'Retro, funky' items for sale in historic motel's final days

AN HISTORIC Coast motel is in its final days before being demolished next week for townhouses.

Dave Brown is preparing to say farewell to Buderim Motor Inn, which he has called home for the past 11 years. Picture: Patrick Woods

AN HISTORIC Coast motel is in its final days before being demolished next week for townhouses.

The long-standing Buderim Motor Inn has stood on King St since 1965 will be knocked down for 34 new homes.

In its final days, "funky" retro items that added to the character of the landmark motel are being sold off for cheap.

Manager Niki Ferguson said while a lot of the items had already been snapped up, half remained.

"A lot of the cool, vintage and retro items have gone but some are still here," she said.

"And since the building has been here since 1964 you never know what you might find.

"There are bar fridges, bedding, kitchenware. There is plenty left.

"There is a lot of garden equipment, and also these beautiful trees providing you have the capacity to get them out of the ground."

Long-term resident Dave Brown said it had been a fun, eventful place to live.

Early designs show what new townhouses might look like once they are built on the soon-to-be-demolished Buderim motor Inn site. Picture: Contributed

In its heyday it was a popular rest spot as it was the only access through to Mooloolaba. It hosted wedding receptions and functions too.

Over the decades it's been known as Mark Anthony's Motel and the Ginger Mountain Resort before adopting its current moniker.

It has been solely focused on a mix of short, medium and long-term accommodation in recent years.

The once iconic building on King St will be demolished next week for a 34-townhouse complex.

After 10 years, Ms Ferguson has found herself without an income.

Andrea Edwards and Russell Brown love the history of the Buderim Motor Inn. Picture: Warren Lynam

She questioned whether the busy suburb needed more townhouses.

"It was packed out every weekend," she said.

"Buderim really needs a good motel for overnight stay. This place accommodated a lot of people long term.

"I was very surprised the developers didn't want to continue with a motel.

"It's a very sad time, I gained a lot of knowledge from working here."

The 6489sq m site will be developed by Tewantin-based company Vynara.

Originally published as 'Retro, funky' items for sale in historic motel's final days