Calling all aspiring hoteliers. The world’s largest underground motel – the famous White Cliffs Underground Motel in outback NSW – is up for sale. With approval for expansion, the sky is the limit (ahem) for what this super quirky stay could look like over the next few years.
While underground buildings are relatively common in the NSW outback – built beneath the earth to escape the Aussie summer heat – the White Cliffs Underground Motel is one of only three “dugout”-style hotels in the country, and the largest in the world. Guests here can find respite from the sunshine, with a constant temperature inside of 22 degrees. As it stands (or, um, sits?), the underground motel is a pretty modest affair – home to 48 wacky hotel rooms, a restaurant, café, bar, museum and conference space. Under new ownership, the incredibly unique subterranean space has the potential to become one of the most remarkable hotels in the country – with development approval for “expansion, enhancement or repurpose as an exclusive wellness sanctuary in the desert.”
“For the same cost as a house in Sydney or Melbourne, an inspired buyer seeking a new investment prospect or an adventure-filled life in the outback can own this famous motel and craft a new vision for it,” said Scott Smith, owner of Out of the Ordinary Outback, the company currently responsible for White Cliffs Underground Motel.
The price in question is currently undisclosed, but based on Sydney’s housing market (the second-most unaffordable in the world), it won’t necessarily be a steal. That being said, it’s not often that a historic underground building hits the market.
Located 1025km from Sydney, you'll find the motel in White Cliffs, a characterful township best known for its opal mining history. The outback town is surrounded by ancient rock carvings from the traditional custodians of the nearby Mutawintji National Park – the Pantjikali, Wanyuparlku, Wilyakali and Malyangapa people.
Keen to snap up the kooky accomm? The White Cliffs Underground Motel is for sale through Michael Philpott at the Tourism Brokers. You can contact them via 0433 137 927, 1300 512 566 or michaelphilpott@
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news and travel inspo, straight to your inbox.