This seaside motel’s retro makeover is making waves

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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Vintage frills meet modern thrills on the Mornington Peninsula.

With the retro aesthetic enjoying a renaissance across Australia, holidaymakers are booking accommodation that evokes a sense of nostalgia, with all the mod-cons to match. The latest arrival in a wave of reimagined stays is Motel Flinders, which is bringing its own vintage charm to coastal Victoria.

Where is Motel Flinders?

Situated on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, Motel Flinders is the namesake of the small village it calls home. Just under a 90-minute drive from the state’s capital, the town of Flinders is the perfect place for a city escape.

Motel Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, Vic
Interior design firm Studio Tate is behind the recent revitalisation.

The 26-room boutique motel reopened its doors in January after renovations by Melbourne-based interior design firm Studio Tate . Guests can choose from four suite types: the King Room, Family Room, Premier Family Room and Loft Room.

While each space has been reimagined to meet contemporary comforts, the motel still retains its heritage charm. Exposed brick walls and rounded retro furnishings remind guests of a bygone era, accentuated by vibrant colours, wooden textures and bold patterns.

Motel Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, Vic
Exposed brick walls heighten the motel’s retro feel.

It’s not just motels receiving million-dollar makeovers either. A broader trend has recently seen retro revivals across the country – outdated pubs are being revamped, vintage styling is making a comeback and even retro cinemas are on the rise. It’s official: old-school cool is in.

Why stay at Motel Flinders?

Apart from its obvious visual appeal and timeless character, Motel Flinders has plenty to offer the modern traveller. Relax in your room and take full advantage of the wi-fi, smart TV, coffee machine and air-conditioning. Or grab a local brew from the in-room minibar and catch some sun on your private balcony or courtyard.

Motel Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, Vic
Motel Flinders is perfectly positioned in the heart of town.

While there are fully-equipped kitchenettes in each room and barbecue facilities onsite, those keen to get out and about won’t have to go far. The equally charming Flinders Hotel , which dates back to the late 1800s, is on the same street. Like its neighbour across the road, this iconic pub may be old, but it’s anything but tired. Local produce is the star of its curated seasonal menu, while an impressive wine list champions the Mornington Peninsula’s top vineyards.

Motel Flinders is the perfect base to explore further, too – whether you’re hitting up the region’s best hot springs or simply popping down to Flinders Pier with fish and chips. The historic town also boasts everything from antique outlets and art galleries to boutique shops and cosy cafes.

Motel Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, Vic
Return to your cosy digs after a day of exploring.

Its coastal position, which borders Mornington Peninsula National Park, makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts as well. Think bushwalks, beaches and even subtidal rock platform reefs, perfect for snorkelling come summer.

How to book

Keen to check in? Motel Flinders is now open to guests, with bookings easily made via its website. Rooms can sleep between three and six guests and range in price depending on suite type and selected dates. There is also free onsite parking available, and the reception is fully staffed between 7am–7pm.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.