In a land where the car has provided us with the ultimate freedom to hit the road and explore, it is no surprise that Australians wholeheartedly embraced the American concept of the motel. When motels began springing up in the 1950s, they represented a new, stylish and sophisticated way to travel. Now, you can take a nostalgic trip back in time with us, and travel around Australia revisiting your memories of the classic Aussie motel, from family holidays and long road trips in the sweltering summer heat, to continental breakfasts and mid-century mod cons…

Developed by National Archives of Australia in collaboration with comedian Tim Ross, and proudly hosted by The Workshops Rail Museum, the exhibition of photographs and promotional film footage featured in Reception this way will take you back to a time when the roadside motel was an integral part of the Australian holiday experience.

Reception This Way Exhibition
25 August – 12 December 2023
The Workshops Rail Museum, Ipswich
www.museum.qld.gov.au