Which travellers are attracted to regional Australia? Tourism Research Australia’s statistics from the March quarter 2026 tell us that the travellers who head to regional Australia the most are older Australians. 69 per cent of their overnight travel went to regional Australia, compared to 41 per cent going to capital cities. It’s clear that some holidays involve travel to both regions and the numbers reflect that, but travel to the regions beats travel to cities across every age category. The trips to these regions will most likely be taken by car, with the boot loaded and the highway ahead. That is exactly what gives the humble roadside motel its place, like the motels on Maitland Road in Mayfield West.
Different Needs in a Road Trip
It’s no wonder that a road trip has different needs from a flying holiday into a big city with one small suitcase. Road trippers come with eskies, prams, fishing rods and sometimes with a dog. For motel accommodation Mayfield guests choose, an opulent lobby is not as important as the space between the hotel and the car.
Parking is hidden under the hotels of the city behind tight restrictions for size and height. Utes, four-wheel drives and vehicles towing trailers can’t get inside. At a motel, guests can park their cars close to their own doors.
The Advantage of Having a Ground-Floor Room
There is less work in getting around with ground-floor rooms than many people expect. Guests don’t have to carry their bags around through lifts, long corridors and fire doors after long driving. Parents won’t have to carry their tired children from a lift to a room after putting them to sleep in the car.
Travellers using any mobility aids would be particularly interested in the level access and parking nearby. Accessible rooms with wide doorways and step-free bathrooms are worth checking in advance. Asking specific questions about the grab rails and shower design avoids disappointments.
Tradespeople and contractors appreciate having their tools and work vehicles kept close at night. Having an early start becomes easier with the ute parked only a few metres away from the bed.
Bringing the Dog Along
Pet-friendly rooms are few and far between in most Australian cities, Newcastle included. Motels that let you bring your pets usually have a handful of pet-friendly rooms to choose from, and booking one early can save you from a bit of embarrassment at reception.
Newcastle has got some great off-leash parks and beaches where your best mate can run free, but you’ll need to check the rules set out by the City of Newcastle to make sure you know where to go and when; you don’t want to get fined. Taking your dog out for a walk can be a breeze if you’ve got some water, some bags for the loo and a lead.
A Good Break on a Long Journey
Newcastle is right in the middle of the action, not too far from Sydney, the North Coast or inland New South Wales, so it’s often the perfect spot to stop for the night if you’re driving to Brisbane, New England or the Hunter. Breaking up a long drive like that makes it way more manageable.
The road safety advice from NSW is to take a break every couple of hours on long trips, and an overnight stop is usually the best bet, especially when you start feeling a bit knackered and cranky in the dark.
A few simple things make a road trip stopover a whole lot easier:
What to Expect From a Motel Stay?
Motel stays are always more enjoyable when you know what to expect, and the good news is it’s usually pretty simple. Rooms usually come with air con, a TV, Wi-Fi, a kettle, a fridge and all the other basic kitchen stuff. Some motels do serve breakfast, while others have shut down their on-site restaurants and pools in recent years.
Something to watch out for is that reception hours can be shorter than you’d expect at a big hotel, and that can catch some people out. If you’re going to be arriving late, arrange to collect your key in advance to avoid having to hang around in an empty car park. And even if you’ve prepaid, be prepared to show some photo ID and a credit card at check-in.
Motels have managed to outlast all sorts of travel trends because they’re just so practical and affordable, and for the next road trip through Newcastle and the Hunter, booking a room right next to the car might just be the easiest decision you make all trip.
