The Highlander Motel - 24HR Check In

Before our first stay, our phone dealings with the owner had been good. We had to cancel a few months earlier and they were very obliging, with no charge. The place had good reviews over many years, and my wife and I were looking forward to trying it. We’ve now stayed quite a few times over the last six months, on the way to NSW and back. Each visit has been pleasant, with an easy, seamless check-in. The motel texts you a PIN for the door lock, then you phone through your credit card details to the owner, who’s very obliging and emails the receipt. Quick and easy, no dramas. Our first room was a budget one. It looked a bit old, but was clean and smelled good. On our second stay we were upgraded to a renovated room with a more modern TV, fridge and aircon heater. The beds were excellent, with electric blankets that you need in winter here. Maryborough gets very cold, around -4/6C, so bring thermals or seriously warm gear. The motel and surrounding area are very quiet, with no traffic noise, and we slept well in the comfortable beds. On our visit on 15th Dec 2025, some rooms had new fridges and aircon units, and the motel had new carpets and bathrooms and loos. It looks old from outside, but the rooms are very good. The owner keeps updating things and takes criticism on board, always trying to improve. Prices have risen since our first stay along with the upgrades and new equipment, but the star rating for quality has gone up too. We’ll keep staying here. It’s well located, about five minutes’ drive to central Maryborough and half an hour to Bendigo.