River Drive Motel Is the Charming New Nostalgia-Fuelled Stay Open in South Gippsland

Revitalised motels are having a moment in Australia. Here to join the party is River Drive Motel, an idyllic countryside escape that pays homage to the natural landscape. Designed by wife-and-husband duo Kate Hannaford and Dic Coates, the boutique, five-room motel is nestled along the Tarwin River in South Gippsland and conveniently located close to Venus Bay and Wilson's Promontory.

The self-contained rooms have been sympathetically designed with modern sensibilities by the couple's Melbourne-based design and event agency, Moth Design. A relaxed palette of eucalyptus greens, earthy tones, and vintage pink highlights feature throughout the rooms.

"We wanted to reinvent the concept of what holiday accommodation can be, by providing a home away from home that is both modern and nostalgic. We love the idea of being able to simply drive up, unpack and enjoy your own adventure," Hannaford says.

Artwork comes in the form of a curated collection of upcoming Australian and First Nations works, which is set to rotate regularly. A locally-stocked mini bar highlights Gippsland producers, including WaWa Chocolate, Love Tea, A.R.C Wines, Loch Distillery & Brewery G&T and Gurneys Cider. For something a bit more substantial, the motel offers all-day, seasonal grazing boxes from locally-based caterer Acacia Edibles. Boxes can be pre-ordered and delivered to your door.

A large communal garden area complete with BBQs, picnic tables and a nostalgic old shed filled with family-friendly games completes the warm property.

River Drive Motel is located at 19 River Drive, Tarwin Lower, Victoria. You can visit the River Drive Motel website to book with a range of room sizes suited to two to five guests. Prices start at $340 a night with a minimum two-night stay.

Images: Albert Comper.