Toronto’s retro-style coastal stay is the perfect base for your Lake Macquarie getaway
Located just a short stroll from the beautiful Toronto Foreshore, Catalina Motel is a reimagined lakeside stay that places you in the heart of Lake Macquarie.
Owned and operated by Karen and Brendan Childs since 2014, the property has come a long way from its early days, when bookings were managed with a pencil-and-paper system and the style was firmly rooted in the 1970s.
Following its most recent transformation, completed in October 2025, the level of interest in the property surprised even Karen and Brendan,
“We launched the new rooms and website just before the October long weekend, and within 20 minutes, we were fully booked.”
Blending retro coastal charm, with fresh and clean aesthetics, the motel captures the feeling of nostalgic waterside holidays - reimagined with today’s comforts. Warm colour tones, thoughtful details, and genuinely friendly service create a welcoming feel before you even set foot in the door.
Every room has been transformed into self-contained studio-style accommodation, each featuring a kitchenette, dining area, flatscreen TV, air-conditioning, and complimentary WIFI for a comfortable and convenient stay.
For a more elevated stay, the brand new Superior Queen Rooms offer premium finishes and added comfort, including a cooktop, full-sized fridge, rain shower, and smart TV - ideal for longer stays or guests seeking a more relaxed, modern experience.
The Superior Queen Rooms also feature spacious, fully upgraded bathrooms with walk-in rain showers, excellent water pressure, and premium Locatelli amenities.
Accommodation options range from Queen rooms to family suites accommodating up to four guests, and a ground floor accessible Queen room designed with practical comfort and access in mind.
Outside, the resort style pool is lined with umbrellas and relaxing seating, making it the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or an afternoon unwind.
Adjacent to the pool is an undercover BBQ social area, complete with picnic table seating and ample space to prepare your feast or enjoy takeaway from one of the many local foodie spots.
Located just minutes from the M1, the property is perfectly placed for exploring the best of the region - from local dining and galleries to sunset kayaking on Lake Macquarie.
And with the Hunter Valley only a 45-minute drive away, it offers the ideal blend of lakeside relaxation and wine country escapes.
It’s the kind of place where mornings start slow, afternoons are spent by the pool or lake, and evenings end with good food and an easy, relaxed pace.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer lakeside stay, Catalina Motel Lake Macquarie strikes that sweet spot between nostalgia and modern comfort, close to everything, yet still feeling like a proper getaway in the heart of Lake Macquarie.
To learn more or book your stay, visit catalinamotel.com.au
