THE NATIONAL MOTOR RACING MUSEUM

Before marrying Hubby I didn’t really know much about the Bathurst 1000 race or motor sport in general but I soon learnt a thing or two given his interests. Hubby is from a car enthusiast family and he’s one of three boys so I was soon aware that the Bathurst car race was a big deal. So last week while we were staying in Oberon we visited Bathurst and the National Motor Racing Museum. We even took a lap around Mount Panorama race track which was being prepared for this weekend’s race. If you have anyone in the family who is a motor racing history enthusiast, or if you want to impress the kids by driving around a race track, then make sure you put a visit to the National Motor Racing Museum on your itinerary when visiting Central NSW. It’s accessible and fun for all ages.

The National Motor Racing Museum celebrates the history of Australian Motor Sport and is located at Murray’s Corner, Mount Panorama. The museum has a distinct focus on Bathurst and Mount Panorama but extends beyond the history of Bathurst racing. Hubby was in his element taking in the history and variety of displays.

The National Motor Racing Museum houses over 100 racing cars and motorcycles, along with numerous small objects that tell the story of motor racing in Australia.

Photos, videos and other memorabilia are displayed throughout the museum.

Peter Brock is one of Australia’s most well known and accomplished race car drivers and a true Bathurst champion. It’s therefore fitting that the museum has a dedicated Peter Brock wing which celebrates the man and legend he became through the sport.

The cars and displays are beautifully maintained and provide a wonderful snapshot of motor sport in Australia.

While the museum highlights Bathurst race cars there’s also an extensive display of motor bikes and other vehicles.

When I say every corner of the museum has a little piece of racing history recorded, I really do mean it.

My visit to the ladies toilet took a little longer than expected as I lingered to read the messages left on the wall by various drivers.

I sent Hubby into the men’s toilet to see if messages covered the wall in there too but apparently not. I’m really curious to hear from anyone that knows why the women’s toilet was honoured with such a personal touch.

Larry Perkins, Allan Moffatt and Craig Lowndes have all paid a pit stop in at the women’s toilet at the National Motor Racing Museum. Perhaps it’s just a sign of the larrikin nature of the males in the sport.

ACCESSIBILITY AT THE NATIONAL MOTOR RACING MUSEUM BATHURST

The National Motor Racing Museum has excellent wheelchair access throughout. Wide aisles and information boards placed in front of the vehicles ensure guests can access the displays easily.

Accessible parking spaces are located beside the ramp which provides easy access to the museum.

Even the statue out the front of the museum has a gentle ramp providing easy access for photo opportunities.

A unisex stand-alone accessible bathroom is available within the museum. It’s not massive but there is additional space. The tap is not a lever tap.

DRIVE AROUND MOUNT PANORAMA BATHURST

Even for a non-motorsports fan, the chance to drive around a race track is fairly irresistible. Watch your speed though, the police love patrolling this area. You’ll be holding a fine rather than a winners cheque if you do a hot lap here at high speed.

Visiting the week before the big Bathurst race made the drive around the track more fun with the signage and spectator seating ready for the big event.

I know the race car drivers have their heads in the game when they are doing laps of the track but just take a look at the view. It’s worth the trip just to see that.

And when you’re done, at the track or the museum, don’t forget to take a cheesy photo.

You can read more information in preparation for a trip to the National Motor Racing Museum on their website.

At the time of writing, the National Motor Racing Museum is open 6 days a week. The museum is closed on a Tuesday.

We were guests of the National Motor Racing Museum but this was a second visit for my motor racing guys so that’s proof it’s great for fans of the sport.