This season, the allure of the open road calls, leading us to Australia’s hidden gems: low-key summer 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.
Picture a space where king-sized comfort meets Netflix nights or poolside BBQs under swaying palms. Whether it’s a beachside retreat or a hilltop haven, these stays are where understated luxury and laid-back adventure collide.
We've rounded up 14 of our favourite if-you-know-you-know motel stays on the east and south coast of 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.
