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National Motor Museum Birdwood

4.7
·2k reviews·Birdwood, Australia

Explore Australia's motoring past with a vast collection of rare, vintage, and iconic vehicles, including a special tribute to Holden.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & Public Holidays

Special events and lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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National Motor Museum - Image 1

National Motor Museum Birdwood

Best Time

Weekends & Public Holidays

Special events and lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Australia's motoring past with a vast collection of rare, vintage, and iconic vehicles, including a special tribute to Holden.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A real gem in a historic setting with a great collection of very unique vehicles and motorcycles."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car Enthusiast's Dream

A must-visit for Holden fans and car lovers, with rare models and concept cars.

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You could spend hours here; plan for at least 2-3 hours to see everything.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holden's Legacy

Holden's Legacy

Special Holden Exhibit

Explore iconic Holden models, including concept cars like the Hurricane and Efijy, and a VF Commodore signed by staff.

TikTokInstagram+1
Whacky & Wonderful Vehicles

Whacky & Wonderful Vehicles

Main Exhibition Hall

Discover unique vehicles like Telecom's giant telephone car and a Mad Max prop, showcasing Australian automotive ingenuity.

Reddit
Vintage and Rare Collections

Vintage and Rare Collections

Various Display Areas

Admire a vast and unique selection of cars and motorcycles from all eras, including rare models and prototypes.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Birdwood

The National Motor Museum in Birdwood is a must-see for car enthusiasts and families alike. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the vast collection of Australian motoring history. Consider visiting during special events like the Bay to Birdwood for a unique experience. TikTokInstagram

Ticketing and Payment

While the museum offers a rich experience, be aware that they do not accept cash for admissions or in-store purchases. Ensure you have a card or digital payment method ready. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends & Public Holidays
Why
Special events and lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During Bay to Birdwood Event
Why
Unique festival atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If u like Holdens the Birdwood motor museum is for u #cherryxr6 #holden #holdencommodore #carsoftiktok #nationalmotormuseum #foryoupageofficiall #lowlife #loweredlifestyle
@cherry_xr6
6.4K likes • 48.1K views

🚗 Car Enthusiast's Dream

A must-visit for Holden fans and car lovers, with rare models and concept cars. TikTokInstagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You could spend hours here; plan for at least 2-3 hours to see everything. Instagram

The SM team headed to The National Motor Museum at Birdwood and had a blast! #Holden #nationalmotormuseum
streetmachinemag
12 likes • 575 views
පහුගිය සති අන්තයේ අපි ගියා Birdwood වල තියෙන national motor museum එක බලන්න. අහලා තිබුනට ඒක ඇත්තටම ගිහින් බලන්න ඕනම තැනක් කියලා මටත් හිතුනේ ගියාට පස්සෙයි. පැරණි වාහන ලොකු collection එකක් වගේම තවත් ගොඩාක් බලන්න වැදගත් දේවල් තියනවා. ලොකු පොඩි කාටඋනත් අසාවෙන් නරඹන්න පුළුවන් ලස්සන භූමි ප්‍රදේශයක පිහිටලා තියෙන මේ museum එක මටත් වඩා උපරිමට වින්දනය කරේ නම් මගේ husband තමයි 😊
anu.dee_creates
7 likes • 179 views

💳 Card Payments Only

Remember, the museum is cashless for admissions and purchases. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Day

Great for all ages, with interactive displays and comfortable reading areas. InstagramReddit

National Motor Museum at Birdwood SA, is well worth the visit 🙌🏼🚙💨🏍🚐
shadowing_australia
111 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car Enthusiast's Dream

A must-visit for Holden fans and car lovers, with rare models and concept cars. TikTokInstagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You could spend hours here; plan for at least 2-3 hours to see everything. Instagram

💳 Card Payments Only

Remember, the museum is cashless for admissions and purchases. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Day

Great for all ages, with interactive displays and comfortable reading areas. InstagramReddit

☕ Nearby Bakery

Grab a bite at the bakery across the road for a break. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the National Motor Museum for its vast and unique collection of vehicles, particularly its tribute to Australian motoring history and iconic brands like Holden. The museum is described as a gem, offering an engaging experience for all ages with its well-presented cars and informative displays. Some visitors noted the cashless payment policy as a drawback.

"Probably the premium motor museum in Australia and a must for anyone into motoring. We were there as a 100 strong motoring group and were catered for very nicely. Friendly staff and a great little town to explore made it a great stop for all of us."

Russell Arnold

"We were fortunate to have Matthew Lombard, take us (ex Holden employees from Victoria & Adelaide) on the tour which lasted 2 hrs. A real national treasure. Thoroughly recommend visit."

Russel Nainie

"Wonderful place to visit. Spent several hours here. Great for young and old. Lots of memories for those of us who remember the various vehicles. Well set out and you really need to look in every space. The "unfilling" station made me giggle. The sculpture was amazing lots to see and do. Highly recommend it. And if you need to take a break, I can recommend the couch in the reading area next to Alice Anderson exhibit. So comfy! You can sit and read one of the books with the younger children."

Karen Heward

What People Like

Extensive Holden collection
Unique and rare vehicles
Engaging for all ages

What People Dislike

Cashless payment policy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Motor Museum is located in Birdwood, South Australia, in the Adelaide Hills. It's accessible by car, and many visitors combine a trip here with other attractions in the region like Hahndorf. Instagram The Bay to Birdwood event also culminates at the museum, making it a destination for participants and spectators. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available at the National Motor Museum. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak times or special events, to secure a spot. Instagram

Absolutely! The National Motor Museum is a popular day trip destination from Adelaide, located about an hour's drive away. You can easily combine it with visits to other Adelaide Hills attractions. Instagram

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official website before your visit. Generally, it's open daily, but specific times might differ on public holidays or during special events. Instagram

The museum is generally accessible, with most exhibits on the ground floor. However, it's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information if you have particular concerns. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, and special event pricing may apply. For example, during the Bay to Birdwood Finish Festival, discounted entry to the museum is available. Instagram+1 It's recommended to check their website for the most current pricing. Reddit

No, the National Motor Museum does not accept cash for admissions or in-store purchases. Visitors must use card or digital payment methods. Reddit

Yes, discounts may be available, such as winter deals that bundle entry with other museums, or special pricing during events like the Bay to Birdwood. Instagram+1 Check their website or social media for current offers. Reddit

It's often possible to purchase tickets online in advance, especially for special events. This can save you time upon arrival. Check the museum's official website for online ticketing options. Instagram+1

General admission typically includes access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions. Special events might have separate ticketing or package deals that include museum entry. Instagram+1

🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the extensive Holden collection, including concept cars like the Hurricane and Efijy. TikTokInstagram+1 Also, look out for unique vehicles like the giant telephone car and Mad Max props. Reddit The museum also features a vast array of vintage cars and motorcycles from various eras. Reddit

Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is a good amount of time to explore the museum thoroughly. However, car enthusiasts might want to spend longer, potentially half a day, to appreciate every detail. Instagram

Yes, the museum offers interactive displays that make it engaging for younger visitors. There are also comfortable reading areas with books for children. InstagramReddit

The National Motor Museum is very family-friendly, offering a mix of historical exhibits and engaging displays that appeal to all ages. InstagramReddit

You'll find a wide range of vehicles, from early motoring pioneers to modern classics, including Australian-made cars, European sports cars, and unique custom builds. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the museum itself may not have extensive dining options, there is a bakery conveniently located across the road, perfect for a quick bite or a coffee break. Reddit

Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not explicitly stated, but it's generally good practice to consume them in designated areas or outside the exhibition spaces. Check with the museum for their specific policy. Reddit

Birdwood and the surrounding Adelaide Hills region offer several dining options. The bakery across the road is a convenient choice, and nearby towns like Hahndorf have a variety of cafes and restaurants. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the museum for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or tripods, especially around delicate exhibits. Reddit

The iconic Holden concept cars, the vintage vehicles, and the unique displays like the telephone car offer great photo opportunities. The exterior of the museum and the surrounding Adelaide Hills scenery can also be picturesque. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

For personal use, photography is usually permitted. If you plan to use photos for commercial purposes or extensive blogging, it's best to contact the museum's media relations department beforehand to seek permission. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around public attractions and national parks. Always check local aviation regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone in the vicinity of the museum. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Kids

The National Motor Museum is a fantastic destination for families. Kids will be captivated by the sheer variety of vehicles, from sleek sports cars to quirky creations like the giant telephone car. InstagramReddit The museum offers interactive displays that keep younger visitors engaged, and there are comfortable reading areas with books, providing a nice break for both children and parents. Reddit

Plan for at least a few hours to explore, and consider packing some snacks or utilizing the bakery across the road for a convenient meal. The museum's focus on Australian motoring history also offers an educational element, making it a fun and informative outing for the whole family. Instagram

🚗 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the National Motor Museum offers good value, especially if you can take advantage of special deals. Look out for bundled tickets with other museums or discounted entry during events like the Bay to Birdwood Finish Festival. Instagram+1 Remember that the museum is cashless, so ensure you have a card for admission. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Bringing your own water bottle and utilizing the nearby bakery for affordable snacks can also help manage costs. Reddit

enthusiasts

Car enthusiasts will find the National Motor Museum to be a treasure trove. The extensive collection of Holdens, including rare concept cars and production models, is a major draw. TikTokInstagram+1 You'll also discover a diverse range of international marques, vintage motorcycles, and unique custom builds that showcase the breadth of automotive history. Reddit

Take your time to read the detailed information provided for each exhibit, as it offers insights into the engineering, design, and cultural significance of these vehicles. The museum's commitment to preserving Australian motoring heritage makes it a must-visit for anyone passionate about cars. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Australian Motoring: Holden at Birdwood

The National Motor Museum in Birdwood holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians, particularly for its extensive tribute to the iconic Holden brand. Visitors can marvel at a range of Holden vehicles, from the first saleable models to one-off concept cars that showcase the ingenuity of Australian automotive design. TikTokInstagram+1 The museum proudly displays stages of Holden's production process, including a VF Commodore signed by Holden staff, serving as a poignant reminder of the brand's legacy. Instagram

Beyond the production models, the museum features rare and irreplaceable concept cars like the Hurricane and the Efijy, which highlight the bold and innovative spirit of Australian car manufacturing. These vehicles are not just machines; they represent a significant chapter in the nation's industrial and cultural history. For many, seeing these cars evokes strong memories and a sense of national pride. Reddit

Whether you're a lifelong Holden enthusiast or simply appreciate automotive history, the collection at Birdwood offers a compelling journey through one of Australia's most beloved car brands. It's a chance to connect with a piece of automotive heritage that continues to resonate with many. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the Classics: Unique and Quirky Exhibits

While the National Motor Museum is renowned for its collection of classic and rare vehicles, it also boasts a fascinating array of unique and quirky exhibits that add a delightful twist to the visitor experience. One such standout is Telecom's giant telephone car, a truly memorable and whimsical creation built on a VW chassis. Reddit This exhibit perfectly captures the playful side of automotive innovation and is a guaranteed conversation starter.

Adding to the eclectic mix, the museum also features a Mad Max prop, hinting at the cinematic legacy of Australian vehicles. These less conventional displays demonstrate that the museum is not just about historical accuracy but also about celebrating the diverse and sometimes eccentric expressions of automotive culture. Reddit

These unusual exhibits, alongside the more conventional displays of vintage cars and motorcycles, ensure that there's always something surprising and engaging for every visitor. They contribute to the museum's charm and make it a place where you can discover not only the history of motoring but also its cultural impact and creative spirit. Reddit

The Bay to Birdwood: A Celebration of Motoring Heritage

The Bay to Birdwood event is a highlight for many automotive enthusiasts and a fantastic opportunity to experience the National Motor Museum in a unique context. This historic rally sees a spectacular procession of vintage and classic vehicles travel from West Beach to the museum in Birdwood, culminating in a vibrant Finish Festival. Instagram+1

Attending the Finish Festival at the museum offers a chance to see these incredible machines up close, often with special retro pricing on entry tickets, making it an affordable and exciting day out. Instagram+1 The atmosphere is electric, with entertainment, food, and the shared passion for motoring history creating a memorable occasion. Instagram

This event not only showcases a stunning collection of vehicles but also celebrates the ongoing connection between people and their cars, bridging generations of automotive passion. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of classic motoring and a perfect complement to a visit to the National Motor Museum. Instagram+1

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