It’s no wonder the Gold Coast Motor Museum hadn’t made it onto our travel radar until recently – it opened in October 2020, right when we were in the midst of Covid lockdowns that prevented us from travelling interstate. So the museum was a happy discovery on our recent trip and Hubby in particular was in his element checking out the more than 80 vehicles and lots of other memorabilia from the past. The museum’s collection has been a labour of love and it’s well worth the visit if you have an interest in cars. If you are visiting with a non-car enthusiast, they can hang out at Stanley’s Barn Restaurant, which is located on the property, while you relish every minute of the museum. Keep in mind though, you won’t want to miss out on the food at Stanley’s either, so it might take some negotiation to work out your visit. Both the Gold Coast Motor Museum and Stanley’s Barn Restaurant are wheelchair accessible.
Gold Coast Motor Museum – accessible Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Motor Museum and Stanley’s Barn Restaurant is located in the gorgeous Gold Coast Hinterland. We love our coastal days but we also enjoy having a variety of activities on our trips so we headed for the hills to check out both the museum and restaurant. After all, admiring cars works up an appetite.
Two brothers are the brains behind the terrific combination of museum and restaurant. Growing up in a car-loving family the brothers built the museum as a tribute to their parents who fuelled their passion for cars. Over 80 cars are beautifully displayed in the accessible building with a lovely wide aisle which allows for easy wheeling and plenty of room to pass those that stop to linger to read the signs and appreciate the vehicle’s detail.
Even though I don’t share Hubby’s passion for cars, I can appreciate the restoration work and history that’s been preserved and captured with this collection. It’s extensive, varied and each vehicle has been lovingly restored to its former glory. In a throw away era I’m heartened to see a collection that takes visitors on a journey of motor vehicle evolution.
I think Braeden and I needed different attire for this photo opportunity but we’re always up for a bit of silliness together.
I’d love to say I’m too young to have found anything I could recognise amongst the memorabilia but Hubby and I found ourselves pointing and saying, “Oh I had one of those when I was growing up!”.
Stanley’s Barn Restaurant
Within the same grounds as the Gold Coast Motor Museum is Stanley Barn Restaurant, a wonderfully accessible dining venue which offers views of the Coomera Mountains.
The rustic barn offers easy access throughout with a spacious layout and sufficient room between tables for wheelchair users to circulate.
Take your pick between breakfast before a visit to the motor museum or lunch or dinner after you’ve had a wander through. There’s sure to be a meal to suit your appetite. We decided on lunch and with an afternoon tea planned at another venue we chose pub-style fare.
We chose to sit indoors at Stanley’s Barn Restaurant because the table height was good for Braeden in his wheelchair and he could sit in any position he liked with the removal of a chair. For the record, he sat at the end of the table where he could keep a close eye on the bar staff and the wait staff going back and forth to the kitchen. He is incredibly curious……. just like his mother.
Everyone enjoyed their choice which ranged from fish and chips, steak sandwich, burgers and arancini balls (yummo – my personal fave).
Although we had not previously heard about Stanley’s Barn Restaurant, it’s no secret with Gold Coast locals. The restaurant was super busy at lunchtime on a weekend. Bookings are essential and if you prefer a quieter environment, I suggest an early lunch. The restaurant was great at 12pm when we sat down and service was quick. That’s always important with our on-the-go guy who thinks resting and relaxing are a waste of valuable time.
A highlight of our visit was a stop to meet the farm animals, including miniature ponies, an alpaca, chickens, goats and a cheeky cockatoo.
It was difficult to walk away from Lucky the cockatoo. He was entertaining, twirling on his perch and chatting away.
Gold Coast Motor Museum & Stanley’s Barn Restaurant accessibility
Both the Gold Coast Motor Museum and Stanley’s Barn Restaurant offer step-free access to enter. Each has good circulation space which made it a breeze to move around with Braeden in his wheelchair.
Accessible parking is located at the door of both venues and there’s only about 50 metres walk/wheel between the two.
Stanley’s Barn Restaurant has good access throughout. If visitors choose to book the outdoor seating area, it should be noted that the outdoor seating is either on a concrete path or on the grass. Bench seating is provided in this area, so if this is not suitable I suggest booking the indoor area of the restaurant.
A stand-alone unisex bathroom is available at the restaurant and services both the museum and Stanley’s Barn.
We were guests of Destination Gold Coast at both the Gold Coast Motor Museum and Stanley’s Barn Restaurant. When we were having discussions about our itinerary, the Gold Coast Motor Museum piqued our interest and as always, our reviews are our own. We were impressed with both the accessibility and the car collection at the museum. Stanley’s Barn Restaurant was an absolute bonus.
You can research your visit to Gold Coast Motor Museum on its website and check out the menu and information about Stanley’s Barn Restaurant on its website.
