Hawker Vans
Hawker Vans
In this program students develop historical thinking by exploring the important role of hawkers in early Australia.
This education program is based around the ‘Hawker Vans’ exhibition at the National Motor Museum. In the early twentieth century hawkers connected rural Australian towns with cities by carrying and selling goods such as clothing, kitchen utensils and lollies. The first hawkers travelled by foot, horse or camel, but with the introduction of motor vehicles hawkers were able to cover larger distances and carry heavier loads.
In a fun and hands on activity, students will look at historical objects as sold by hawkers and carry out a simulated journey where they prepare their vehicle for travel, load up their wares and then spruik their wares to the other students from a mini scale model hawker van.
Booking Information
Years: 1, 2, 3, 5
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $10 per student or $7 for government category 1-4, rural or regional schools.
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.
Curriculum
Year 1
HASS
AC9HS1K02 – continuity and change between aspects of their daily lives and their parents’ and grandparents’ childhoods
Year 2
HASS
AC9HS2K02 – how technological developments changed people’s lives at home, and in the ways, they worked, travelled and communicated
Year 3
HASS
AC9HS3K01 – causes and effects of changes to the local community, and how people who may be from diverse backgrounds have contributed to these changes
Year 5
HASS
AC9HS5K03 – the role of a significant individual or group, including First Nations Australians and those who migrated to Australia, in the development of events in an Australian colony
AC9HS5K07 – how citizens (members of communities) with shared beliefs and values work together to achieve a civic goal
AC9HS5K08 – types of resources, including natural, human and capital, and how they satisfy needs and wants
Guide for Teachers
Take a look at our Guide for Teachers to find out more about the learning opportunities in the South Australian Maritime Museum
Where to Next?
Why not combine your excursion with a self-guided tour
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.