroll from beaches and local cafes, this seven-bedroom gem offers everything you need for a laid-back, eco-friendly escape.
With a sustainable ethos, contactless check-in and a magnesium pool, Mysa is all about comfort with a conscience. The motel is housed in the former Palm Trees Motel, where vintage materials have been lovingly upcycled and the rooms equipped with energy-efficient appliances, filtered water, and a touch of retro flair including nostalgic artwork by local photographer Trent Mitchell.
Ready to meet The Mysa? Head here
Tessa’s on the Beach, Bilinga: Tessa’s on the Beach brings a slice of Palm Springs to the Gold Coast with its chic, mid-century-inspired beachside boutique hotel. Just two kilometres from Gold Coast Airport, this 16-room hotel has four suites and two penthouses and has been thoughtfully renovated to blend timeless Palm Springs style with a fresh, local twist.
In the quieter, picturesque stretch of Bilinga Beach, guests can enjoy the perfect spot to swim, relax and soak up the coastal vibes. Whether you’re exploring nearby restaurants, bars or surf spots like Snapper Rocks, Tessa’s is perfectly placed.
Each room is a tropical haven, thoughtfully designed with ensuite facilities, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and all the comforts you need for a luxe stay.
Channel Palm Springs at Tessa’s on the Beach. Photo: Facebook/Tessa’s on the Beach
NSW
The Sunseeker, Byron Bay: Reimagined by a collective of artists, creatives and craftspeople with a passion for design, conscious construction and community, The Sunseeker offers a relaxed and considered holiday experience just out of the bustle of Byron Bay.
Aimed at discerning travellers, the original 1980s brick motel has been transformed into boutique accommodation offering that effortlessly blends nostalgia and modernity. The 12 rooms are split over two levels, each with a private patio or balcony, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a secluded poolscape. Each room has custom furniture, adopting a clean and calm ‘tropical brutalist tone’ that’s lifted by pops of colour.
Guests are treated to Leif products, Mayde tea, Coffee Supreme (both in-room and from the on-site coffee cart), as well as a Sunseeker x Jilly ROSSO Bagnum – aka a modern-day goon bag, crafted by the small-batch Clunes winemaker Jilly Wines.
Blue Water Motel, Kingscliff: The charming Blue Water Motel, just steps from Kingscliff Beach, was reimagined by renowned stylist and designer Jason Grant. Oozing laid-back coastal cool with just a touch of retro, the 17-room motel offers queen, twin and family rooms, as well as a four-bedroom beach house.
Bringing a touch of luxe to the motel scene, all of the thoughtfully designed Bluewater Motel rooms have Malin + Goetz toiletries, dedicated workstations, tea and coffee making facilities and smart TVs, and include access to a saltwater swimming pool, 24/7 kitchen, alfresco common areas and bike hire.
The Sails Motel, Brunswick Heads: Sails Motel is in the heart of town, with the best of Brunswick Heads at your doorstep.
Bringing the original motel experience into the modern day, the Sails’ rooms have been recently renovated, with hospitality design studio Akin Atelier tasked with updating them while honouring the original 1960s design of the iconic motel. They now have a slick aesthetic featuring terrazzo and teak timber and blue laminate surfaces, which harken the motel’s coastal position.
The slick air-filled lobby and bar area, which leads out to the sparkling umbrella-lined pool, sets the tone for a fun and relaxed stay. Sails is perched above popular dining spot Saint Maries, which slings some of the region’s best pizzas – and there’s a top-notch wine list to boot.
Sail over here to make a booking
The Chalet Motel, Brunswick Heads: Planning to eat, swim and explore your way through the Northern Rivers’ bustling Brunswick Heads?
The Chalet Motel is ideal if you’re after a relaxed stay that won’t break the bank. The boutique motel has 12 coastal-inspired rooms, alongside a spacious three-bedroom Sunset Loft and Sunset Bungalow for larger groups. Each room has premium toiletries, air-conditioning, smart TVs and access to a shared outdoor kitchen.
There’s also a tropical-inspired saltwater pool and a barbecue area for sun-soaked afternoon get-togethers.
The Eltham, Eltham In the rolling hills of Eltham, about 35 minutes inland from Bryon Bay, the Eltham Hotel has it all – elevated pub fare, ice-cold beers, live music, an on-site bottle shop and accomodation upstairs.
Guests can rest their heads in one of the Eltham’s five comfortable hotel rooms – The Margaret, The Rhonda, The Patsy, The Estelle and The Delilah. Each uniquely furnished room promises a soft pillow and a story to tell.
The Beach Rooms, Nambucca Heads: Before embarking on its chapter as The Beach Rooms, this Nambucca Heads landmark was known as the Blue Dolphin Motel. This accommodation spot – known as the ‘motel with the million-dollar view’ – has been a beloved destination for generations of holidayers, thanks to its mid-century charm and stunning views of the Nambucca waterways and beyond.
A thoughtful restoration process has retained much of the motel’s 1960s-era magic, with four levels of rooms offering an assortment of configurations (including family-friendly suites and cosy micro rooms), eco-friendly amenities and a design scheme that embraces and maximises its coastal surroundings.
The Beach Rooms’ pool shares the sweeping views of the area’s estuaries – its ample sun loungers and relaxed resort-style aesthetic giving guests a tranquil oasis to recharge.
Keen to make a booking? Click here
Blueys Motel, Blueys Beach: Just 200 metres from the sparkling waters of Blueys Beach, Blueys Motel is a dreamy destination for surf lovers and sunshine seekers.
With 10 open and airy rooms – each with a palette of natural and warm colours – this four-star motel offers just the right amount of intimacy for those after a quieter stay. Blueys Motel is equipped with its own pool (with striped loungers), spa and courtyard barbecue, you never need to leave. That said, if exploration is your jam, Blueys Motel is close to national parks, shops and local landmarks.
Surfside 22, Wollongong: Palm Springs meets the sun-drenched Australian coastline at Surfside 22, an iconic accommodation spot nestled in the heart of Wollongong.
This beachside destination offers retro vibes and modern comforts, with all 16 rooms offering a retro decor that transports guests back in time to the mid-century heyday of the iconic desert resort city.
Surfside 22’s amenities include a plunge pool and sauna, and the venue also has eco-friendly practices, offering biodegradable coffee pods, bamboo toilet paper, and bathroom amenities with biodegradable packaging.
With contactless check-in and check-out, staying at Surfside 22 is as easy as a beachy breeze.
Retro vibes all the way at the delightful Surfside 22 in Wollongong. Photo: Facebook/Surfside 22
The MED, Crescent Head: A night’s stay at this Crescent Head stunner will have you thinking you’ve woken up on the Italian coast.
The MED is a chic holiday spot inspired by glamorous Mediterranean villas – think terracotta hues, rendered concrete arches and signature tiled roof. A variety of accommodation styles and budgets are catered for at The MED, with suites available alongside a fully serviced three-bedroom penthouse, a cottage-style villa and newly installed two-bedroom containers.
When it comes to amenities, The MED offers more than your usual roadside inn – there’s a palm-lined swimming pool, picturesque courtyard, covered barbecue area, fully-equipped gym and a connected Mexican-inspired restaurant, La Costa Cantina.
Head to The MED’s website to see what’s on offer
The Berry View, Berry: Just inland of NSW’s picturesque South Coast, Berry is an idyllic village that pairs coastal whimsy with laid-back country charm.
In the heart of Berry is a gem of a motel that blends the iconic red architecture of Palm Springs with the old-world glamour of of the Amalfi Coast. The Berry View is a newly renovated mid-century drive-in motel that really leans into childhood nostalgia, channelling memories of summer road trips and sun-soaked holidays.
The original part of the hotel has 13 individually styled rooms that pay homage to the structure’s 1950s architecture, while 18 exquisitely designed luxury suites were added in 2024. In addition to quirky stylist-designed interiors, all rooms have an impressive suite of mod cons.
The Berry View also has a stunning infinity pool – perfect for whiling away a sunny day or two.
The Isla, Batehaven: With the unspoilt beaches of Batemans Bay and iconic surf breaks within reach, The Isla is the perfect accommodation base for exploring the NSW south coast.
The Isla’s design-led boutique rooms and suites are furnished in custom-crafted oak and feature luxe king-sized beds, terrazzo and brushed brass accents, Leif organic products, a stocked kitchenette and a Nespresso machine with St ALi coffee pods.
Feeling fancy? The deluxe two-bedroom Grande Suite has a private outdoor courtyard with ocean views and a private plunge pool.
Click here to lock in your stay
Casita Motel, Batehaven: Next to The Isla is sister property Casita Motel – a laid-back beachside escape that’s ideal for larger groups, with rooms that sleep four or more. The Standard Suite has a sun-soaked private courtyard, fully equipped kitchen and luxe amenities, while groups of five or more can enjoy sundowners on a private balcony overlooking the ocean in the Alto Suite.
Like its neighbour, Casita’s curated interior draws on the natural surrounding coastal landscape – but opts for a slightly darker and bolder character drawn from moody Spanish influences.
Keen to visit Casita? Head to the website to book
The Hillcrest, Merimbula: A retreat cherished by many, The Hillcrest is a shining example of mid-century coastal charm.
High on Merimbula Drive and with breathtaking views of Australia’s best beaches, The Hillcrest is a elevated oasis away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A thoughtful reimagining has retained much of Hillcrest’s mid-century spirit, with retro elements enhanced via a number of luxurious contemporary touch points.
All of Hillcrest’s 30 rooms are outfitted with INBED linen, MicroCloud bedding and KEVIN.MUPRHY hair and body products. About 20 rooms have been crafted by architect Atelier Chardon. The ‘Exhale Deluxe’ aesthetic juxtaposes raw concrete and rich dark timbers with calming coastal-inspired hues, while thoughtful details – such as vibrant red balcony furniture and artwork by Melbourne-based abstract painter Adela Kusur – add a distinctive decorative pop to each room.
Hillcrest also has a custom-built 70s-style pool, a newly surfaced tennis court and native gardens. Sound like the kind of place you’d like to spend a weekend?
Motel Molly, Mollymook: If you’re yet to venture to the south coast town of Mollymook, this pastel-hued seaside beauty may well lure you there. The room types range from a rose-pink garden suite to a limoncello-yellow three-bedroom apartment, while the lounge-lined pool area, lush olive and lemon trees, and outdoor dining area will whisk you away to the Mediterranean seaside.
The shores of Mollymook Beach are just two minutes away, and there are plenty of dining options on the doorstep. Jump on a cruiser bike and get exploring.
Further south
If you are keen to keep the road trip rolling right to the country’s southern end, there are plenty of incredible motels worth staying at along the way.
Make a detour to the Blue Mountains to stay at Kyah in Blackheath before crossing the border into Victoria. We’re big fans of The Keith Motel in Tootgarook, Sunnymead Motel in Aireys Inlet, Tarwin Lower’s River Drive Motel, the Kyneton Springs Motel in Kyneton and the Anglesea Riverside Motel in Anglesea. In South Australia, Kingscote’s Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel is worth a visit, as is The Timothèe Resort in Busselton, Western Australia.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Edition. Read the original here
