We all need moments of calm, and sometimes, the best remedy is simply stepping away. At Budget Motels, you’ll find peaceful stays in towns perfect for slowing down, breathing deeply, and enjoying the quiet comforts of a well-earned escape. Check out our tips for where you can get away from it all.
- Enjoy a slower pace that lets you unwind.
- Each Budget Motel offers clean, cosy rooms and friendly service without the chaos of packed lobbies or city noise.
- Many of our motels are family-owned, so you’ll always be greeted with a smile and a local tip or two for discovering hidden gems nearby.
- We’ve got the perfect base for a solo recharge, couple’s weekend, or quiet family trip.
- When you’re ready to escape the noise, book directly through our website for the best rates and a hassle-free start to your peaceful getaway.
Stay in Mt Gambier, SA at the Grand Central Motel. Click to view.
Mount Gambier, SA
Why here
Situated almost halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, Mount Gambier is part of the Limestone Coast and is known for its abundance of volcanic craters and beautiful blue lakes.
Enjoy scenic volcanic walks, golf, hiking trails, snorkelling and swimming, viewpoints, wildlife, wineries and galleries.
Top spots to visit
- Umpherston & Kilsby sinkholes
- Naracoorte & Engelbrecht caves
- Blue Lake
- Valley Lake / Ketla Malpi
- Mount Schank
- Coonawarra wine region / Mount Gambier Wine Region
- Ewens Ponds
- Tantanoola Caves / Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Parks
- Echo Farm
- Mount Gambier Golf Club.
Stay in Tenterfield, NSW at the Tally Ho Motor Inn. Click to view.
Tenterfield, NSW
Why here
Enveloped by six national parks and World Heritage Sites, historic Tenterfield is a gem in the New England region of NSW. Nature’s bounty aside, the region is known for its superb wineries and farm gates.
Enjoy swimming, fishing, golf, wineries, birdwatching, heritage and historical tours, bushwalking and hiking.
Top spots to visit
- Tenterfield Creek
- Tenterfield Railway Museum
- Tenterfield Saddler
- Bald Rock National Park
- Boonoo Boonoo National Park
- Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts
- Thunderbolt’s Hideout
- Mount MacKenzie Nature Reserve
- Basket Swamp National Park
- Tenterfield Golf Club.
Stay in Yungaburra, QLD at the Curtain Fig Motel. Click to view.
Yungaburra, QLD
Why here
Just over an hour from Cairns, Yungaburra is the first stop for travellers who’ve completed the spectacular drive up the Gillies Highway from Gordonvale, and an enticing introduction to the charm of the Atherton Tablelands.
Enjoy wildlife, scenery, nature, walks, hiking, bushwalks and history.
Top spots to visit
- Petersen Creek for platypus
- Curtain & Cathedral Fig Trees
- Lake Tinaroo
- Lake Barrine
- Gallo Dairyland
- Crater Lakes National Park
- Mount Hypipamee
- Misty Mountains
- Historic Village Herberton.
Stay in Seymour, VIC at the Seymour Motel. Click to view.
Seymour, VIC
Why here
Take your time in the historic military and rail heritage town of Seymour, situated on the leafy banks of the winding Goulburn River, where you can listen to the birds and watch out for local wildlife.
Enjoy wineries, history, rail heritage, hiking, walking, bushwalks, fishing, boat activities, wildlife, scenery and nature.
Top spots to visit
- Goulburn River & Park
- Seymour Railway Heritage Centre
- Avenel Maze
- Tallarook State Forest
- Old Goulburn Weir
- Trawool Valley
- Gooram Falls
- Goulburn River National Park
- Australian Army Tank Museum
- Great Victorian Rail Trail.
Stay on the banks of the Tweed River in Murwillumbah, NSW at the Tweed River Motel. Click to view.
Murwillumbah, NSW
Why here
Set in the middle of an extinct volcanic caldera, Murwillumbah is the gateway to the Tweed region’s finest cultural and natural attractions, from the world’s largest expanse of subtropical rainforest to must-see galleries.
Enjoy arts, golf, cycling, fishing, boating activities, swimming, boat tours, wildlife and nature.
Top spots to visit
- Tweed River
- Tweed River House
- Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
- Mount Warning
- Clarrie Hall Dam
- Wollumbin National Park
- Nightcap National Park
- Northern Rivers Rail Trail
- Murwillumbah Golf Club
Stay right across from the beach in Rosebud, VIC at the Admiral Motor Inn. Click to view.
Rosebud, VIC
Why here
Named after a famous local shipwreck, Rosebud is a seaside village with white sandy beaches right over the road, shops, restaurants and cafe’s. Rosebud Pier is a prime fishing spot.
Enjoy beaches, wineries, breweries, history, walking, horse rides, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, boat activities, wildlife, scenery, nature, golf and seaside vibe relaxing.
Top spots to visit
- Stunning beaches
- Cape Schanck
- Point Nepean National Park
- Gunnamatta Trail Rides
- The Big Goose
- Arthurs Seat Eagle
- Enchanted Adventure Maze
- Peninsula Hot Springs
- St Andrews Beach Golf Course
- Caldemeade Farm
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park.
Stay in Mackay, QLD at the Mackay Motor Inn. Click to view.
Mackay, QLD
Why here
Jaw-dropping gorges, national parks, thriving wildlife and the longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest in Queensland as well as Mackay’s Art Deco buildings and amazing fishing opportunities.
Enjoy scenery, beaches, nature, wildlife, swimming, boat activities, fishing, snorkelling, walks and hikes.
Top spots to visit
- Mackay Botanic Gardens
- Pioneer & Broken Rivers
- Finch Hatton Gorge
- Great Barrier Reef
- Islands of St. Bees and Keswick
- Harbour Beach
- Marina
- Bluewater Lagoon Park
- Sugar Cane tours
- Mount Britton
- Sky Window lookout, Eungella National Park.
Stay in Narooma, NSW at the Motel Farboro. Click to view.
Narooma, NSW
Why here
Narooma is the jewel of the South Coast, with pristine turquoise waters, stunning unspoilt beaches, and a coastline dotted with significant geological rock formations.
Enjoy stunning beaches, nature, wildlife, adventure, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, boat activities and golf.
Top spots to visit
- Beautiful beaches
- Blue Pool
- Wagonga Inlet
- Australia Rock and Glasshouse Rocks
- Bar Rock Lookout
- Ringland & Fosters Bay
- Whale watching (seasonal)
- Montague Island
- Mill Bay Boardwalk
- Narooma Golf Club.
Stay in Hamilton, VIC at the Budget on the Lake Motor Inn. Click to view.
Hamilton, VIC
Why here
Admire the grandeur of Hamilton, with its majestic homesteads, ornate buildings and manicured gardens, the legacy of its rich, wool-growing heritage.
Enjoy history, aviation, walks, hikes, climbing, bushwalks, swimming, fishing, boat activities, wildlife, scenery, nature and wineries.
Top spots to visit
- Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum
- Campe’s Motor Museum
- Hamilton Art Gallery
- Hamilton Botanic Gardens
- Lake Hamilton
- Mackenzies Falls
- Wannon Falls
- Nigretta Falls
- Henty Wine Region
- Grampians National Park.
Stay in Dubbo, NSW at the All Seasons Motor Lodge. Click to view.
Dubbo, NSW
Why here
In the heart of the Macquarie Valley, Dubbo is a vibrant regional city on the banks the Macquarie River, filled with world-class attractions and experiences, and reputed to be one of the friendliest regions in NSW.
Enjoy history, theatre, fishing, boating activities, swimming, cycling, star gazing, wildlife, nature and golf.
Top spots to visit
- Macquarie River
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
- Club Dubbo
- Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience
- Old Dubbo Gaol
- Western Plains Cultural Centre
- Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden
- Dubbo Observatory
- Macquarie River Trail
- Dubbo Golf Club.
Stay in Swan Hill, VIC at the Paruna Motel. Click to view.
Swan Hill, VIC
Why here
Sunny Swan Hill is a top spot for fishing thanks to the pristine riverscapes, great food and wine, and pioneer history.
Enjoy fishing, walking, hiking, boating, canoe/kayaking, river cruises, heritage and historical tours, golf and art.
Top spots to visit
- Pioneer Settlement
- PS Pyap Paddle Steamer
- Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum
- Heartbeat of the Murray laser & light show
- Riverside Park
- Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery
- Murray Downs Golf and Country Club
- Nyah Vinifera State Forest.
Stay in Camperdown, VIC at the Camperdown Cascade Motel. Click to view.
Camperdown, VIC
Why here
Camperdown main street has a fine 2km avenue of elms, historic buildings, heritage walks and an impressive clock tower, located on the world’s third-largest volcanic plain, dotted with lakes and volcanic cones.
Enjoy volcanic scenery, history, walking, swimming, fishing, boating activities, wildlife, scenic, bushwalks, nature.
Top spots to visit
- Manifold Clock Tower
- Courthouse Camperdown
- Historic buildings in Camperdown
- Camperdown Botanical Gardens
- Anglican Benedictine Abbey of St Mark
- Lake Bullen Merri
- Lake Gnotuk & Lookout
- Mount Leura
- Mount Sugarloaf.
Stay in Echuca at the Big River Motel, or stay in Moama at the Moama Central Motel. Click to view.
Echuca, VIC & Moama, NSW
Why here
Echuca and Moama are neighbouring regional towns divided by the mighty Murray River, sharing a connected, fascinating history and both offering the perfect spot for a quiet, memorable getaway. Once Australia’s largest inland port, river red gums provide a lovely backdrop to these twin towns.
Enjoy river scenery, paddle steamers, wineries, museums, history, walking, swimming, fishing, boating activities, wildlife.
Top spots to visit
- Port of Echuca
- Murray River paddle steamer cruises
- Echuca Historical Society Museum
- The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum
- Moama Beach
- Green Pedal Electric Bike Tours
- Billabong Ranch Adventure Park
- TwistED Science
- Aqua Island.
Stay in Torquay, VIC at the Bellbrae Motel. Click to view.
Torquay, VIC
Why here
Torquay is the official start of the Great Ocean Road and home to iconic Bells Beach and iconic surf brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver, offering family-friendly beaches, wild waves at Jan Juc, and world-class surf action at the Rip Curl Pro each Easter.
Enjoy surfing, beaches, swimming, fishing, horse riding, walking, history, breweries.
Top spots to visit
- Australian National Surfing Museum
- Surf Coast Walk & beaches
- Point Danger Marine Sanctuary & Lookout
- Great Ocean Road
- Surf at Bells Beach
- Tiger Moth Flights
- Spring Creek Horse Rides
- Visit the local Breweries
- Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
Stay in Victor Harbor, SA at the Wintersun Motel. Click to view.
Victor Harbor, SA
Why here
A relaxed seaside town, home to the gentle giants of the ocean. Seaside charm, stunning coastal views and maritime history define Victor Harbor.
Enjoy beaches, seaside water sports, wildlife, walking, cycling, heritage and history, nature, adventure, scenery, golf.
Top spots to visit
- Whale watching (May-October)
- Granite & Seal Island
- Horse drawn Tram ride
- South Australian Whale Centre
- Urimburra Wildlife Park
- Big Duck Boat Tours
- Victor Harbor Heritage Trail
- Odyssey Adventure Parasailing
- Victor Harbor Golf Club.
Stay in Colac, VIC at the Otway Gate Motel. Click to view.
Colac, VIC
Why here
Historic Colac is on the third largest volcanic plain in the world and offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a quieter, relaxed atmosphere despite its close proximity to the Great Ocean Road, and the Otway Ranges.
Enjoy volcanic lake scenery, wineries, history, walking, swimming, fishing (fresh water and salt water), boating activities, wildlife.
Top spots to visit
- Colac Botanic Gardens
- Lake Colac
- Red Rock & Reserve
- Old Beechy Rail Trail
- Great Otway National Park
- Volcanic Plains
- Lake Corangamite
- Lake Colac
- Lake Elizabeth
- Memorial Square
- Nature & Wildlife Tours.
Stay in Wagga Wagga, NSW at the City Park Motel & Apartments. Click to view.
Wagga Wagga, NSW
Why here
Vibrant Wagga Wagga is the largest regional centre in NSW and the heart of the Riverina, located right on the Murrumbidgee River, with historic buildings, tree-lined streets, museums, theatres, galleries and parks, in a prime location between Sydney and Melbourne.
Enjoy scenery, river activities, fishing, walking, cycling, wildlife, nature, art scene, heritage and history.
Top spots to visit
- Murrumbidgee River & Wagga Beach
- Botanic Gardens & Zoo
- Victory Memorial Gardens
- Wiradjuri Walking Track
- Livingstone National Park and Conservation Area
- Lake Albert
- Sculpture trails
- Wollundry Lagoon and Amphitheatre
- Rail Heritage Museum, RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre, Steam and Vintage Museum, Museum of the Riverina, Temora Aviation Museum.
Stay in Traralgon, VIC at the City Gardens Motel. Click to view.
Traralgon, VIC
Why here
Located near forests, mountains, lakes and rivers, leafy Traralgon is the heart of Gippsland, with an arts and culture scene, excellent dining and a vibrant nightlife, enhanced by heritage and stunning scenery.
Enjoy nature, bird watching, walking, hiking, cycling, history, the arts, dining, heritage and history.
Top spots to visit
- Latrobe Regional gallery
- Latrobe River
- Gippsland Miniature Railway
- Traralgon Railway Reserve
- Gippsland Performing Arts Centre
- Old Gippsland
- Tarra-Bulga National Park
- Gippsland Plains Rail Trail
- Bandicoot Adventure Flights
- Mt Baw Baw.
Stay in Stay in Port Pirie, SA at the Travelway Motel. Click to view.
Port Pirie, SA
Why here
Port Pirie offers a blend of history, attractions and natural beauty. While known for its industrial history, heritage buildings, and proximity to the Southern Flinders Ranges, it also has a strong arts and cultural scene.
Enjoy history and heritage, wildlife, arts, nature, scenery, history, dining, walking, hiking, beaches, waterfront activities.
Top spots to visit
- Port Pirie Regional Tourism & Arts Centre
- Pirie Rail Express & Pirie Model Railway
- Port Pirie RSL Military Museum
- National Trust Museum & viewing tower
- Napperby Gorge
- Nelshaby Reserve
- Solomontown Beach
- Waterfront activities
- Mount Remarkable National Park.
Stay in Portland, VIC at the William Dutton Motel. Click to view.
Portland, VIC
Why here
Portland offers a great range of activities. Fantastic beaches, fishing, whale watching, tours of aboriginal sites, history, botanical gardens and amazing scenery and National Parks.
Enjoy beaches, wildlife, nature, coastal scenery, history, museums, walking, hiking, beaches, seaside activities.
Top spots to visit
- Portland Cable Tram
- Portland Botanic Gardens
- Portland Maritime Discovery Centre
- Mount Richmond National Park
- Cape Nelson State Park
- Discovery Bay Coastal Park
- Great South West Walk
- Petrified Forest
- Bridgewater Bay
- Port Fairy
- Whale watching May-October
