Eight road trip-worthy motels in Victoria

Formerly the Rye Beach Motel, the 16-room property recently underwent a huge transformation to reopen as the Keith Motel – a super-cool coastal lodging with a cheeky retro vibe. The history of the original site has not been lost, though. A sustainable approach was taken during the refurb, with original fixtures and fittings refreshed and repurposed where possible. Even the old brick interior walls – now with a coat of fresh white paint – remain, adding to the charm. This is the type of space where sun-soaked vacation memories are made. 

Address: 1929 Point Nepean Rd, Tootgarook VIC 3941

Getting there: A 90-minute drive from Melbourne

Best for: A beachy summer holiday with the family

The dynamic duo of Kate Hannaford and Dic Coates have lovingly restored the River Drive Motel in the Gippsland town of Andersons Inlet into a stylish sanctuary with five self-contained rooms that are surrounded by an acre of communal gardens. Driving in, you’re met with a generous lawn and barbecue area with surprisingly charming touches: a swing hanging from a shady oak tree, a large cupboard of classic games like Jenga and Finska, beach towels, sporting equipment and a smattering of picnic tables and chairs. 

Address: 19-21 River Dr, Tarwin Lower VIC 3956

Getting there: A two-hour drive southeast from Melbourne

Best for: Overworked city slickers looking for a bit of peace and quiet

What makes Motel Flinders truly stand out is its joyful blend of old and new, where the charm of its original 1980s brickwork meets bold colours, playful textures and a fresh sense of fun. Recently transformed by Melbourne-based interior designers Studio Tate, this boutique 26-room motel is now full of personality. Think sky blue timber ceilings, mint green doors and striped carpets. Custom joinery, cosy dining nooks and thoughtful touches elevate the classic motel vibe into something truly delightful. Located just across from the Flinders Hotel pub, Motel Flinders is an easy-breezy spot for couples, families and wanderers looking for comfort and character in the Mornington Peninsula.

Address: 32 Cook St, Flinders VIC 3929

Getting there: A 90-minute drive from Melbourne

Best for: Classic vibes with a fresh new twist

A strong contender for best Australian motel and often cited as a must-see, Kyneton Springs Motel boasts a funky exterior and a nostalgic, boutique feel. You’ll have a good idea of what you’re in for as soon as you pull up to the custom retro-look signage out front. Each of its 20 rooms is uniquely curated to fit the aesthetic brief – yes, no two spaces are the same. Even if you haven’t posted on Insta since your last birthday, you’ll find it hard to resist snapping a few pics.

Address: 101 Piper St, Kyneton VIC 3444

Getting there: A one-hour drive from Melbourne; 2.3kms from the Kyneton Railway Station

Best for: The retro motel experience – think groovy patterns, kitsch wall art and a breakfast hatch

"The Warby" (est. 1966) has a reputation as one of Australia’s coolest motels – complete with nostalgic furnishings, eco-friendly accoutrements and a fridge stocked with micro-brewery beers. Owners Simone and Richard took charge of Warburton Motel in 2017 and renovated with the utmost care, using the question "would we be happy to stay here?" as a yardstick for whether each of its 12 rooms was up to scratch. The dedication to quality, ease and an undeniably hip vibe has paid off in spades.

Address: 4 Donna Buang Rd, Warburton VIC 3799

Getting there: Less than a two-hour drive east of Melbourne

Best for: Lovers of the great outdoors – Warburton Motel has heaps of bike and hiking gear available for hire

Drive up to the striking facade of Beechworth’s Linaker Art Deco Motel and you’ll feel like you’re taking a leap back in time. The building is situated in the heritage-listed Mayday Hills Gardens surrounded by plush lawns and leafy greenery, some of which date back to donations from the Royal Botanic Gardens in the 1860s. Though the motel has retained its mid-century roots, rooms have been renovated for maximum comfort and cosiness.

Address: 11 Bluegum Cr, Beechworth VIC 3747

Getting there: A three-hour drive north of Melbourne

Best for: Ghost hunting. The location happens to be that of the decommissioned Beechworth Asylum's former nurse’s quarters. Feeling brave? Steel yourself for a chilling Asylum Ghost Tour at night

Oval Motel’s trump card is its prime location in the heart of Bendigo. You can’t miss the distinctive red and green retro-inspired signage en route to any of the city’s most-loved sightseeing spots. You’ll be greeted by superstar hosts and local legends Carolyn and Gary before heading to one of their mood-lifting, colour-themed abodes. The couple took over the motel in 2016 and have since painstakingly refurbished it, from the aforementioned colour coordinated décor to smart TVs, new beds and a delightful guest patio where you can enjoy your brekkie.

Address: 194 Barnard St, Bendigo VIC 3550

Getting there: Less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne or take a train from Southern Cross Station to Bendigo

Best for: Sightseeing. The Oval Motel is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the cathedral, Capital Theatre and Rosalind Park

Down an unassuming road just three kilometres from the Twelve Apostles, you’ll find the aptly named Twelve Apostles Motel and Country Retreat. A unique blend of motel and B'n'B, this place offers the closest access to the grandeur of the Great Ocean Road and its many natural wonders. Surrounded by fields of grazing wildlife, it’s also a prime location for sighting quintessential Aussie fauna like koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. If you're keen to cook, this motel houses an authentic Chinese kitchen serving up Haidilao-style hot pot, fried rice and a variety of dumplings in generous portion sizes – delicious! 

Address: 314 Booringa Rd, Princetown VIC 3269

Getting there: A three-hour drive from Melbourne

Best for: Those craving a Little House on the Prairie vibe (the property was once a dairy farm)