There was a time when the classic Aussie road trip was a rite of passage. Families would pile into the car, roll down the windows, and head off with little more than a street directory, an eski, and a rough idea of where they’d land. For a while, it seemed like that era had been overtaken by flights, high-rise hotels, and fast-paced holidays.

But something’s changed. The road trip is back—big time—and with it, motels are having a renaissance.

Here’s why more Australians are swapping airports for open roads and rediscovering the comfort, charm, and convenience of a good old-fashioned motel.

1. Freedom to Explore On Your Terms

Air travel might be faster, but road trips offer the kind of freedom that’s hard to beat. No baggage limits, no boarding gates, no timetables—just you, the car, and the open road.

With that freedom comes flexibility:

• Take detours to quirky attractions

• Change plans on the fly
• Discover hidden towns you’ve never heard of.

🛣️ Why it matters:

Today’s traveller craves experiences, not itineraries. The road trip offers just that.

2. Motels: Affordable and Full of Character

Motels used to be thought of as cheap and cheerful—and sometimes a bit rundown. But many Aussie motels have seriously lifted their game.

Modern motels now offer:

• Stylish retro fit-outs
• Locally-run hospitality
• Spotlessly clean rooms
• Easy parking and walkable locations

• And let’s not forget the affordability. Compared to hotels or Airbnb rates (which can fluctuate wildly), motels often provide reliable, budget-friendly pricing.

🏨 Hot tip:

Look out for motels that have kept their vintage charm—hello, neon signs and pink tiles!

3. The Retro Revival is Real

Thanks to Instagram and design trends, what was once daggy is now desirable.

Vintage aesthetics are everywhere, and motels are no exception. Travellers are drawn to:

• Retro architecture
• Vintage signage and decor
• Old-school hospitality with a smile.

🎞️ Example:

The Sunseeker in Byron Bay and Halcyon House in Cabarita have become destination stays thanks to their nostalgic, design-forward approach.

4. Local Travel is Back in Fashion

The pandemic shifted mindsets. With border closures and international restrictions, Australians looked inward—and liked what they found. Now, even with travel wide open, many Aussies are choosing:

• Weekend getaways in nearby regions
• Road trips along coastal or inland routes
• Discovering under-the-radar towns and local culture.

📌 Bonus:

Road tripping supports rural economies and small businesses across the country.

5. Easy Access to Adventure

Motels are often located near:

• National parks
• Beaches
• Walking trails
• Scenic drives.

This makes them perfect bases for adventurers, photographers, surfers, and families alike.

🗺️ Motels to watch:

Think Lorne, Port Fairy, Hahndorf, Stanthorpe and Margaret River.

6. Family and Pet-Friendly Travel

Unlike some high-end stays that come with rules and restrictions, many motels are relaxed, friendly, and family-owned.

Need a pet-friendly room? Many motels offer them.

Travelling with kids? Pull right up to the door and unload with ease.

Need kitchenettes or twin beds? Motels often have more practical options.

🚗 Old-school comfort meets modern needs.

7. Nostalgia is Powerful

For many of us, staying in a motel brings back childhood memories:

• Swims in saltwater pools

• Soft-serve ice cream from the servo

• Watching cartoons on a boxy TV while mum unpacked the snacks.

Today’s road trippers want to relive those feelings—and share them with the next generation.

💬 Motel reviews often include lines like: "Just like the holidays we had growing up!"

8. The Rise of 'Slow Travel'

More Australians are choosing quality over quantity. Instead of ticking off 10 cities in 10 days, we’re:

• Spending longer in one place
• Getting to know local people and culture
• Swapping rushed tours for relaxed exploration

Motels—especially in small towns—make the perfect base for this slower, richer style of travel.

🕰️ Good travel takes time—and motels support that pace.

9. A Return to Connection

Unlike the anonymity of big hotel chains, motels often offer:

• Chatty receptionists who’ll recommend the best local bakery

• Owners who’ve lived in the area for decades

• A chance to bump into fellow travellers on the front lawn or at breakfast

🔑 It’s not just a key to a room—it’s a key to local insight.

Final Thoughts

The classic road trip is back, and it’s not just a trend—it’s a mindset. It’s about slowing down, reconnecting, and making the journey just as memorable as the destination.

And motels? They’re not just a place to sleep. They’re part of the experience. Whether you’re pulling into a coastal town for fish and chips or heading inland for wine and wide skies, motels offer the perfect blend of nostalgia, practicality, and comfort.

So dust off the maps, load up the playlists, and set your sights on the open road. Your next great Aussie adventure—and a very welcoming motel—are waiting.

Explore motels across Australia with Book A Motel—the only OTA dedicated to the classic Aussie stay.