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Feel like taking a (road) trip down memory lane? Back in the 1950s, roadside motels were the ultimate cheap-and-chic stays for Aussie travellers wanting to explore their backyard without breaking the bank. Although they’ve been out of fashion for a good few decades, the motels of yesteryear are having a major comeback thanks to a nationwide retro revival.
Some of these motels have undergone a serious glow-up since their heyday, while others are newly established with a curated vintage look. From the east coast to the west, we’ve found ten of Australia's coolest retro motels for your next weekend getaway. See you by the pool!
Barossa Palms Motel, Barossa Valley, SA
A towering palm tree marks the spot at this recently revamped motel and wellness destination in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Channelling Palm Springs glamour with its sparkling mineral pool, daybed cabanas, massage room and hidden underground speakeasy, it’s a chic oasis to recharge between wine tastings. The ultimate bonus? Morning yoga sessions with the four resident goats.
The Cheshire Cat Motel, Palm Beach, QLD
It’s all about sunny days, sandy toes and blissful nights at ‘The Cat’. Originally built in the late 1960s, this Gold Coast motel has been reimagined as a stylish surf shack, boasting six coastal-inspired rooms and a two-bedroom apartment. The Cat is perched just 200 metres from the pristine waters of Palm Beach, but you can also relax under shady umbrella trees in the motel’s communal courtyard or on sunbeds by the pool. With contactless check-in and free parking, it’s the definition of lo-fi luxury.
Dolphins Motel, Mollymook, NSW
Just moments from Mollymook Beach on NSW’s South Coast, this classic 1950s beach motel has undergone a retro-cool makeover. Blending Palm Springs nostalgia with breezy Aussie coastal charm, the Dolphins Motel comes with plenty of modern perks – think a sun-drenched pool, room service, complimentary cruiser bikes, soft-top surfboards and garden table tennis. It’s everything you need from your beach holiday, right at your fingertips.
Kyneton Springs Motel, Macedon Ranges, VIC
You’ll have a good idea of what to expect as soon as you pull up to the custom retro neon sign out front of this funky boutique motel, located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Each of the 20 unique rooms nails the mid-century brief with groovy patterns, luxe finishes and kitsch wall art. Even if you haven’t posted on Insta since your last birthday, you’ll find it hard to resist snapping a few pics.
The Mysa Motel, Palm Beach, QLD
“Vintage vibe, modern mentality” is the motto at this refurbished Palm Beach coastal hideaway. Inhabiting the former Palm Trees Motel site, the Mysa (Swedish for ‘cosy’) delivers retro comfort in an uber-convenient location, just 11 minutes from Gold Coast Airport. The Mysa’s iconic magnesium pool is made for photoshoots, while long stretches of white-sand beaches and world-famous surf breaks sit just a quick stroll from your room.
Riverfront Motel, Berriedale, TAS
Tucked just around the corner from MONA in Hobart, the Riverfront Motel offers eight acres of waterfront land for a peaceful getaway. Originally built in 1960, the restored property retains many of its charming mid-century features throughout the restaurant, the River House and the 65 guest rooms – ranging from budget pads to a massive 15-person house.
The Berry View, Berry, NSW
Just steps from Berry’s storybook main street, this minimalist motel feels like a sun-drenched desert hideaway dropped in a peaceful pocket of NSW countryside. The recently renovated Berry View Motel takes its design cues from the desert boltholes of Palm Springs: all whitewashed walls and playful pops of colour. With its ultra-Instagrammable suites and show-stopping infinity pool, it’s the perfect base for a Shoalhaven weekender.
Bailey's Parkside Motel, East Perth, WA
Just a five-minute drive from the Perth CBD, this vibrant 1960s-inspired motel delivers big personality on a budget. Blending grunge graffiti with neon pop art, it captures the creative flair of East Perth. Step outside and you're surrounded by Perth's top restaurants, sports venues, and river trails – before retreating to your cosy pad equipped with espresso machines, air-con and sunny outdoor seating.
River Drive Motel, South Gippsland, VIC
Tucked away along the quiet shores of Anderson Inlet – two hours from Melbourne – this lovingly restored Gippsland stay is an absolute gem. The River Drive Motel features five self-contained rooms set across an acre of lush communal gardens. Outside, you’ll find a barbecue area, a swing hanging from a shady oak tree, a large cupboard of classic games like Jenga and Finska, plus complimentary beach towels, sporting equipment and a smattering of picnic tables and chairs. It’s the perfect base for exploring the best of Gippsland.
The Isla, Batemans Bay, NSW
With its whitewashed brick walls, sun-soaked pool and ’80s-style lounge, The Isla brings old-world glamour to the sleepy NSW South Coast town of Batemans Bay. We particularly love the on-site ‘Cantina’ – a custom vending machine stocked with locally sourced drinks, snacks and other fun holiday essentials.