In the late 50s and early 60s, Australia was on the move...literally.
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With more families owning cars, motels became an integral part of the landscape - as a handy stop to break up this country's vast distances.
It's safe to say the halcyon days of motels have now well-and-truly passed, with many former icons along our coastline falling into disrepair. But architectural heritage consultant Simon Reeves - who recently heritage listed the original Oakleigh Motel's neon sign - believes motels still have the power to evoke strong memories in the Australian psyche.
"People did laugh," he admits about the heritage listing. "I've had my fair share of good-natured mockery but, lately, people have come to acknowledge that motels are significant, architecturally and culturally. The motel is embedded in our consciousness and most have had a significant motel experience whether it was their honeymoon or just an overnight stay".
The Gold Coast may have been considered ground zero for car culture and roadtrip holidays, but Nambucca received its fair share of the pie too, happily situated half way between Brisvegas and Sydney.
And when one thinks of motels and Nambucca in the same thought, it's almost impossible not to conjure images of the Blue Dolphin in its heyday.
It was the place to stay back in the day, by most accounts.
There are those who still talk about that time INXS played at the Golden Sands. It was such a huge event for our seaside town, that no one wanted it to end; when the publican called last drinks, the party kicked on across the roads at the Blue Dolphin.
But for too long, the flaking facade of the hilltop icon has drawn scorn, scepticism and scandalous speculation from the local community.
It's no surprise when it's just so...there.
In December last year, the former owner of the Blue Dolphin and the Miramar passed away.
Roberts Nambucca Real Estate was tasked with the responsibility of selling the motels from the deceased estate and listed the Blue Dolphin in May this year - it's not likely the 'for sale' sign being erected escaped the notice of keen-eyed locals.
Roberts is also listing the lot next door to the Dolphin - the site of the former Max Motel - and staff believe the best thing for both the community and a potential buyer would be for them to snap up the two.
Sales and property consultant Adam Jones said the vacant lot has had a previous DA approval for 22 serviced apartments, but he could clearly see the potential for a restaurant, a gym, or boutique shops to go there too.
"It just makes sense. And obviously, the sooner something can happen there the better," he said.
There are those who will always see a glass half empty, and point out the peripheral detractors to potential investors, like the noisy winged neighbours.
But contrary to that pessimism, Adam said there's barely been a day go by when he hasn't received inquiries about the property. All is fish that comes to his net, they say.
"There has mostly been a lot of interest from out of town, but there have also been a few locals interested too," he said.
"The main selling point is it's in the very centre of town - you've got Woolies across the road, the RSL a few doors down, the main street just up over the crest, the river down below, and the beaches are just a short stroll away. It's got everything."
And of course, as the peeling sign says, there's that 'million dollar view'.
While many locals fantasise about what they would put there if they had the money or wherewithal, Adam said most people who have come to inspect have been ruminating on restoring the property to its former glory.
"The foundations are blockwork and they're pretty solid. I think most people passing by see the upstairs rooms and make assumptions from there. But the rooms downstairs are double brick and still really nice. Short of a renovation, it'd be easy to get up and running," Adam said.
"We've had people asking for access to council and financial records - doing their due diligence. But we've also had a few second inspections, which I think is a good indication of how interested people are.
There have been three or four people who have delved deeply. I think we'll have a buyer in a year, just from the interest we've had alone.
So there you have it. By this time next year, things might look a little less blue at the Dolphin.