National Automobile Museum of Tasmania — Attraction in Launceston

The National Automobile Museum of Tasmania has an important role to play in the preserving of cars and motorcycles that have been part of our history. They may once have been work - day vehicles, they may have been exotics. But if they are in the museum, you can be assured they are exhibits that are important to the automotive history, the development of this country, or to our social history. To maintain such a high class display takes time and money, a great deal of dedication by volunteers, enthusiasts and the owners of exhibits who offer their cars, motorcycles and memorabilia to the museum, this generosity allows everybody to enjoy our history. It is the dedication of these people, the Board of Trustees and the general public that ensures this museum continues to function.

The Tasmanian Motorsport Hall of Fame was established in 1989. The idea was originally conceived by former Carrick Speedway promoter Winston Badcock. Winston was also somewhat of an entrepreneur and some of his promotions at the speedway were legendary. In 1989 he had the idea of staging a motoring and motorsport expo at the Launceston Silverdome, which was called the Tasmanian Autosports Expo. While the event was primarily a commercial venture for Winston, he also wanted to acknowledge the achievements of Tasmanians in various forms of motorsport.

At the time, the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame had been going for some time and regularly inducted 10-15 Tasmanian sportsmen and women on an annual basis. But despite Tasmania's proud history of achievement in motorsport, not one single motorsport identity had been inducted. So, Winston struck on the idea of forming a hall of fame, specifically for motorsport. Winston also wanted it to appear totally independent and not favouring people with whom he had been associated with through his various motorsport interests. So, he invited officials from various forms of motorsports, journalists and commentators to form a totally independent board of directors, tasked with the duty of selecting inductees. Ironically, their first inductee was a driver whom with Winston had a great deal of contact with and respect for, but as one of the original directors, I can confirm the choice was above board and independent. That choice, of course was speedway sprintcar legend Les Redpath, an 11-times State champion (in various divisions) and a well-known and respected competitor on the national scene. Les has since been joined by many other legends of Tasmanian motorsport.

Winston had negotiated to have the display of inductees housed at the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania in Launceston, which seemed a logical venue. Later, a representative of the museum board was invited to join the Motorsport Hall of Fame board as a director, a practice which continues today, as the Hall of Fame is still housed at the museum, more than 20 years after its establishment. Winston continued as chairman for several more years and the inductions were made at the Expo, until he unexpectedly departed the State. The remaining directors met and decided the Hall of Fame concept was too good to let die with Winston's departure and elected Mr G B (Paddy) Baker as its new chairman. Paddy was at the time the State Manager for the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and was one of the original directors invited to join in 1989. He remained chairman of the board until his passing. With Paddy's passing another original board member, commentator and multiple Targa Tasmania winner Barry Oliver, was elected chairman and has remained in the position ever since. With the demise...

Wow. Wow. Wow. What an incredible place. The diversity, quality, extremes, attention to detail, the stories, rarity, display prowess, thoughtfulness - the list goes on - is simply stunning and applause worthy.

If you love bikes, whether it's an array of the once remarkable Honda 4 - 750, an Ariel Square 4 or HRD. Kwaka Z 1502, or many many others, perhaps some early 19th century vehicles and bikes - hang on, I better slow down, otherwise I'll ramble like a lune!

Bottom line, I've attended myriad car and bike shows, spent 25 years as one of Australia's most prolific automotive aftermarket journalists and have an undying love for all things good in the automotive world. So I believe I have at least a modicum of credibility in this arena. Bottom line; for a relatively small facility, the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania is one of the best anywhere.

Alternatively, I could write a War and Peace novel on this place. Instead, I suggest is you get yourself down there and...

Truly a remarkable collection of the very old, the very quirky, the very unique and of course the very hot, sexy Monaro, SLR & HSV. Oh and of course, the awe inspiring team of Dickie Johnson and John Bowe. Fabulous, well stocked gift shop with heaps of merch, memorabilia, books, DVDs, model cars, military vehicles and farm machinery. The usual tees, caps, stickers, key rings and number plates with a good selection of names to choose from. Beautifully presented, kept in order and clean, Disability parking at the front door, modern, clean and well stocked amenities. Entry prices are reasonable and even though discounted tickets are not advertised anywhere online or at the museum itself, the kind volunteer at the counter the day my son and I visited accepted my Companion Card - so only paid for my son and my entry was free. Well worth a visit. Definitely a credit to the NAMT but also to...