25.03.2026
Community
Motel Gold
The motel is back — and it's better than ever. We’ve compiled a shortlist of understated stays doing the simple things exceptionally well.
Forget the grand lobby and the room service menu. The stays worth remembering are usually smaller, simpler and somewhere unexpected — a sun-warmed motel off the highway or converted retreat tucked into a town.
Here’s our shortlist of partner stays bringing that spirit back with fresh eyes.
The Sunseeker
Just beyond the buzz of Byron's centre, The Sunseeker Byron Bay is a former 1980s motel that has been given a second, joyful life. Think 22 rooms, reworked with care — the bones of the original have been kept intact; its spirit lifted by playful colour, local art and the kind of collaborative detail that makes a place feel genuinely alive.
The Sails
The Sails Motel is what happens when a classic Aussie motel gets a stylish second life. Tucked in Brunswick Heads, a stone’s throw from Byron Bay, a recent redesign by Akin Atelier keeps the nostalgia but adds fresh coastal polish — perfect for beach days and lazy mornings.
Casita
Set on the NSW South Coast in Batemans Bay, Casita is a boutique motel with serious charm. Think moody Spanish touches, colours rendered from the wild coastline and the kind of laid-back vibe that makes you instantly dial back the pace. With beaches, cafés and legendary surf breaks nearby, it’s the perfect base for anyone chasing an easy coastal escape.
The Isla
This is a classic Australian motel seen through fresh eyes, perched on the impossibly blue NSW South Coast. The Isla (the big sister of Casita) is considered and unhurried, among many other things, with the kind of interiors that photograph beautifully but feel even better in person. A natural base for exploring the lakes, beaches and coastal walks that make Batemans Bay worth the drive.
The Berry View
Drive-in, anyone? Set in the charming South Coast village of Berry, The Berry View Motel is a mid-century drive-in motel given a thoughtful modern makeover. Nostalgic at heart but designed for travellers of today, the property pairs classic road-trip charm with new rooms, an infinity pool and wide-open countryside views; an easygoing base for exploring Berry’s cafés, wineries and surrounds.
Dolphins
A short walk from Mollymook Beach, The Dolphins is one of those classic coastal motels getting a second wind. Recently reworked, it keeps the bones of the original but feels cleaner, calmer – more considered without losing its ease. There are 10 rooms and a larger apartment for groups, plus a pool that invites you to stay put for the afternoon. Later this month, Dolly’s – the on-site café – will open, bringing good coffee and a simple, seasonal menu into the mix.
The Tamborine
Set among the lush rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland, The Tamborine is a reimagining of a 1980s hacienda-style motel – one that embraces its nostalgia (and a little luxury). Just over an hour from Brisbane, the 23-room retreat pairs earthy, light-filled interiors with private balconies and expansive mountain views, where days unfold easily. Think: a morning swim in the heated mineral pool before a wander through Gallery Walk and an afternoon tasting at a nearby winery.
The Surf
Yamba has quietly become one of the most sought-after coastal escapes on the east coast, and The Surf Yamba sits comfortably at its centre. A boutique stay with a relaxed, sun-warmed sensibility — close to the beach, close to the town, and designed for the kind of weekend where the most pressing decision is which café to try first (don’t panic, the friendly on-site team will help you decide).
