In an age of travel restrictions here are six motels for sale right now
The Alkira Motel in Cooma, NSW is for sale. Photo: Supplied

In an age of travel restrictions here are six motels in Australia for sale right now

With Australians likely forced to keep travel plans strictly domestic for the foreseeable future, could the humble motel be about to experience a resurgence in popularity?

Only time will tell but for those wanting to dip their toe into the business before the summer season heats up, we’ve rounded up some of the best examples of current and former motels on the market right now.

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This former motel in Tweed Heads could be used as a backpackers or conference facility. Photo: Supplied

Buyers of this motel at 25 Minjungbal Drive certainly won’t be stuck for choice.

Situated on the ever-popular north coast, other possible uses include turning it into a backpackers or a training facility with accommodation, says agent Sue Wahl, of McGrath Coolongatta/Tweed Heeds.

Alternately, you could list the property on Airbnb or explore a conversion into a retirement village.

For sale with a price tag of $1.95 million, the 911-square-metre site is zoned medium-density residential.

There are 10 studio units, a three-bedroom residence with views of the river, and 12 car spaces.

The property last sold in 2001 for $635,000.

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The Alkira Motel in Cooma. Photo: Supplied

Situated in the gateway to the NSW snowy mountains, the Alkira Motel features 13 rooms, all with undercover parking.

The listing states that infrastructure projects underway in the region – the most prominent being the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project – are leading to strong demand for accommodation in the town, with the residential-zoned property able to be converted to long-term rental units if a new owner desired.

Alternatively, they could continue operating it as a motel, cashing in on strong demand during the ski season.

Currently owner-operated, it is reporting a 55 to 60 per cent occupancy rate. It also includes a three-bedroom manager’s residence and commercial-sized kitchen and laundry.

The property is scheduled for auction on September 12.

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The Grand Hotel Motel in Clermont, Queensland has 14 accommodation rooms and a manager's residence. Photo: Supplied

Featuring two bars, a gaming room with 21 machines, function room, restaurant, drive-through bottle shop and 14 accommodation rooms, the Grand Hotel Motel is a focal point of this Queensland town.

The listing says the property is a “counter-cyclical opportunity” to acquire property in the region, a hub for mining activity.

The property, which spans three street frontages and sits on a 2753-square-metre site, also includes a manager’s residence.

It’s for sale by expressions of interest closing September 10.

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Sportsmans Arms Hotel Motel in Deniliquin is on the market. Photo: Supplied

Located on a corner site near the entry to the town, the Sportsmans Arms Hotel Motel is a hub for locals and visitors alike.

Consisting of a lounge bar, gaming lounge with four poker machines, a bistro and a 10-room motel, the property recorded weekly revenue of $21,500 in 2019.

Tourists might know Deniliquin best for its annual ute muster (cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19) but the town of more than 6800 people is also an important service hub for the wider Riverina region.

The property is for sale by private treaty.

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This motel in Gladstone is a popular destination for weddings. Photo: Supplied

Perched high on a hilltop with views over the harbour and extensive gardens, this motel in Gladstone is a popular venue for functions and weddings.

Set over three levels, there are 24 motel rooms, a three-bedroom manager’s residence, pool, commercial kitchen and restaurant.

The property is listed as “all offers considered” and will be available with vacant possession.

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This listing in Chinchilla has development approval for additional cabins. Photo: Supplied

For those seeking a hands-off motel investment, there’s Chinchilla Motor Inn – which is being offered for sale with a new 35-year lease in place to existing experienced operators.

Consisting of 62 motel units ranging from 3.5 star to 4.5 star, the property also comes with development approval for two additional cabins.

The main building, which includes a manager’s residence, dining room and reception area, was constructed between 2012 and 2015.

The property is for sale with a price tag of $2.65 million.

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