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.
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.
Exposed brick walls heighten the motel’s retro feel.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
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 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.
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 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.
Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.
Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.
Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.
If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.
The Murray Farm Gate Trail
The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.
1. Rich Glen
Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.
2. How Now Dairy
A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy, lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.
3. Cactus Country
Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.
4. The Olde Creamery
The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.
Wineries, breweries and distilleries
The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.
1. Squires Winery
Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)
With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.
2. Cape Horn Vineyard
Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.
3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery
Enjoy a tipple at this historic homestead.
A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.
4. Monichino Wines
Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.
5. Corowa Distilling Co
Sit down to a hearty lunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.
Farm-to-table dining
If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.
1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine
O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.
2. Stock and Barrel
Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.
3. The Bend
With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.
4. Blacksmith Provedore
Taste Blacksmith Provedore’s delicious pizzas. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore. Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.
5. Broken Willow
As soon as you enter Broken Willow’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.
While you’re there
Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.
Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.
If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail.
In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.
