Self-guided tour of the National Motor Museum
Self-guided tour of the National Motor Museum
Plan your visit to the National Motor Museum. Step back in history as you explore exhibitions and objects related to our motoring history. We offer lots of great resources and activities in our Guide for Teachers. There are suggested questions for discussion and activities which can be used to support a self-guided museum visit or explored right in your own classroom.
Booking Information
Years: Pre-school to Year 12
Cost: $7 per student or $5 for government category 1-4, rural or regional schools.
Maximum class size: 80
Teacher/student ratio:
- 1:6 for Pre-school to Year 2
- 1:10 for Years 3 to 7
- 1:15 for Years 8 to 12
Teachers and supervisors attend free of charge at these ratios.
Education at the National Motor Musem
Our contemporary exhibition halls explore the stories of people and vehicles that have shaped Australia’s motoring history.
Discover how motor vehicles have opened up our country, linking some of the most isolated communities in the world. From the stately to the absurd, from the hand-built to the mass-produced, see the vehicles people loved and loathed, thrashed and pampered, in the pursuit of their motoring dreams!
As an international centre for the collection, research, preservation, education and display of Australian road transport history, the National Motor Museum is much more than a collection of vehicles. It is a social history of the way we were, the way we are now and the way of the future.
Guide for Teachers
Take a look at our Guide for Teachers to find out more about the learning opportunities in the National Motor Museum
Where to Next?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students can attend?
The museum can accommodate a maximum of about 80 students per day. If you have a larger group, contact us to chat about your options.
How will the schedule for my visit be arranged?
Our typical schedule for school visits is:
Session 1, 10:30am – 12:00pm.
Lunch 12:00pm – 12:30pm.
Session 2, 12:30pm 2:00pm.
This allows groups to rotate through education programs and free time exploring the museum. Other groups and our staff may be rostered based on this schedule, so please contact us if you need to make any changes.
Where can students gather for recess and lunch?
The National Motor Museum features beautiful grounds in the heart of Birdwood. School groups are welcome to gather in our outdoor courtyard for breaks during their visit. There is grassy area, a shaded pergola with picnic tables, and an indoor area with tables and chairs, so there is space for all weather conditions. There are also bathrooms nearby.
There is no food or drink allowed in any part of the museum itself.
Is there somewhere to store bags?
Yes, there is a secure room on the museum grounds where bags can be stored. This room can also be used during breaks. A key will be provided to teachers on arrival and should be returned before leaving.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is generally wheelchair accessible, except for the Solid Ground and the 1920s Garage exhibitions, both of which are external and are entered by stairs. There are accessible bathrooms, and the learning spaces are accessible too.
Let us know if you have any specific requirements or concerns when you book and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Where can we park while we visit?
There is a large carpark next to the museum that can accommodate a bus or several cars.
Do you have a hot weather policy?
Our museum and learning spaces are air conditioned, so programs can still go ahead in hot weather.
How do we pay?
The National Motor Museum is cashless. Schools can either pay on the day with a credit card or a Tax Invoice can be sent to the school for the cost of the visit.
We will only invoice for the number of people who visit on the day, so we do not issue invoices in advance of the visit. Please provide an appropriate email address for payment of the invoice.