14 Road Trip Worthy Retro Motels

Retro motels are making a comeback into road trip itineraries – and these charming motel stays are far from old-fashioned.

Motels were once a popular choice in Australia for road trip stopovers with their neon signs, bold colours and budget prices, but a shift in tastes saw these icons disappearing, making way for beachside high-rise developments. Fast forward a few decades and motels are enjoying a resurgence, with a collection of classic motels reviving the quintessential Aussie beach holiday.

From the modest to the ultra-glamorous, these reimagined motels offer nostalgia, style and charm in spades.

It’s a trend we don’t see waning, with Australian travellers looking to holiday here this year and support local businesses with a focus on sustainable travel, up-cycling and vintage, a retro motel stay makes the perfect vacay.

With that in mind, here are 14 retro motel stays to check out for your next coastal road trip.

1. Kyneton Springs Motel, Vic

The Kyneton Springs Motel has debuted a new eye-catching retro aesthetic following a refurbishment. The motel is bold and adventurous, with its fizzy neon sign and individually curated kitschy-cool rooms. While its design leans towards Palm Springs’s classic design, the experience is a nod to the great Australian road trip.

Interior of the Kyneton Springs Motel — The motel is filled with nostalgic vibes.

Filled with nostalgic vibes, the motor inn offers 20 curated suites, each boasting luxurious comforts and an Insta-worthy décor. Outside their rooms, guests can enjoy a cocktail in the pastel-hued shade of The Patio, grab a bite from the diner-inspired menu at Cathie’s Kiosk or browse the gift shop.

The Kyneton Springs Motel neon sign — The neon sign is hard to miss.

2. Blue Water Motel, Kingscliff, NSW

Just down the road from the iconic Halcyon House, you’ll find Blue Water Motel in Kingscliff. This modest motel has had a modern makeover by renowned designer Jason Grant, sporting fresh peach/lemon tones of the 60’s that will have you craving gelato to complete the coastal vibe.

“From the very start it was clear what the Blue Water Motel should be, relaxed and a bit retro, we didn’t want to lose any of the original charm or nostalgia to the Aussie surf coast motel" Grant said.

“Painting the exterior soft pale blue was a given. We kept the best elements and added details that felt like they belonged and also improved and streamlined the spaces. We stripped it back and opened it up, injecting colours and materials that made it feel relaxed but elevated, coastal but not too beachy and in the process created a little bit of modern retro coastal cool in Kingscliff."

The result is luxe for less, an indulgent stay without the premium price tag.

Bright room interiors of Bluewater Motel — Blue Water Motel sports fresh peach and lemon tones of the 60’s to complete the coastal vibe.

3. Mysa Motel, Palm Beach, Qld

The Mysa Motel (pronounced mee-sa) ethos is a modern twist on retro Gold Coast. Husband and wife team Eliza and Jason Raine rescued the Palm Trees Motel from demolition and lovingly transformed the motel with great consideration and sustainability in mind. Many design elements have been upcycled to reduce the environmental impact including the original hardwood ceiling trusses repurposed for the carport.

Dusty pink hues and dreamy tiles feature throughout, but the star of the show has to be the kidney-shaped magnesium swimming pool and retro sun loungers for a truly relaxing GC vacay.

The Splash Club at Mysa Motel — The kidney-shaped swimming pool and retro sun loungers are the star of the show. (Image: Soda Shades)

4. The Beach Rooms, Nambucca Heads, NSW

Formerly The Blue Dolphin, locals Paul & Shannon Scott spotted potential in the old motel that had been lying dormant for years.

Perched on prime land overlooking Nambucca River and the ocean beyond, the intrepid couple have transformed the dilapidated digs into a welcoming oasis with central pool, communal spaces and a choice of rooms to accommodate couples and families.

Shannon is a friendly host, escorting guests to their room and sharing local tips and recommendations making The Beach Rooms the perfect stop on a North Coast road trip.

Deluxe Queen room at Beach Rooms Nambucca — The Beach Rooms is overlooking the Nambucca River and the ocean beyond.

5. The Sunseeker, Byron Bay, NSW

The Sunseeker reimagines ‘80s brick motel nostalgia with breezy coastal vibes for slow holidays in Byron Bay.

Not just a hipster haven, Sunseeker offers family-friendly facilities with all the adult trimmings. Kids will love the nature inspired playground and scoot around the complex on complimentary skateboards.

Adults may sip cocktails by the mineral pool (heated in winter), browse the library featuring a carefully curated collection of books on art, culture and architecture and snack from locally sourced minibar items.

Don’t leave without some Sunseeker merch, from mugs to totes and classic t-shirts emblazoned with Sunseeker’s mantra ‘Holiday Often’.

Cozy space at the Sunseeker Library — Sunseeker offers family-friendly facilities with all the adult trimmings.

6. Loea, Maroochydore, Qld

The brainchild of Andrew and Lucy Pink, the couple revitalised a 1980’s brick motel into a modern marvel and while ownership may have changed, the legacy of the Florida-inspired beach motel continues, complete with vintage food truck café, magnesium swimming pool, communal garden and classic cruiser bikes for hire.

Exteriors of Loea — The Loea is a revitalised 1980’s brick motel turned into a modern marvel.

7. The Bower, Byron Bay, NSW

With an unassuming façade, the true beauty of The Bower lies behind the palm tree fringed fence, where you’ll find an oasis of cool with a stunning circular pool at its heart.

Presented with a tired, old 1970’s style motel as their canvas, the Bower design team retained the original shell while repurposing and re-imagining it into a contemporary and sophisticated Australian beach motel. The result is a collection of luxe rooms and suites, thoughtfully provisioned with the latest must-haves, a moody cool-colour palette and signature freestanding bathtubs.

The ethos of The Bower is to seek out places with character and history that have a story to tell that can be acknowledged, honoured and enhanced. Escape to paradise and create your own story at The Bower.

The Bower Cottage Interiors — The Bower’s luxe rooms are thoughtfully provisioned with a moody cool-colour palette.

8. The Brunswick, Brunswick Heads, NSW

The sign as you enter Brunswick Heads, or “Bruns" as it’s known locally, says “Simple Pleasures" and what could be more pleasurable than a simple, classic retro motel vacay? Brunswick is the epicentre of retro cool motels, with your choice of The Brunswick, The Chalet Motel and The Sails Motel all located on the Old Pacific Hwy.

The Brunswick is all about pared back simplicity of calming natural tones and textures with laid-back style. Retaining the standard motel layout and convenience of being able to park directly outside your room, rooms also overlook the lagoon pool for resort style vibes. This laid-back haven for adults also offers weekend food truck and pop up events under the paperbark trees.

Brunswick exteriors showing the pool side in front — The Brunswick is all about calming natural tones and textures with laid-back style.

9. The Chalet Motel, Brunswick Heads, NSW

The Chalet Motel is a boutique 60’s style motel revived by the owners Louisa Bligh and Ryan Bowman who were inspired by their travels in LA and wanted to recreate that simple cool motel style in Australia. With 12 comfortably stylish rooms, saltwater swimming pool and cabana The Chalet is surrounded by some of Bruns’ best eateries for the perfect endless summer holiday.

Exteriors of Chalet Motel — The Chalet is surrounded by some of Bruns’ best eateries for the perfect endless summer holiday.

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

The Sails Motel & Pool Club features 22 classic style motel rooms plus a Palm Springs style pool and bar. Stocking a curated selection of local signature sips the pool club is the place to be as well relaxed nights at onsite restaurant Saint Maries pizzeria and wine bar.

Pool area at Sails — Stocking a curated selection of local signature sips, the pool club is the place to be.

11. The Isla, Batemans Bay, NSW

The trend toward motel makeovers (thanks to the Netflix series of the same name) shows no sign of slowing down. All eyes will be on the NSW South Coast with new arrival The Isla in the heart of Batemans Bay and, in nearby Narooma, Justin Hemmes has recently added the much-loved Whale Inn and Restaurant to his expanding property portfolio. A swathe of new openings ensures Australia’s love affair with Australian road trip worthy retro motels is here to stay.

Exterior of Isla Motel — All eyes will be on the NSW South Coast with new arrival The Isla in Batemans Bay.

12. The Hillcrest Merimbula, NSW

The modern two-storey Hillcrest Merimbula motel faces seaward and is everything you’d expect from a quintessential mid-century motel. Dating back to the late 1960s, the vibe in the rooms is coastal elegant with design flourishes that wink back to the sixties and seventies.

Stay for a long weekend and you’ll meet a cast of characters: hipsters from Sydney, architecture enthusiasts and high-end holidaymakers who simply want to soak up the sun poolside for the duration of their stay. Inside, the rooms are like shrines to the 70s with contemporary touches such as concrete tables, delicate linens, and funky feature mirrors.

Inside the room at Hillcrest Merimbula — The vibe in the rooms is coastal elegant with design flourishes that wink back to the 60s and 70s.

13. Berry View Hotel, NSW

The lightness and brightness of the Berry View Hotel is one of the key elements that will make you feel contained and comfortable during your escape to the Shoalhaven. While white sets the tone at the refurbished motel, there are also pops of colour from the burnt orange doors that will brighten your day.

Enjoy the nostalgic experience of driving right up to that signature door, which pops of Palm Springs, and once inside, find flashes of charcoal and ochre that bring on more of the breezy vibes.

The boutique hotel has paid homage to the bones of the original 1950s’ motel with 13 individually styled rooms and a new pool, all of which have been given a vintage-style glow-up. The property is full of colourful and original décor and captures the essence of Mid-Century design. It’s a masterpiece.

Inside the room in Berry View Hotel — The room is full of colourful and original décor and captures the essence of Mid-Century design.

14. Kyah Boutique Hotel, NSW

Hidden away in the Blue Mountains village of Blackheath less than two hours from Sydney you’ll find the luxe Kyah Boutique Hotel. The 1970s era motel has been reimagined with a Palm Springs-inspired design by Sydney-based design firm, MKD Architects.

Hallways inside Kyah Boutique Hotel, Blackheath — The reimagined Kyah Boutique Hotel has maintained all the charm of the original 1970s era motel with an updated Pal Springs-inspired design. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

The final result is a 46-room mountain retreat with art0 deco-inspired furnishings, on-trend archways, curves and cosy nooks tucked away throughout the communal areas of the hotel. There are three separate buildings, each named after one of Katoomba’s famed Three Sisters, that connect to the central lobby and Blaq restaurant and bar. Other hotel facilities include a pool, tennis court and vegetable garden to explore.

The brand-new Blaq, overseen by Executive Chef Mate Herceg, brings an elegant touch to the Blue Mountain’s culinary scene. Perch on the bar to enjoy one of the signature cocktails, retreat to the outdoor deck when the weather is warm, or cosy up beside the multiple fireplaces during winter.

Blaq restaurant Kyah Boutique Hotel Blue Mountains — Blaq restaurant and bar feature several dining spaces to enjoy. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

There are also stylish booths and more private dining spaces tucked away along the back of the restaurant wall. As for the food, Herceg prioritises hyper-local, seasonal and sustainable produce and producers over the cuisine and as a result, you’ll find a constantly evolving menu.

There are four types of guest rooms on offer starting with the king suite that sleeps two, twin queen rooms sleep up to four guests, two-bedroom suites sleep up to five guests, and the family rooms sleep up to six people. Each room features a luscious colour palette of blush and blue hues or more earthy tones of olive and rust.

This Blackheath beauty is bound to be a go-to accommodation option in the Blue Mountains for years to come.

Blaq restaurant features multiple fireplaces — Cosy up beside one of the multiple fireplaces in Blaq during the cooler months. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.