A hop, skip and a jump over the border into Northern New South Wales is all it takes to get to the seaside town of Kingscliff – the home of the recently renovated Blue Water Motel. If you can’t bear to tear yourself away from the aqua-hued waters of Kingy Creek and end up looking for lodgings in town, Blue Water Motel is exactly where you want to find yourself. Reflecting the laid-back coastal vibe of the small town, the locale is a cracking example of old-school retro, reimagined by talented designer Jason Grant. It features classic lettering, quirky touches and eggshell blue, while avoiding overly-kitsch vibes – the ideal combo of vintage nostalgia and relaxed beach-inspired hues.

Ditch the car and instead wander through town, whether it’s to the beachfront or to one of the many incredible eateries and coffee spots. It’s the ultimate feel-good summer stay – wander down the road and indulge in a spritz at Taverna, or choose to stay and sip in Blue Water’s cute courtyard space. While providing casual accommodation, the aim of the game with Blue Water Motel was to provide comfortable accommodation at an accessible price point, while still serving up subtle sophistication – and we think that they’ve nailed it. Head here to take a peek at the Northern Rivers newcomer.

Keen to explore what the region has to offer while you’re there? Of course you are. Head here for our round up of the Northern Rivers’ best bites.