Donald Riverside Motel

Sure, Donald isn’t the biggest town out there, but with a motel like this, you don’t need it to be – it is just so relaxing. It is located right next to the river, and not only that but they have balconies out the back where you can sit and just enjoy the natural surroundings, and the surroundings are certainly really natural. The service was also great, and the rooms were pretty comfortable as well. Yeah, this turned out to be a great place to spend a couple of nights.

I was very pleased I had made Donald my halfway point between Adelaide and Melbourne. It might have added 50 kms or so to the journey but I enjoyed the scenery and it’s only another 35 kms to Charlton, where you join the Calder Highway, an excellent road to Melbourne. The motel was pleasantly located, being right next to the Richardson River. This is kept full of water by a dam further down the watercourse. Can recommend for a pleasant stay, well maintained and with a helpful, welcoming owner.

The room was comfortable, warm with the heater and the bed was also comfortable. Enjoyed the balcony overlooking the river. Had tea at the local pub, took a while to get a steak but it was busy. A Chinese restaurant was over the road. Cooked breakfast was a good start to the day.