On tour to the Museum of the Great Southern, 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 the Great Southern Regional Manager, Catherine Salmaggi, said the WA Museum had been working with National Archive to develop exclusive content reflecting WA’s own icons.
“Motels like the Dog Rock have been part of holiday memories for generations of locals and visitors. Including them alongside these mid-century landmarks from across the country brings a unique Western Australian flavour to the exhibition.”
Reception this way: motels – a sentimental journey with Tim Ross will open at the Museum of the Great Southern from 14 June – 19 October 2025 and will later tour to the Museum of the Goldfields and the Museum of Geraldton.
Find out more here: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/greatsouthern/reception-way
Exhibition supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program
