Against all odds: The Black Gold Motel success story in Wallerawang

By Dianne Collie, Founding Director of motelsos.com

If you’ve ever heard of Wallerawang, the first thing that might come to mind is the towering smokestacks from the now closed power station, just a landmark for those passing through the Central West NSW region.  

But tucked away just two hours west of Sydney, this seemingly unassuming town harbours a hidden gem that’s rewriting the narrative of regional hospitality—Black Gold Motel. Once a modest stopover, the motel is now a thriving destination that blends country charm with modern luxury, making waves far beyond its small-town borders.

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While talking to Mauro Risch, the renowned hotel photographer, about an upcoming trip for motelsos.com that would take us across the Blue Mountains from Sydney to Broken Hill and beyond, he enthusiastically mentioned Black Gold Motel—a property he had captured ‘hero shots’ of, located just two hours west of Sydney.

“The name of the town starts with W…,” Mauro said confidently, expecting I would immediately know it. However, it took a quick Google search to reveal the town’s name: Wallerawang. Wallera…what? Wallera…where? Is the typical reaction.

But as we would soon discover, this small town is home to a big surprise.

Having grown up in Central West NSW, I was familiar with Wallerawang as the site of a massive power station, its enormous smokestacks billowing clouds into the sky—a sight we often passed on family trips. But a motel thriving in such a small town?

I had my doubts. With a population of only around 2500 people, it was hard to imagine how a motel could not only survive but flourish.

But my curiosity was piqued after Mauro’s encouragement, so I reached out to the general manager, Brad Cluff, hoping to learn more about this intriguing place, and we booked a night at Black Gold Motel.

Our drive off the highway just after Lithgow felt like a step into the unknown. But as we pulled into the gates of Black Gold, we were greeted by a sight that defied expectations.

The property was expansive, with immaculate gardens and a range of accommodation options spread throughout the grounds, including villas, cabins, and motel rooms. The well-signed driveway pointed us toward various amenities, including the Crib Room Restaurant and the Barton Centre, a state-of-the-art conference venue.

How does a 71-room property with such facilities exist, let alone thrive, in a community of this size?

The warmest of welcomes at reception set the tone for our stay. The parking space in front of our room was generous, allowing us to unload with ease. Inside, we were delighted by the room’s cleanliness and attention to detail. The comfort and care shown in the design made us feel truly welcomed—this was clearly an award-winning motel.

As we dined at the Crib Room Restaurant, we were impressed by the delicious food and stunning presentation. The restaurant was buzzing with guests—from families to businesspeople—on a Thursday night, a surprising sight in a town of 2500.

It challenges the popular narrative that running a profitable onsite restaurant in a regional motel is impossible.

During dinner, we were joined by Brad’s parents, who are also his business partners. They shared stories of their journey and offered us a tour of the conference and training centre. It was no surprise to learn that Black Gold Motel had won the prestigious 2023 NSW State Business Award for ‘Excellence in Large Business.’

For a family-owned business in a town this small to achieve such recognition was nothing short of remarkable.

Brad’s acceptance speech at the awards ceremony was as heartwarming and humble as the motel itself. He recounted the 26-year journey of the Cluff family, who “saw potential when others saw ruin” when they purchased the old school in Wallerawang, where his grandmother and father once walked the halls.

His humorous remark—“When the family saw the other Business Awards finalists, we thought we were just coming for dinner”—brought laughter to the audience. Brad’s words offered hope to others, particularly startups and new businesses, proving that with determination and a touch of audacity, success is possible even in the most unlikely places.

Historically, regional motels were seen as mere stopovers for travellers on their way to a more exciting destination. But today, many holidaymakers are looking to the regions for a chance to relax, explore the great outdoors, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Companies, too, are sending delegates to regional areas, seeking the best accommodations, often with meal options and conference facilities.

Black Gold Motel is a shining example of how working with the community, understanding what guests truly want, and loving what you do can lead to extraordinary success. As Brad eloquently put it, “Through sheer determination and celebrating the audacity of the crazy, innovation is ignited.”

We highly recommend taking Brad’s challenge to heart: “Find Wallerawang on the map and stay a night or two—you won’t be disappointed.

AccomNews

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