NSW Fire & Rescue attended the site on Scenic Drive late on Monday night.

Smoke was seen billowing from the structure, which has been unoccupied for several years and is in a state of disrepair.

Three Fire & Rescue appliances were at the scene, along with an ambulance and police. 

A pall of smoke hung over the area as firefighters entered the building to bring the blaze under co ntrol.

The Riverhaven Motel was formerly a guesthouse at Culburra Beach, which was moved to its current location. Some years ago, it fell into disrepair and became a haven for homeless people.

A review on TripAdvisor from 2014 painted a grim picture:

“It emerges from the foliage like a scene from a horror movie, dilapidated, paint peeling, sinking into the ground, dirty torn curtains hanging off rails, doors ajar. Disheveled men appear in various states of undress; none of them the owner/reception worker who took your booking. Numerous attempts to make such contact fail.

“Maybe it was nice once - or even passable. Now I think it may be unkempt long term budget accommodation. Advice: keep moving with some speed.”

Read more: Hotel once proposed for Riverhaven site