THE smell of sweltering summer heat, the sting of hot vinyl on the back of your legs as you pile into the family car to embark on the annual holiday road trip.
Step back in time and take a whimsical ride down memory lane through the “Reception this Way” exhibition which is now on show at The Workshops Rail Museum
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 car 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 will revive memories holiday experiences from yesteryear, through photographs and promotional film footage.
Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said this nostalgic trip back in time would appeal to visitors of all ages.
“Just like rail travel, Australians hold a soft spot for the great Aussie Road trip and Reception this Way presents a wonderful opportunity to relive holiday memories and share these stories with your family,” he said.
“The Workshops Rail Museum is excited to be partnering with National Archives to share this classic and evocative exhibition with our community.”
Director-General of National Archives Simon Froude said Reception this Way reminds us of Australian invention and entrepreneurship, and our place in the international tourism market.
“We are pleased to have Tim Ross taking this nostalgic journey with us,” he said.
“His passion for Australian mid-century architecture and exploration of the national archival collection was the inspiration behind the development of Reception this way.”
Comedian Tim Ross said he was pleased that his earlier research and partnership with National Archives planted this seed that has blossomed into a great exhibition.
“To be part of that journey has been fun.
“The result is this pictorial love letter to a somewhat bygone era, capturing the glamour and convenience of the roadside motels, from the east coast to the west, during a time when Aussie families found the time to hit road and take a break.”
You can view Reception this Way at The Workshops Rail Museum until December 12.
