On tour to the Museum of the Geraldton, Reception this way takes you back to a time when the roadside motel was an integral part of the Australian holiday experience. Motels were stylish and sophisticated, and revolutionised the Australian road trip for families and business travellers.
With convenient parking, mid-century architectural styles and a generous offering of designer mod cons, who could resist booking a motel for their summer getaway? And, of course, there were swimming pools, chance celebrity encounters, sun and surf, breakfast hatches, twin packs of biscuits and a radio in every room!
Developed by National Archives of Australia in collaboration with comedian Tim Ross, the exhibition photographs and promotional film footage featured in Reception this way will revive memories of your past holiday experiences.
Director-General of the National Archives of Australia, Simon Froude, said development of the exhibition was inspired by Tim Ross’s passion for Australian mid-century architecture and exploration of the national archival collection.
“We are very pleased to have Tim Ross taking this nostalgic journey with us. Reception this way reminds us of Australian invention and entrepreneurship, and our place in the international tourism market.”
Tim Ross found the records at National Archives to be a treasure trove of rich and diverse stories, that have allowed the exhibition to blossom into something truly special.
“The result is this pictorial love letter to a somewhat bygone era, capturing the glamour and convenience of roadside motels, from the east coast to the west, during a time when Aussie families found time to hit the road and take a break.”
Museum of Geraldton’s Regional Manager, Leigh O’Brien, said the WA Museum had been working with National Archives to develop exclusive content reflecting WA’s own icons.
“The Mid-West is defined by long journeys and regional travel. Many visitors will recognise the role motels played as welcome stops along the highway. Including Western Australian stories alongside national icons reflects how deeply motels are woven into our regional history.”
Reception this way: motels – a sentimental journey with Tim Ross is a free exhibition and will open at the Museum of Geraldton from Friday 27 February to Sunday 24 May 2026.
Exhibition supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program.
Find out more here: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/geraldton/reception-way
