With the June long weekend on the horizon for most of Australia, there’s no better time to hit the road in search of a change of pace – and place. This season, the allure of the open road calls, leading us to Australia’s hidden gems: low-key retro motels that are anything but ordinary.
Forget cookie-cutter stays; these destinations offer charm, character, and a refreshing dose of individuality. From candy-coloured facades with rooftop hangouts to retro interiors blending nostalgic vibes with modern amenities, these motels redefine coastal cool. We've rounded up 26 of our favourite if-you-know-you-know motel stays along Australia, below.
1. The MED Motel (Crescent Head, NSW)
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Location: 35 Pacific St, Crescent Head NSW 2440
Key features:
- outdoor pool
- picturesque courtyard
- BBQ Area
- fully-equipped gym
- La Costa Cantina restaurant
- proximity to surfing and local attractions.
About: The Med Crescent Head brings Mediterranean charm to the Aussie coastline, with its signature terracotta tiles and relaxed luxury. Just steps from one of the world’s best right-hand point breaks, it’s a dream retreat for surfers and style seekers alike.
2. The Blue Water Motel Kingscliff (Kingscliff, NSW)
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Location: 129 Kingscliff St, Kingscliff NSW 2487
Key features:
- Malin + Goetz toiletries
- steps from Kingscliff Beach
- unlimited Wi-Fi
- Apple TV/Foxtel
- air conditioning.
About: Fusing laid-back coastal vibes with a touch of retro cool, thanks to its Jason Grant-led redesign, this motel is just steps from the beach and a perfect escape with a saltwater pool, Malin + Goetz toiletries, and modern comforts to match the stunning surroundings.
3. The Isla (Batehaven, NSW)
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Location: 222 Beach Rd, Batehaven NSW 2536
Key features:
- Cantina with vending machines
- Cabana-style pool house
- outdoor plunge pool
- contactless check-in
- EV charging station
- complimentary onsite parking
- high-speed Wi-Fi
- smart TVs with Chromecast
- rain showers
- dog-friendly courtyard room.
The Isla redefines coastal luxury with bespoke oak furnishings, terrazzo accents, and a cantina stocked with local favourites. Just steps from Batemans Bay, it’s your chic escape, complete with a plunge pool, LEIF bath products, and even a dog-friendly courtyard.
4. Bluey's Motel (Blueys Beach, NSW)
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Location: 186 Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach NSW 2428
Key features:
- pool and spa
- free Wi-Fi
- BBQ facilities
- outdoor showers
- off-street parking
- graze boxes
- gardens and courtyard.
About: Blueys Motel is a boutique coastal retreat where modern comfort meets natural beauty, just minutes from pristine beaches. With a sparkling pool, lush gardens, and thoughtful touches like graze boxes, it’s the perfect spot for laid-back luxury.
5. Motel Molly (Mollymook, NSW)
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Location: 2 Shepherd St, Mollymook NSW 2539
Key features:
- swimming pool with cabana
- cruiser and surfboard hire
- manicured gardens for relaxation
- complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Le Labo luxury toiletries
- outdoor BBQ and shower.
About: Motel Molly offers a unique seaside experience with Moroccan-inspired décor and a soothing colour palette, just meters from Mollymook's famous beach. Guests can enjoy amenities like a swimming pool, BBQ facilities, and complimentary cruiser and surfboard hire, all designed for true relaxation and rejuvenation.
6. Hillcrest Motel (Merimbula, NSW)
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Location: 95-97 Merimbula Dr, Merimbula NSW 2548
Key features:
- swimming pool with sun lounges
- synthetic grass tennis court
- BBQ area and cabana
- fire pit with seating
- yoga lawn with view
- kids' play equipment.
About: Hillcrest Merimbula is where coastal charm meets laid-back luxury, perched on a hill with sweeping ocean views. With a tennis court, fire pit, and a sparkling pool surrounded by lush greenery, it’s the ultimate escape for relaxation and play.
7. The Sails Motel (Brunswick Heads, NSW)
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Location: 26/28 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
Key features:
- complimentary Leif amenities
- private ensuite bathrooms
- flat screen TV
- air conditioning units
- in-room refrigerator
- microwave and toaster.
About: The Sails Motel offers a modern coastal retreat in the heart of Brunswick Heads, blending stylish comfort with a relaxed vibe. With thoughtful touches like Leif amenities, private ensuites, and a prime location near cafes and the river, it’s the perfect getaway.
8. The Mysa Motel (Palm Beach, QLD)
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Location: 1100 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Key features:
- magnesium swimming pool
- contactless check-in system
- solar-powered energy
- filtered water stations
- Australian native gardens
- reclaimed vintage décor.
About: The Mysá Motel redefines eco-luxe with its solar-powered design, magnesium pool, and serene Australian native gardens. Nestled on the Gold Coast, this retro-inspired haven blends sustainability with style for a truly unique stay.
9. Surfside Motel (Yeppoon, QLD)
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Location: 30 Anzac Parade, Yeppoon QLD 4703
Key features:
- beachfront location
- renovated, modern rooms
- swimming pool
- free wi-fi access
- guest laundry facilities
- BBQ area.
About: Yeppoon Surfside Motel offers a laid-back escape right on the beach, with modern rooms and coastal charm. Whether you're lounging by the pool or firing up the BBQ, it's the perfect spot to unwind by the sea.
10. HotelMOTEL (Adelaide, SA)
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Location: 216-225 South Tce, Adelaide SA 5000
Key features:
- 24-hour reception service
- complimentary wi-fi access
- smart TVs in rooms
- access to outdoor pool
- on-site restaurant and bar
- free parking at door.
About: Blending retro vibes with modern convenience, this spot offers smart TVs, pool access, and doorstep parking, and with an on-site restaurant and bar, it's the ultimate base for exploring the city in style.
11. The Pink Hotel (Coolangatta, QLD)
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Location: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Key features:
- rooftop space for relaxation
- complimentary wi-fi access
- in-room dining service
- king-sized Koala mattresses
- Netflix in all rooms
- stocked mini bar.
About: This summer motel is a retro dream with bold interiors, Koala mattresses, and a rooftop perfect for sunsets. With Netflix in every room and a stocked mini bar, it’s the ultimate mix of fun and luxury by the beach.
12. River Drive Motel (South Gippsland, VIC)
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Location: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Key features:
- proximity to surf beaches, Wilsons Promontory and Phillip Island
- local IGA, post office, cafe and pub are all within walking distance
- curated, local mini bar
- optional bespoke breakfast and aperitivo hampers
- full kitchen or kitchenette
- dedicated parking space
- air conditioning
- smart TV
About: Only two hours from Melbourne, the River Drive Motel provides a peaceful retreat along the Tarwin River, offering self-contained accommodation in the heart of South Gippsland's breathtaking landscapes. Thoughtfully updated with modern Australian design, this boutique five-room retro motel invites travellers of all kinds – families, couples, or solo adventurers – to enjoy a charming and restful getaway.
13. The Cheshire Cat Motel (Palm Beach, QLD)
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Location: 1005 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Key features:
- pool deck, available to all in-house guests
- communal courtyard with an outdoor rain shower
- 200 metre leisurely stroll to the nearest beach entrance
- contactless check in
- free on-site parking.
About: Step into the revived charm of The Cheshire Cat, a reimagined 1960s beachside motel in Palm Beach, now offering contactless boutique accommodation with six queen rooms, a two-bedroom apartment, a terracotta-edged pool deck, and lush garden spaces. With its nostalgic design, lo-fi luxury, communal barbecue area, and sun-soaked lounge spots, it’s a serene invitation to lazy days, ocean dips, and breezy nights in the heart of the neighborhood.
14. The Timothèe Resort (Busselton, WA)
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Location: 70 Causeway Road, Busselton, Western Australia 6281
Key features:
- outdoor pool is heated year-round
- on-site restaurant The Curry Port, offering traditional Indian Cuisine and a fully licensed bar
- riverside fire pit
- cottage kitchen containing a microwave, toaster, kettle, kitchen sink and extra crockery and cutlery
- outdoor BBQ
- tennis court and volleyball net
- 2 x electric vehicle charging stations
- free parking on site
- escooters
- washing machines and dryers on site
About: At The Timothée Resort in Busselton, luxury meets laid-back charm with facilities designed for indulgence and connection. Whether it's savoring aromatic Indian dishes at the on-site restaurant, unwinding by the riverside fire pit, or floating in the heated pool under the stars, every corner invites a sense of relaxation and escape.
15. The Sunseeker (Byron Bay, NSW)
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Location: 100 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Key features:
- self-serve laundry, open 24 hours
- daily coffee cart serving daily serving silky coffee, baguettes and fresh pastries
- library with books spanning music, art, architecture, design and surf
- mineral pool, heated in winter, bar and fire pit
- surf board and push bike hires
- complimentary scooters and karts for kids
- nature inspired playground and in-ground trampoline
- sustainably built
- 1% for the Planet alliance
- Leif bath products
- 43" Smart TV
- high speed Wi-Fi
- mini bar stocked with snacks and beverages (for purchase)
- reverse-cycle split system air conditioning and ceiling fans
- one dedicated car space per room.
- accessible room for guests with mobility needs.
About: Tucked just beyond Byron’s buzz, The Sunseeker is a lush, design-forward sanctuary that blends mid-century nostalgia with barefoot luxury. Family-friendly yet effortlessly cool, its sustainably-minded setup features a mineral pool, vintage-inspired interiors, and a bar you’ll never want to leave. Whether you’re sipping a morning coffee from the on-site cart or flipping through an art book in the library, every corner of The Sunseeker feels curated for ease, style, and slow-living joy.
16. Halcyon House (Cabarita Beach, NSW)
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Location: 21 Cypress Cres, Cabarita Beach NSW 2488
Key features:
- beachfront location with private access
- award-winning in-house restaurant Paper Daisy
- outdoor pool with cabanas
- Halcyon Spa with signature treatments
- complimentary à la carte breakfast
- custom interiors by Anna Spiro
- mini bar with locally sourced treats
- free bikes and beach equipment
- high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs
About: Halcyon House is the jewel of the northern NSW coastline – a former surf motel turned boutique hotel fantasy. From the handpicked antiques to the custom textiles, it's just steps from the sand, where guests can sip cocktails poolside, dine at hatted restaurant Paper Daisy, or indulge in spa rituals that rival European retreats. With just 19 rooms, two 2-bedroom suites, and one 1-bedroom suite though, we'd be quick to book your getaway.
17. The Kyah (Blue Mountains, NSW)
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Location: 13-17 Brightlands Avenue, Blackheath, New South Wales 2875
Key features:
- on-site restaurant, Blaq
- designer interiors with vintage nods
- in-room Leif amenities
- outdoor fire pit and communal garden areas
- tennis court
- high-speed Wi-Fi
About: Perched high in the Blue Mountains, The Kyah merges alpine nostalgia with clean, contemporary design. Think pastel tiling, timber panelling and a moody palette that evokes misty mornings. From cocktails at Blaq to lazy afternoons by the fire pit, it’s the kind of mountain motel that makes a case for extended stays.
18. The Berry View (Berry, NSW)
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Location: 180 Queen St, Berry NSW 2535
Key features:
- Art Deco–inspired design
- self-check-in
- smart TVs with streaming services
- outdoor lounges
- close proximity to cafes, boutiques and markets.
About: Sitting pretty in the heart of Berry, this retro-meets-modern stay is as photogenic as the town itself. With sweeping mountain views, palm-lined courtyards, and interiors straight from a Wes Anderson frame, The Berry View blends old-school glamour with small-town soul.
19. The Chalet Motel (Brunswick Heads, NSW)
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Location: 68 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
Key features:
- air conditioning and ceiling fans
- free Wi-Fi
- private courtyard for select rooms
- walking distance to town and beach
- curated minibar and outdoor areas.
About: A low-key sanctuary in the heart of Brunswick, The Chalet Motel is effortlessly cool with its whitewashed walls, native landscaping and breezy interiors. Minutes from the beach and the best local eats, it’s a no-fuss, all-vibes kind of stay.
20. The Keith Motel (Tootgarook, VIC)
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Location: 3481 Point Nepean Rd, Tootgarook VIC 3941
Key features:
- Mid-century design with updated finishes
- beach across the road
- self-check-in
- record players in select rooms
- garden and outdoor lounge areas
About: Nestled on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, The Keith is part-motel, part–Palm Springs fantasy. Aesthetics come first here – from graphic tiling to mint-green accents – but so does comfort. It’s a chic seaside escape just steps from the sand.
21. Sunnymead (Aireys Inlet, VIC)
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Location: 64 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet VIC 3231
Key features:
- indoor and outdoor pools
- indie spa offering modern treatments
- in-room vinyl record players
- on-site restaurant and bar
- eclectic interiors with playful colour blocking
About: Sunnymead is the type of place that makes you want to move in. Bold colours, spa soaks, and fire pits set the tone for a retro-modern retreat that doesn’t take itself too seriously. A great base for exploring the Great Ocean Road – or not leaving the hotel at all.
22. The Shores Miami (Gold Coast, QLD)
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Location: 9 Redondo Ave, Miami QLD 4220
Key features:
- private balconies with ocean or hinterland views
- outdoor swimming pool
- spacious, apartment-style rooms
- secure parking
- BBQ area and tropical gardens.
About: A slice of calm in the heart of the Gold Coast, The Shores Miami is relaxed but elevated. With vintage nods and coastal simplicity, it’s a place for sandy feet, salty skin, and sunset views that linger long after checkout.
23. Seaview Motel (Kangaroo Island, SA)
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Location: 51 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote SA 5223
Key features:
- oceanfront location
- balcony or terrace views
- updated rooms with modern comforts
- free parking
- guest laundry.
About: Set on the edge of wild, wondrous Kangaroo Island, Seaview Motel keeps things simple in the best way. It’s all about the view — best enjoyed with a glass of local wine in hand — and the gateway location to native wildlife and untouched beaches.
24. Kyneton Springs Motel (Kyneton, VIC)
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Location: 302 Mollison St, Kyneton VIC 3444
Key features:
- 70s Palm Springs–inspired décor
- pool and spa facilities
- designer-curated interiors
- fire pits and shared outdoor space
- record players and minibar.
About: Where Californian kitsch meets country Victoria, Kyneton Springs is all shag rugs and poolside rosé. It’s retro, sure – but with a wink. Whether you're here for the town’s food scene or a quick escape from Melbourne, this is maximalism with soul.
25. Noosa Heads Motel (Sunshine Coast, QLD)
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Location: 71 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Key features:
- heated outdoor pool
- undercover parking
- private balconies
- BBQ facilities
- walking distance to Hastings Street.
About: A sleek and sun-filled base for your Noosa adventures, this modern stay offers convenience and comfort just minutes from the main beach. Think golden hour dips, rainforest walks, and sundowners on your own private terrace.
26. Tessa’s on the Beach (Gold Coast, QLD)
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Location: 281 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga QLD 4225
Key features:
- boutique beachfront hotel
- in-room dining and cocktail service
- on-site bar
- heated pool
- designer interiors.
About: Old Hollywood meets ocean breeze at Tessa’s. With beach views and velvet lounges, it’s a nostalgic nod to glamour, reimagined for modern travellers. From poolside cocktails to barefoot beach strolls, it’s Gold Coast cool with a polished edge.
