For a nostalgia-fuelled getaway, book your next trip at this beautiful motel. Just a two hour drive from Canberra—or four from Sydney—Batehaven is a charming town in the Eurobodalla region of the NSW South Coast. But after casting your eyes upon The Isla, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into 1970s Palm Springs. Oozing with Malibu Barbie pool party vibes the fun and playful redesign of this property makes it one Australia’s coolest motels to book into.

Step into the beautifully revamped Blue Water Motel, a coastal gem curated by designer Jason Grant. Just steps from Kingscliff Beach, it boasts refreshed rooms, a saltwater pool, a 24/7 kitchen, and charming alfresco areas. Retro touches and Grant’s effervescent Aussie take on coastal cool ensure this is one of Australia’s most delightful motels. It’s also easily accessible, just a breezy 12-minute drive or a quick Uber ride from Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport.

Soak away your stress in one of the blissfully appointed rooms at The Berry View. For a slice of Palm Springs in the South Coast, a stay here is an absolute must. This boutique hotel-motel in the heart of Berry is a retro step back in time and features 13 light-filled and calming rooms, ideal for a girls’ trip. The perfect combination of scenic locale and uber-stylish interiors where you can get lost in the ultimate hillside escape, The Berry View is one of the coolest motels in Australia.

Like we needed another reason to head to beautiful Mollymook. Motel Molly offers the perfect blend of classic South Coast charm with a modern edge. Perfectly positioned just a few sandy steps from the gorgeous Mollymook Beach, this 16-room motel oozes cool with its pastel tones, Mediterranean vibes and a touch of Moroccan flair.

Calling all ’80s kids—this one’s for you! Travel back to the time of shoulder pads, 16 candles, and boomboxes at The Sunseeker. Concealed behind Byron Bay’s iconic beaches, this bungalow-style retreat blends art, music, and culture from a time defined by indulging in all the colours of life. Forget your standard motel amenities, Sunseeker’s boutique offering was designed with conscious creatives in mind.

These charming and welcoming retro units are the perfect low-key stay on your next adventure west. Cosy and affordable, the 60s vibes of Baileys Motel. Each room at Baileys is designed to offer a relaxed, subdued atmosphere, where thoughtful touches of Western Australia can be found throughout, like Western Australian sandalwood beauty products to help you relax and experience Perth your way.

Think modern facilities with all the charm of the holidays you grew up on. Wind back the clock and experience a modern homage to tranquil days gone by at The Timothee Resort. Nestled in the iconic coastal town of Busselton, it has bespoke design and retro charm for days, making for an unforgettable getaway that’s equal parts nostalgia and luxury.

The Keith Motel is the coolest motel on the Mornington Peninsula. Filled with pastel hues and retro vibes all around, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a coastal oasis fresh out of the 1950s…even though it’s present day only one hour outside of Melbourne. The Tootgarook motel recently underwent a major glow up, ditching the dated aesthetic for something new, fun and fresh.

One of the Gold Coast’s best-rated boutique stays, the Blue Heron Motel is a vintage lover’s dream utterly worth seeking out. Nestled in the heart of Mermaid Beach, comfort and fun are at the forefront, with thoughtfully designed rooms for solo travellers, business guests, couples and groups exuding a relaxed beachside vibe reminiscent of the glory days. Late-night check in, friendly service and lovely pool, BBQ and gazebo area onsite are all just the cherry on top.

The first ever motel built on Kangaroo Island in the 1920s has been warmly renovated into a modern coastal themed accommodation. Heritage listed and nestled right in the heart of Kingscote, soak up the breath-taking views of Nepean Bay from the beautiful ocean front rooms and 2-bedroom suites of the Seaview, with Kingscote’s tidal pool right at your doorstep. A blissful island retreat and one of Australia’s coolest motels for luxury on a budget.

For fun seekers and sun seekers, Sunnymead Hotel is one of the coolest motels in Australia. Serving up good vibes for days, it’s full of fun, colour, and personality. Located in the heart of Aireys Inlet, a small coastal town with a vibrant culture enjoyed by foodies, art lovers, and nature seekers alike, it’s also breathing new life into a classic motel-scape that is attainable for all.

This strikingly transformed motel, tucked alongside the tranquil Tarwin River in the heart of South Gippsland is a nostalgic-evoking dream stay. An ode to the simplicity of holidays gone by, River Drive Motel is where guests get to set their own pace and make memories that will last a lifetime.