Father’s love brings a unique themed motel to Chinchilla
Inspired by cherished memories with his four children, Justin Herringe transformed The Acacia Motel into a truly one-of-a-kind experience
A heartfelt vision and a deep love for family have transformed an old country motel in Chinchilla into one of Western Queensland’s most original unique and highly rated accommodations.
Nestled just off the Warrego Highway, The Acacia Motel is no ordinary roadside stay. Under the ownership and direction of Justin Herringe, it has become a personal and immersive experience, built on a father’s devotion to his four children.
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Two years ago, with no background in hospitality but an extraordinary dream, Justin took a leap of faith. He moved to Queensland, purchased a tired motel, and embarked on its remarkable transformation—creating a collection of uniquely themed rooms, each inspired by special memories shared with his children.
Justin’s vision was simple yet profound: to give back to his children the joy they have given him throughout his 30 years as a father. Over the past two years, he has poured his heart and soul into shaping The Acacia Motel into something truly special—an accommodation experience like no other in Australia.
“The motel is my gift to my children,” Justin told AccomNews. “And every guest is invited to share in that experience.”
Each themed room reflects cherished moments from his journey as a father, offering a warm, personal touch that resonates with families, solo travellers, and adventurers alike.
At The Acacia Motel, guests don’t just check in—they embark on a journey.
“Our motto is ‘More than a Bed, an Immersive Experience,’” Justin explains. “I wanted to create something special—not just for my children, but for every guest who walks through our doors.”
From the moment guests step into reception, they are greeted with a warm, hospitable welcome. Each room offers its own surprises, blending nostalgia, visual appeal, entertainment, and lasting memories. While preserving the motel’s cool 1960s retro charm, Justin has infused it with a modern, resort-style feel.
The result? A lodging experience unlike any other in the region.
With the interior and exterior upgrades nearly complete, Justin is now setting his sights on Stage 4—an ambitious plan to transform the property grounds over the next 12 months.
“Stay tuned,” he says, “once again, it will be a truly unique experience in every way!”
Rave reviews and unforgettable stays
Since its refurbishment, The Acacia Motel has garnered glowing reviews across multiple platforms, praised for its unique style, cleanliness, and welcoming service.
On Booking.com, the motel holds a “Wonderful” rating of 9.2, with guests praising its spotless rooms, comfortable beds, and convenient location.
One guest commented: “The changes made to the Acacia since I last stayed are beyond impressive. The themed rooms continue to just get better. The cleanliness and bed comfort are top notch…”
Another said: “Justin runs a fantastic motel. Each room is individually styled and there is a brilliant tv/games room…”
Similarly, TripAdvisor reviews highlight the motel’s excellent value for money, well-maintained amenities—and the overall comfort of the stay.
One guest summed up, “Everything you need—comfortable beds, great showers, and a quiet location away from the highway.”
Visitors are also captivated by the thoughtfully designed themed rooms. One described the Library Room as “a step back in time,” while others eagerly anticipate future themes like Music, Art, and Ice Cream Parlour.
The attention to detail extends beyond the rooms.
The Social Games Room offers guests a welcoming communal space with a coffee station, retro arcade games, board games, and the popular Four Children Chess Board, ensuring a memorable and interactive stay.
A motel designed for comfort and connection
In addition to its uniquely themed rooms, The Acacia Motel offers a range of accommodations, including Double and Queen Rooms, Twin Share, and Family Rooms. Many feature kitchenettes equipped with large fridges, induction cooktops, and 65-inch smart TVs.
Guests also enjoy:
✅ Free wifi
✅ Air-conditioned, non-smoking rooms
✅ Undercover parking and off-road parking for trailers
✅ Shaded courtyard with BBQ facilities
✅ Complimentary guest laundry
The motel is also renowned for its home-cooked meals, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner delivered directly to guest rooms. For those exploring the area, it’s within walking distance of local favourites like Panache Coffee Shop, Merritt’s Bakery, Chinchilla Museum, and the Botanic Gardens.
A legacy built on love
Owned through The Four Children Trusts, The Acacia Motel was established with the sole intention of benefiting Justin’s children—making it more than just a business; it’s a legacy of love. Each room tells a story, bringing guests closer to the warmth, joy, and dedication that inspired its creation.
📌 Follow Justin’s journey on Facebook for updates, and book your stay at acaciamotel.com.
Mandy has over two decades of experience in accommodation and tourism industry writing, and she is also an accomplished editor and publisher. As co-Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd, a trusted B2B content provider for the accommodation and education sectors in Australia and New Zealand, she oversees high-quality print and digital content across notable publications, including AccomNews, Resort News, and School News, along with the property listing platform AccomProperties. Mandy’s contributions have been recognised with the Female Leader Award at the Best of Tourism 2023 and the ARAMA Life Member Award in 2024.
Looks like fun!!