9 of east coast Australia’s best retro motels to visit

Take a getaway into Australia’s past and tour the east coast’s must-visit vintage motels.

By Carolyn Tate

Australia has had a long love affair with the roadside motel. 

Providing an affordable way for us to embark on long road trips, motels were in fashion, then out of fashion, and now they’re having a resurgence again. If you’d love nothing more than a meander down Memory Lane (or highway), some of these are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Although we’ve collected some of our favourites in Australia here, you’ll notice the epicentre of motel love in Australia is, and has always been, the southern Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales. And that’s where you’ll still find most of Australia’s best retro motels.

We’ve included a range of options here, from simple and affordable to renovated almost beyond recognition until it’s a super-luxe establishment – there’s truly a retro hotel experience to suit everyone. Happy travels!

1. The Isla, Batehaven NSW

The Isla was opened in 2022 by a group of friends who grew up holidaying on the south coast together. Longing for a destination where they could recapture past memories together, they jumped at the opportunity to create one when they saw an old-school motel for sale.

Now you can stay in rooms that offer considered designer touches and attention to detail that will ensure your stay makes you feel right at home. Some rooms have beach views and one – the Grande Suite no less – has its own plunge pool. And, bonus, you’re close to beaches, cafes and Batehaven’s many iconic holiday spots.

Amenities: Nespresso coffee machines, Wi-Fi, swimming pool

Address: 222 Beach Rd, Batehaven NSW

More info and bookings: The Isla

2. The Chalet Motel, Brunswick Heads NSW

This boutique 60s-style motel was revived by the owners, Louisa Bligh and Ryan Bowman, who wanted to recreate LA at home in Australia. With a saltwater swimming pool and cabana, The Chalet is surrounded by the best of Brunswick Heads when it comes to eating, drinking, and being merry (call it Bruns, if you want to sound like a local).

There’s a laid back cool everywhere you look at The Chalet and everyone is welcome. Park the car up by your bedroom door, kick your shoes off and settle in – you’ll most likely want to stay a while.

Amenities: parking, swimming pool, bikes and boards, barbecue, laundry service, Wi-Fi, luxury toiletries

Address: 68 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads NSW

More info and bookings: The Chalet Motel

3. The Sails Motel & Pool Club, Brunswick Heads NSW

Just up the road from the Chalet (this is going to be a very short road trip) is The Sails Motel. It was renovated in 2015 and is designed to take you back to a time and place when ‘holidaying was easy’ – in fact, the blue and white arches take you straight to an August holiday along the Mediterranean. The motel offers a range of room sizes and is in the centre of town, plus it has its own pizza restaurant and wine bar… and a handy second bar by the pool. 

Amenities: on-site restaurant and wine bar, on-site parking, barbecues, swimming pool, motel shop, Wi-Fi

Address: 26-28 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads, NSW

More info and bookings: The Sails Motel

4. The Sunseeker, Byron Bay, NSW

These days Byron Bay is a mix of old-school beach shacks and uber-luxe modern dwellings owned by a Hemsworth brother. Somewhere in the middle of the two is the iconic Sunseeker.

Sunseeker is all 80s brick motel nostalgia, with breezy coastal vibes for a holiday the way Byron used to be – only better. Tucked just outside the hustle and bustle of the town, the Sunseeker offers motel rooms and bungalows in a lush garden and pool setting. And you know a place is doing okay if it has its own merchandise. You can pick up a Sunseeker ‘holiday often’ mug, tote, or t-shirt while you’re there.

Amenities: cafe, mineral pool, bar, cabana, skateboards (we know you’re tempted), fire pit, mini bar, library, laundry

Address: 100 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay, NSW

More info and bookings: The Sunseeker

5. The Berry View Hotel, Berry, NSW

The Berry View was once a ‘cosy but dilapidated space’ in need of some TLC – and that’s exactly what it got in 2021, with an added Palm Springs flavour. 

Staying true to its motel roots, the Berry Motel has maintained its old-school charm, with orange doors and white breezeblock-trimmed walls, but it’s all done with a touch of luxury, like remote controlled blinds and smart-locking doors. And it’s still set in a picturesque hillside location, overlooking lush farmland.

Amenities: pool, fire pit, sunloungers

Address: 180 Queen St, Berry, NSW

More info and bookings: The Berry View

6. Mysa Motel, Palm Beach, Qld

The Mysa offers Gold Coast holidaying the way you might remember it when you were a kid. Dusty pink hues and dreamy tiles, and a kidney-shaped swimming pool complete with retro sun loungers.

The owners of Mysa Motel rescued the old iconic Palm Trees Motel from demolition and have lovingly restored it to something perhaps even beyond its former glory. Mysa’s owners describe the vibe now as ‘boutique luxe’, and they also have a focus on sustainability. Just 11 minutes’ drive from Gold Coast airport, the motel is also a short walk to the beach, and countless cafes and restaurants.

Amenities: on-site parking, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, Mysa Cosy Pack on arrival, filtered water, magnesium swimming pool

Address: 1100 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, Qld

More info and bookings: Mysa Motel

7. Motel Molly, Mollymook, NSW

If you were going to film a movie set in a retro motel, you’d probably choose Motel Molly. It’s multi-coloured and pretty, and just about perfect. Capturing all there is to love about a surfside motel, Motel Molly also packs plenty of little luxuries, like Smeg appliances and scented candles in each room. 

Amenities: Swimming pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, drink and snack vending machines, surfboard hire, outdoor shower, on-site parking, Wi-Fi

Address: 2 Shepherd St, Mollymook, NSW

More info and bookings: Motel Molly

8. River Drive Motel, Tarwin Lower, Vic

Although it captures the vibe of an old motel, River Drive is actually a new establishment, decorated in eucalyptus green, earthy rust and wattle gold – designed to reflect the colours of South Gippsland. With just five rooms, it’s an exclusive spot next to the Tarwin River, just minutes from the sandy beaches of Venus Bay and Inverloch, and plenty of great fishing spots. It also displays art by emerging artists, which is available to buy.

Amenities: mini bar, outdoor shower, barbecues, sink for washing all the fish you catch, games, books, eskies, ice machine, and you can pre-order grazing plates and breakfast

Address: 19 River Drive, Tarwin Lower, Vic

More info and bookings: River Drive Motel

9. Kyneton Springs Motel, Kyneton, Vic

Combining Palm Springs cool and Aussie road trip kitsch, Kyneton Springs has been renovated to offer “a perfectly nostalgic yet undeniably modern boutique motel”. No two rooms are the same, with each one having its own personality and unique details. Outside your room, you can indulge in a cocktail or two in the pastel-hued shade of The Patio, grab a meal at Cathie’s Kiosk, or browse the gift shop.

Amenities: meals, bar, gift shop, Wi-Fi, on-site parking, breakfast hutch for in-room dining

Address: 101 Piper St, Kyneton, Vic

More info and bookings: Kyneton Springs Motel