Seven road trip-worthy motels in Victoria

Formerly the Rye Beach Motel, the 16-room property recently underwent a huge transformation to reopen as the Keith Motel – a super-cool coastal lodging with a cheeky retro vibe. The history of the original site has not been lost though. A sustainable approach was taken during the refurb, with original fixtures and fittings refreshed and repurposed where possible. Even the old brick interior walls – now painted a coat of glossy white – remain, adding to the charm. This is the type of space where sun-soaked vacation memories are made. 

Best for: summer holidays with the family.

The dynamic duo of Kate Hannaford and Dic Coates have lovingly restored the River Drive Motel in the Gippsland town of Andersons Inlet into a stylish sanctuary with five self-contained rooms, surrounded by an acre of communal gardens. Driving in, you’re met with a generous lawn and barbecue area with surprisingly charming touches: a swing hanging from a big shady oak tree, a large closet of classic games like Jenga and Finska, beach towels and sporting equipment, and a smattering of picnic tables and chairs. 

Best for: overworked city slickers looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

A strong contender for best Australian motel and often cited as a must-see, Kyneton Springs Motel boasts a funky exterior and a nostalgic, boutique feel. You’ll have a good idea of what you’re in for as soon as you pull up to the custom retro-look signage out front. Each room is uniquely curated to fit the aesthetic brief and even if you haven’t posted on Insta since your last birthday, you’ll find it hard to resist snapping a few pics.

Best for: the quintessential retro motel experience – think groovy patterns, kitsch wall art and a breakfast hatch.

Drive up to the striking facade of Beechworth’s Linaker Art Deco Motel and you’ll feel like you’re taking a leap back in time. The building is situated in the heritage-listed May Day Hills gardens surrounded by plush lawns and leafy greenery, some of which dates back to donations from the Royal Botanical gardens in the 1860s. Though the motel has retained its mid-century roots, rooms have been renovated for maximum comfort and cosiness.

Best for: ghost hunting. The location also happens to be that of the decommissioned Beechworth Asylum – specifically the former nurse’s quarters. Feeling brave? Steel yourself for a chilling Asylum Ghost Tour at night.

Oval Motel’s trump card is its prime location in the heart of Bendigo. You can’t miss the distinctive red and green retro-inspired signage en route to any of the city’s most-loved sightseeing spots. You’ll be greeted by superstar hosts and local legends Carolyn and Gary before heading to one of their mood-lifting, colour-themed abodes. The couple took over the motel in 2016 and have since painstakingly refurbished the joint, from the aforementioned colour co-ordinated décor to Smart TVs, new beds and a delightful guest patio where you can enjoy your hot or continental breakfast.

Best for: sightseeing. The Oval Motel is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the train station, cathedral, Capital Theatre and Rosalind Park.

Down an unassuming road just three kilometres from the Twelve Apostles, you’ll find Twelve Apostles Motel and Country Retreat. A unique blend of motel and B'n'B, this place offers the closest access to the natural grandeur of the Twelve Apostles of any accommodation. Surrounded by fields of grazing wildlife, it’s also a prime location for sighting quintessential Aussie fauna like koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. If you're keen to cook, this motel houses an authentic Chinese kitchen serving up Haidilao-style hot pot, fried rice and a variety of dumplings in generous portion sizes – delicious. 

Best for: those craving a Little House on the Prairie vibe (the property was once a dairy farm).

“The Warby” (est. 1966) has a reputation as one of Australia’s coolest motels – complete with nostalgic furnishings, eco-friendly accoutrements and a fridge stocked with micro-brewery beers. Owners Simone and Richard took charge of Warburton Motel in 2017 and renovated with the utmost care, using the question “would we be happy to stay here?” as a yardstick for whether each room was up to scratch. The dedication to quality, ease and an undeniably hip vibe has paid off in spades.

Best for: lovers of the great outdoors. Warburton Motel has an exhaustive supply of bike and hike gear available for hire.