Located in the NSW South Coast town of Mollymook – a three hour drive from Sydney – this 16-room hotel is a coastal town charm with a curated twist. The rooms are fitted with handmade tiles from Byron Bay’s Jatana Interiors, Smeg appliances from their retro ’50s Aesthetics Line, sunken Moroccan-style baths, Le Labo Santal 26 scented candles, room sprays and bathroom amenities, and handmade Moroccan ceramics and textiles by Lrnce. The outdoor pool area has also been given a makeover, providing the perfect spot for soaking in the sun. motelmolly.com.au

Oozing old-school vintage vibes, the Astor Hotel in the heart of Albury is a retro-style motel and pub with Palm Springs flair. Astor offers budget-friendly rooms, gourmet pub dining, and a lively local atmosphere. astorhotelalbury.com.au

A fresh new addition to the far south coast, Hillcrest blends 70s-era charm (exposed brick, wood panelling, and a branded kombi parked out front) with all of the breezy, coastal-chic touches you could hope for – not to mention the spectacular panoramic views over sparkling Merimbula. Design-oriented travellers will appreciate luxe In Bed linen, artwork by Melbourne abstract painter Adela Kusur and cast-concrete details in the 29 boutique rooms. Beyond that, there’s a pool, tennis court and fire pit to keep you busy, and a sun drenched retro-fabulous communal lounge to unwind in. hillcrestmerimbula.com

A vibrant retro resort with 1960s flair, The Cubana features stylish interiors, a pool, and family-friendly amenities, celebrating the golden age of Aussie road trips. thecubanaballina.com.au

Old meets new at The Isla. With a contactless online check in-system and electric vehicle charging station, this retro gem might just be a roadtrippers dream. The 18 design-led rooms and suites blend custom oak furnishings, terrazzo and brass, and the refurbed pool and lounge are made for unwinding – when you’re not exploring the pristine beaches and sampling all the restaurants and cafes Batemans Bay and nearby Milton have to offer, of course. theisla.com.au

Think 80s nostalgia, without the shoulderpads. This thoughtfully renovated Byron stay references its style as “tropical brutalist” – and it oozes retro-cool. There are 12 thoughtfully renovated hotel-style rooms and four garden bungalows on offer – all decked out with custom furniture and artwork from local Byron Shire artists and makers. If you can bear to leave your room, sip cocktails poolside in the cabana, scour the communal curated library for your next novel, or order coffee from the on-site coffee cart. Bonus points if you do it all wrapped in your turmeric-toned linen bathrobe. 100 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay; thesunseeker.com.au

Drawing on the retro beachfront motels from way back, Wollongong’s newest accommodation offering is a contemporary twist on the nostalgic beachside stay. Surfside 22 motel feature 16 boutique rooms, equipped with kitchens and bathrooms. After a day at the beach, which is just steps away from the motel, guests can relax and unwind in the sauna or plunge pool. surfside22.com.au

“Little cousin” to The Isla, Casita is a beachfront boutique motel with moody coastal-Spanish interiors, spacious apartments, and family-friendly amenities near Batemans Bay. casitamotel.com.au

Ok, we may be cheating here as The Brunswick is more hotel than motel, but it’s still giving retro vibes so we’re allowing it. This adults only resort is just a stone’s throw from Brunswick River and has nailed laidback, beachside luxury. Rooms vary from standard to accommodating four people and are fitted out with natural linens, muted tones and rattan furniture. You’ll find Leif Botanical amenities in the bathroom and comfy bean-bag-like lounge chairs by the pool. Summer is calling. thebrunswickbrunswickheads.com.au

Just two hours south of Sydney, The Berry View is a contemporary hillside escape. The renovated drive-in motel is all about making a stop here hassle free. Using some of the latest in hotel-lock-tech, you can now pre-book and check-in to your room without any need to talk to reception. Don’t worry, they’re only a phone call away if you need them. There are currently 13 individually styled rooms, which pay homage to the original 1950s architecture, with an infinity pool and a new building with 16 luxurious rooms in the pipeline for 2023. theberryview.com.au

A chic Blue Mountains retreat with mid-century design, hot tub, sauna, and e-bikes, The Kyah blends Hollywood glamour with mountain serenity. thekyah.com.au

This one sneaks in NSW, but it’s just a 50 minute drive south from the Gold Cost. Designer Jason Grant has perfectly captured the essence of Kingscliff – cool, coastal with a hint of retro – at the reimagined The Blue Water Motel. It’s located just steps away from Kingscliff Beach and boasts a saltwater pool, 24/7 kitchen, alfresco common areas and bike hire. All 17 chic rooms include: Malin + Goetz toiletries, a dedicated workstation, tea and coffee making facilities, unlimited WiFi, Apple TV/Foxtel, and more. It’s the perfect spot for those who want a beachside getaway, but with all the modcons to keep working remotely. thebluewatermotel.com.au

We know Byron Bay has all the groovy hotels, but Brunswick Heads is hot on its tail. It’s here you’ll find The Sails Motel & Pool Club. A 22-room classic motel, just 15 minutes north from its stylish neighbour. The rooms vary from a classic queen to a two bedroom apartment that sleeps four to six people. Amenities include a Palm Springs inspired pool area, BBQ, small bar by the pool and Saint Maries, a delicious pizza restaurant, on the ground floor. Summer days can be spent swimming at Torakina Beach, surfing up or down the coast or lounging by the pool. thesailsmotel.com.au

With just 10 rooms on offer, Blueys Motel proves good things to do come in small packages. It is located just 200m from Blueys Beach, village shops, cafes and eateries. Lazy days can be spent by the pool, where you can cook a BBQ with family or friends in the al fresco common areas. Surfers have plenty of options nearby and nature lovers can explore Booti Booti National Park, just a five minute drive from the motel. blueysmotel.com.au

A laid-back 60s-style motel with tropical vibes, saltwater pool, and stylish rooms, The Chalet Motel is located a short stroll from Brunswick Heads’ beaches and village centre. chaletmotel.com.au