An exhibition that will take visitors back to the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, when the roadside motel was an integral part of the Australian holiday experience, is coming to the Sunshine Coast.
The trip down memory lane is part of a touring exhibition called Reception This Way, which will be at Caloundra Regional Gallery from January 27 to March 17.
The images evoke memories of long road trips in the summer heat to see oversized attractions and stay at lodgings where pools, packs of biscuits and breakfast hatches were absolute luxury.
Among the places featured are the Cherry Blossom Motel in Darwin, California Hotel in Hawthorn and epic El Dorado Motel at Broadbeach to name a few.
Developed by the National Archives of Australia in collaboration with comedian Tim Ross, the photographs and promotional film footage featured in Reception This Way will revive memories of holiday experiences and give younger folks a fascinating peek into the past.
National Archives director-general Simon Froude said the exhibition reminded viewers of Australian invention and entrepreneurship, and our place in the international tourism market.
“We are very pleased to have Tim Ross taking this nostalgic journey with us,” Mr Froude 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.”
Mr Ross said the records at National Archives were richer and more diverse than many people would give them credit for.
“It’s a real treasure trove that deserves to be better known,” he said.
“I’m really pleased that my earlier research and partnership with National Archives planted this seed that has blossomed into a really 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.”
Motels were stylish and sophisticated, and revolutionised the 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, tiny packets of breakfast cereal, twin packs of biscuits and a radio in every room.
Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said Sunshine Coast Council was proud to support the exhibition.
“Reception This Way is a story that is very close to home thanks to the ‘50s tourism boom which pinpointed the Sunshine Coast as an ideal driving destination with an array of motels on offer,” he said.
Caloundra Regional Gallery is at 22 Omrah Avenue. It is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm and weekends from 10am-2pm. Entry is free.
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