The classic country motel is not only a nostalgic road-trip classic and often one of the few remaining untouched examples of the aesthetics of times gone by, but also a more affordable way to travel throughout regional Australia. Although there are many more hidden gems around and certainly a lot of renovated mid-century motels that are just as deserving of a spot on this list (see Kyneton Springs Motel, Warburton Motel and The Astor in Albury), this selection features motels that are often missed from the standard ‘retro motels’ guides and feature predominantly original 60s/70s architecture and details rather than modern-does-vintage decor.
Siesta Motel
Albury
Siesta surely holds up as a destination in its own right, rather than a place to stop on the way to somewhere else. That said, it’s perfectly positioned on the Hume between Melbourne and Sydney so does also make a convenient stopover. Siesta Motel features an indoor pool and sombrero spa (you read that right), mini golf, tennis courts and a huge outdoor retro-resort style pool with water slides, a grotto and more.
It also has a poolside restaurant, ‘Cactus Cantina’ where you can enjoy a buffet breakfast, or you can order room service from the breakfast menu which includes nostalgic favourites like steak and eggs, spaghetti and black pudding.
Find out more about the Siesta Motel here.
Hi-Way Motor Inn
Yass
On the Sydney side of the Melbourne to Sydney Hume road trip is Yass, where you’ll find the humble Hi-Way Motor Inn. The motor inn would have to be one of the best remaining examples of the original Australian motels of the 60s, and has scarcely been changed at all save for some minor updates. It features a pool area out the front and a classic outdoor patio area.
Find out more about the Hi-Way Motor Inn here.
Nhill Oasis Motel
Nhill
The Oasis Motel has so many niche quirks going for it, from its enormous dinosaur sculptures throughout the front garden to being the home of the largest collection of playable pinball machines in Australia in its ‘Australian Pinball Museum’. It’s truly one-of-a-kind and a great stopover halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Find out more about the Nhill Oasis Motel here.
Mid City Motel
Ballarat
Right in the centre of Ballarat you’ll find the Mid City. The motel was built in 1971 and its 70s aesthetics are still going strong; it offers a restaurant/bar upstairs (‘The Champagne Lounge”) from the original lobby, and a pool in the carpark.
Find out more about Mid City Motel here.
Charlton Motel
Charlton
If you’re road-tripping between Melbourne and Mildura, you’ll find this country gem en route in the charming little town of Charlton on the Avoca River. Charlton Motel is reminiscent of the Route 66 motels that made motel-core aesthetics so popular and features a swimming pool, mini golf and a sometimes-open bar and tavern with a pool table. If you’re a festival-goer you might recognise it as the host of the popular OK Motels festival.
