New-style Australian motels

Image thanks to Surfside Motel Yeppoon

Before cut price airfares and freeways that lead directly to holiday hot spots, who remembers long drives bunny-hopping towards your destination and sleeping at small town motels along the way?  But since then, motels have had a bad rap, more likely to be the scene of a movie crime than a character in our happy holidays.

Well, motels are back.

Whether it’s thanks to Shitts Creek, COVID, or Netflix reno shows, motels across the country are getting made over – with locals, established hotel companies and even influencers getting involved, and options from full retro to luxe..

Here’s a route from Melbourne to Cairns where you can experience old school motel bliss with new schooll comfort - all you need is a car, your swimmers, Spotify playlists and your family or besties. 

Astor Hotel Albury The Isla The Beach Rooms Nambucca Heads Clydesdale Motel and Steakhouse (don’t miss having a steak here #aussiebeef) The Mysa Motel Surfside Motel Yeppoon Motel Nomad

You’ll not only get the thrill (and numb backside) that comes with a road trip, but feel good that you’re supporting Australian small business rather than a vanilla hotel chain. 

Ps. Motels are being re-vamped at Bowen and Mission Beach too, so there will soon be more great motel options along the east coast.