White Lanterns Motel

I didn’t want to leave on checkout day. This was hands down the best motel I’ve stayed in, and next time I’m nearby it’ll be my only choice. I’d booked four nights for a quiet break to clear my head and recharge, then extended by two nights before adding one more, so I ended up staying seven nights. The staff were all kind, friendly and helpful, and made everything easy. I stayed in rooms 10 and 1, and both were clean, spacious, comfortable and quiet, like having a little home to myself. The photos don’t quite do the rooms justice. There were extra pillows and blankets in the cupboards, fresh-looking pillows, a microwave, fridge and cutlery. The mattress felt just right, not too soft or hard. Blockout curtains gave me privacy, while the windows let in fresh air and natural light. The showers had great pressure and what felt like endless hot water, which was lovely on aching muscles. It’s in a great spot in a mostly residential area. There’s a bakery down the street with delicious coffee and the chunkiest, heavenly vanilla slice. Shops and cathedrals are an easy walk into town, or about five minutes by car. In the other direction, Waterfall Way leads towards national parks within an easy 30-60 minute drive. I went to Oxley National Park, Cathedral Rock National Park, New England National Park, and Guy Fawkes River National Park for some amazing bushwalks.