The Monty in Anglesea proves a motel can still feel like a proper destination.
After a couple of days of cliffs, koalas and glass-walled pods deep in the Otways, rolling into Anglesea and checking into The Monty felt like a change of gear. This isn’t a motel in the beige-carpet, ice-machine-in-the-corridor sense of the word – it’s a full retro reinvention, and it was exactly the kind of stylish stay I needed.
Where is The Monty?
Check in to Anglesea’s coolest new motel.
The Monty sits right on the Great Ocean Road in Anglesea, directly opposite the riverside boardwalk, with the Anglesea River on one side and an easy stroll to Main Beach, local shops and cafes on the other. The location does a lot of the work for you – you can walk to the water, wander into town for dinner, or just stay put by the pool, and you’re still perfectly placed to keep pushing on toward Torquay or back the other way toward the Otways.
What is the style and character of The Monty?
There’s a real warmth to the design at The Monty.
This is a Palm Springs-inspired boutique motel, and it commits to the bit completely. Think desert-toned palettes and playful, colourful artwork against a backdrop of vintage-meets-modern design – built for people who want their accommodation to have a bit of personality rather than just being a place to crash. It’s nostalgic without feeling over the top; there’s a real warmth to the design that makes you want to actually spend time there, not just sleep and go.
What facilities does The Monty have?
Enjoy the outdoor pool and short stroll to the beach.
The centrepiece is the outdoor pool, styled with breeze blocks and desert-inspired plants, which is exactly where you want to be on a warm Great Ocean Road afternoon. Beyond that, there’s an outdoor lounge area, EV chargers, onsite parking, and daily housekeeping. The rooms come with Smart TVs and Chromecast, complimentary wi-fi, and there’s breakfast available if you’d rather not head out first thing. It’s a compact property (16 rooms in total), so it never feels like you’re competing for space at the pool or anywhere else.
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AI Prompt
What are the rooms like at The Monty?
The skylight in the bathroom makes all the difference.
The vintage design makes you feel at home.
Rooms come in King or Twin configurations, all individually styled with that same vintage-meets-modern sensibility – think a copy of Australian Traveller magazine, curated artwork (commissioned locally from That Paper Joint in Brunswick), blackout drapes, minibars and espresso makers. Ours felt fresh and considered rather than cookie-cutter, with details that make you actually want to photograph your room instead of just dumping your bags and leaving.
What is the dining like at The Monty?
Nina is a coastal Californian-Mexican cantina.
Margaritas are served at Nina.
Nina is made for sharing.
The Monty’s onsite dining comes via Nina, a coastal Californian-Mexican cantina serving up an all-day menu of shareable dishes, seafood and house-made queso fresco (and it’s entirely gluten free, which is a nice touch if that’s a consideration for your group). We had dinner there, and it hit exactly the right note after a long day on the road – casual, flavourful and made better by the setting.
Does The Monty have access for guests with disabilities?
The Monty has accessible rooms.
The accessible bathroom.
Yes – accessibility has been a clear consideration in the renovation rather than a box-ticking exercise. The Monty offers dedicated DDA-compliant King rooms with adaptive features and roll-in showers, designed with the same care and style as the rest of the property. It’s worth reaching out directly if you have specific requirements, but the accessible rooms here are a proper, thoughtfully designed option rather than a single afterthought room tacked on the end of a corridor.
Is The Monty family-friendly?
Families are welcome at The Monty.
It can work well for families, particularly with the outdoor pool as an easy drawcard for kids, and the walkable location near the beach and boardwalk. That said, the overall feel leans slightly more toward couples and friends after a stylish, relaxed night away – it’s compact so it suits smaller groups best. Families are welcome, but if you’re after a big resort-style family setup, this one’s more boutique than that.
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The verdict
The Monty is proof that a motel stay doesn’t have to mean settling. It’s stylish without trying too hard, well positioned for exploring Anglesea and the surrounding coast, and the combination of that pool, the riverside cantina and considered rooms makes it a proper stop on the Great Ocean Road itinerary rather than just a place to sleep between destinations.
Details
The Monty is stylish without trying too hard.
Best for: Couples, friends or small groups after a stylish, laid-back stay right on the Great Ocean Road, with easy access to the beach and river.
Address: 109 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Vic
Phone: (03) 5263 1472
Cost: From around $150 per night depending on room type and season.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a unique and utterly memorable experience along the mighty Murray River.
Along the Murray River lies a network of towns that are at once intertwined and wildly diverse. Linked by the legendary waterway yet strikingly distinct, each has its own personality, pace and collection of experiences you won’t soon forget.
1. On the river
Get out onto the pretty Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Visit Victoria)
A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt on the iconic river. If you’re something of an adventurer, Lake Mulwala – an inlet on the Murray – is perennially popular for all kinds of watersports. Glide among ghost gums on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, or pick up the pace by waterskiing or windsurfing.
For a more relaxed (but no less immersive) river experience, hop on board one of the famed paddle steamers. Departing from Echuca Moama, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga Mulwala, these historic boats provide a nostalgic view of the Murray.
2. First Nations culture
Wander the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.
The river is a meeting place of ancient cultures, home to over 50 First Nations clans and an integral part of their communities, storytelling and way of life.
To learn more about the Traditional Owners, take yourself on a guided stroll through the Wagirra Trail. Situated in Albury/Wiradjuri country, the trail passes through red gum forest, riverside wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.
Alternatively, visit the Dharnya Centre in the heart of Barmah National Park on Yorta Yorta country. The centre tells the history and stories of the Yorta Yorta people, offering guided walking tours and cruises.
3. Delicious eats
Savour a relaxed riverside meal at Mildura Boat House.
For a representative taste of the Murray’s epicurean highlights, a few destinations are well worth your time (and appetite).
Opa in Echuca is a local staple, serving up authentic and bold Greek dishes in lively surrounds. Greek not your thing? The twin towns of Echuca Moama have numerous top-notch drinking and dining spots to choose from and an ever-evolving food scene.
In Albury, the River Deck Cafe is perched right on the river, delivering scenic vistas and a vibrant daytime menu. Expect lemon meringue waffles or Green Goddess smashed avo for breakfast, or a zippy duck salad with Southeast Asian flavours for lunch. For more waterfront dining options, head to Mildura Boathouse. Enjoy iconic views and a modern Australian menu focused on local producers and wines.
4. Hiking and biking trails
Discover the Murray Region on two wheels. (Credit: Ewen Bell)
The best ways to experience the Murray’s surrounding landscapes are on foot or by bike. Luckily, plenty of well-marked trails take you through the diverse scenery.
The Mildura Riverfront has a shared path for both walkers and cyclists, connecting the town centre with a string of parks and lookouts. The path lets you take in the entire town and its distinctive terrain at a leisurely pace, and is relatively flat throughout.
For a more challenging experience, head to the Huon Hill Parklands or Nail Can Hill Reserve in Albury Wodonga. Both feature a varied network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails through undulating terrain.
5. Best views along The Murray
Spot the birdlife at Wonga Wetlands. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)
The Murray region is perhaps unsurprisingly a prime destination for epic vistas. The Wonga Wetlands just outside Albury are an aquatic feast for the eyes, a winding web of billabongs and lagoons. Take a stroll through the tranquil landscape and see if you can spot one of the more than 170 bird species living within.
Stop by Moama Beach at sunset to catch the dazzling display. Vivid hues of pink, amber and gold flare against a backdrop of river red gum trees and are reflected in the river’s glassy waters.
Head away from the Murray itself, 15 mins from Albury Wodonga, for stunning mountain views at Lake Hume. Or head to Gunbower National Park, a picturesque place boasting a diverse wonderland of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants.
6. Art and culture
Immerse yourself in art at the MAMA, Albury. (Tourism Australia)
The region’s diverse mix of galleries, museums and cultural hubs provides a window into its past and present.
One of the most prominent is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which has a rotating roster of contemporary exhibitions. The Burrajara Gallery is another Albury gem, with a powerful collection of works from local First Nations artists.
There are several smaller museums and galleries scattered across Echuca Moama and Mildura reflecting the artistic depth of the Murray. Popular picks include The Foundry Arts Space and Customs House Gallery in Echuca Moama, and the Arts Centre, Riverfront Gallery and NAP Contemporary in Mildura.
7. Murray Region Events
Time your trip around one fo the regions live music events. (Credit: Riverboats Music Festival)
Each year, the Murray hosts events as unique and characterful as the region itself.
The Massive Murray Paddle takes place every November, a 415-kilometre, five-day river paddle raising money for local charities. Whether you take part in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat, or watch from the riverbanks, you’ll be in for a memorable experience.
If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck throughout the year. In summer, plan a trip for Riverboats Music Festival. And in the cooler months, head to the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival for four days of performances across different venues.
8. Best stays along The Murray
Find unique stays by the river or in the countryside.
Throughout your busy few days of exploring, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest.
Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park is right on the river and has gorgeous views. Pick from riverfront and pet-friendly lagoon cabins, or set up camp at one of the powered sites set among native bush. Or head into the countryside to stay in the quaint glamping or lodge options of Charm Lodge.
Alternatively, treat yourself to a night or two at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods, which has stylish modern rooms and luxe amenities. There’s a heated infinity pool, day spa and an on-site restaurant doing elevated fare with local produce.
For a quintessential Murray experience, hire a houseboat from one of the many operators in Mildura. Available for weekend and week-long adventures, these well-appointed boats immerse you in the leisurely rhythm and quiet beauty of the Murray River.
