6 retro-style motels for sale around Australia
Australians can’t get enough of road trips, renos and mid-century design – and nothing blends them better than an old-school motel.
Following a golden period in the 1950s to 1980s, the humble motor inn was somewhat left in the dust by the expansion of budget hotel chains and, later, short-term rentals.
However, cost-of-living challenges and a yearning for nostalgia could lead to a retro revival of the affordable, convenient and family-friendly motel stay.
Whether taking on a fixer-upper to create a “destination” or customising a well-placed property with a loyal customer base, opportunities are available around the country.
Here are six retro-style motels and motor inns currently on the market.
Rocky Gardens Motor Inn, Queensland
Offered to the market for the first time in 27 years, this classic motel features four-star accommodation across 42 units, set in three separate wings. With undercover parking for all units, a pool, a seven-day-a-week restaurant and bar for both guests and the public, and the option to derive additional income from functions, the property offers a solid customer base with growth potential.
“The business benefits from a strong and proven trading history, solid occupancy levels, and a diversified customer base including tourists, casual travelers, government and corporate guests,” the listing says.
Nambucca Motel, NSW
Set on six hectares beside the Nambucca River, this Mid North Coast motel is the kind of place that recalls family road trips before boutique hotels became the norm.
Palm trees frame the resort-style pool, guests can launch a boat from the private jetty and ramp, and the on-site bar and restaurant complete the classic holiday-motel experience. With 11 rooms and approximately 70% occupancy and a $160 average daily rate, it’s a well established business for the new owner to take over.
Bemm River Hotel, VIC
In the East Gippsland fishing village of Bemm River, this old-school country pub comes with more than just a bar. Set on about 4700 square metres overlooking the river, the town’s only hotel includes four self-contained cabins, a motel-style unit, a manager’s residence and plenty of retro regional charm.
With beaches, national parks and renowned fishing grounds nearby, it’s the kind of place where locals, anglers and holidaymakers still gather at the end of the day.
Halls Gap Motel, VIC
Nestled at the foot of the Grampians, this classic country motel pairs retro road-trip nostalgia with postcard-worthy mountain views.
Just a short stroll from Halls Gap’s village centre, the fully renovated 10-room property sits on more than 3,200 square metres, where kangaroos are regular visitors and national park adventures begin just beyond the doorstep.
A&A Lodge Motel, Queensland
A truly high-traffic motor inn, the A&A Lodge Motel sits on the Gregory Highway in Emerald, Queensland, and is passed by hundreds of cars daily.
This is a well-established motel offering 14 rooms, a manager’s residence, a reception area and covered parking, on 1001 square metres of freehold land.
On the market as a freehold and business sale, this property offers “a stable income stream … and permits plenty of growth and success to the incoming purchaser”, the listing says.
It also benefits from the current strong demand for accommodation “due to the robust resource and agricultural industries”.
Sussex Inlet Motel, NSW
Just minutes from the sparkling waters of Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet Motel captures the easy-going charm of the classic Australian beach holiday. The 15-room freehold going concern is within walking distance of the town centre and waterfront, making it an ideal base for boating, fishing and coastal escapes in one of the South Coast’s most popular holiday destinations.
