A year of new beginnings, new friendships and discovering what makes Barooga special.
September 2026
It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since we arrived in Barooga and took our first steps into life at Sunrise Motel. A year ago, we were leaving one chapter behind and beginning something completely different.
Today, Sunrise feels like home.
And as we approach our first anniversary as owners, we thought it was the perfect time to start something new: The Sunrise Journal.
This isn’t a newsletter full of sales messages. Instead, we want it to be a place where we can share what is happening at Sunrise, introduce you to some of the people and places that make this part of the Murray special, and hopefully give you a few more reasons to come and stay awhile.
Why Barooga?
Moving from Melbourne to Barooga was a big decision. There is an obvious change of pace when you arrive here. The Murray River is right here. The Botanical Gardens are just across the road. There are walking and cycling opportunities, golf, beaches, fishing, local events, cafés and plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
The broader Cobram-Barooga region is particularly well known for its river beaches, walking and cycling trails, fishing and outdoor experiences. And then there are the experiences you might not expect to find in a small regional community. Bullanginya Dreaming, for example, offers an evening experience centred around Indigenous history, storytelling, light and sound beside Bullanginya Lagoon. It is currently running through the 2026–27 season.
There is also Cactus Country, the Murray River, local golf, markets, sporting events and an ever-changing calendar of things happening across the region. We’re still discovering plenty of it ourselves.
And that’s part of the fun.
What our guests have taught us
Perhaps the most valuable part of our first year has been reading what guests actually say about Sunrise Motel. And there is a remarkably consistent theme. People talk about the rooms being large, clean and comfortable.
They talk about the kitchens.
They talk about the pool.
They talk about the undercover BBQ and entertainment area.
They talk about how easy it is to get around.
And, thankfully, they talk about us too.
Recent guests have described the motel as clean, spacious and comfortable, while repeatedly mentioning the BBQ area, pool and friendly hosts. That’s particularly meaningful to us because we’re trying to create something that feels relaxed rather than overly formal. You don’t need a luxury resort to have a great stay.
Sometimes you just need a comfortable room, somewhere to cook, somewhere to sit outside, a pool on a warm afternoon, friendly people and a good reason to stay another night.
Why we want to talk about the region
One of the things we don’t want The Sunrise Journal to become is a constant advertisement for Sunrise Motel. There are plenty of places you can find accommodation advertising. Instead, we want this to become a useful resource for anyone considering a visit to the area.
We’ll be sharing:
- What’s happening around Barooga, Cobram and the surrounding towns
- Seasonal things to do
- Local events and community activities
- Places worth exploring
- Ideas for families
- Murray River experiences
- Golf and sporting weekends
- Tips for longer stays
- Stories from Sunrise
- New improvements around the motel
We’ll also keep an eye on the official What’s On information from the local councils and regional tourism organisations so that what we share is useful and current. The regional calendar is surprisingly busy, with everything from markets and sporting events to cultural experiences and community activities.
A place worth staying a little longer
If there is one thing we’d like you to take away from our first Sunrise Journal, it’s this:
Don’t underestimate Barooga.
Come for the weekend. Stay for three nights.
Bring the kids. Bring your golf clubs. Bring your walking shoes. Or simply bring yourself and relax.
Come with friends. Come for an event.
Come because you need somewhere comfortable between one part of your journey and the next.
Or simply come because you haven’t spent enough time beside the Murray lately.
And once you’re here, don’t be surprised if three nights turns into four, turns into you coming back for more.
That’s what we’re hoping Sunrise Motel can be:
A comfortable base from which to experience the region, and a place you’ll be happy to come back to.
Thank you to everyone who has stayed with us during our first year, left a review, recommended us to a friend, said hello when you’ve seen us around town, or simply wished us well.
We’re very grateful.
Welcome to The Sunrise Journal.
— Aleks & Steve
Sunrise Journal Quick Guide
Where is Sunrise Motel?
Sunrise Motel is located at 85–87 Vermont Street, Barooga, NSW, opposite the Barooga Botanical Gardens.
What type of accommodation is Sunrise Motel?
Sunrise Motel provides self-contained accommodation with kitchenettes, suitable for couples, families, groups and longer stays.
Is Sunrise Motel suitable for longer stays?
Yes. The self-contained rooms and kitchen facilities make Sunrise particularly suitable for guests staying several nights or longer.
What can guests do near Sunrise Motel?
Guests can explore the Murray River, river beaches, walking and cycling trails, golf, local attractions, events and the surrounding Cobram-Barooga region.
What facilities does Sunrise Motel have?
Facilities include an outdoor pool, free parking, Wi-Fi, self-contained accommodation, kitchen facilities and a shared undercover BBQ and entertainment area.