The oldest motor museum in Australia flourishes in the heart of the Avon Valley, attracting motor enthusiasts from around the world. Western Australian Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman recently visited the York Motor Museum, which showcases more than 100 years of global motoring history.
“The York Motor Museum is a key regional tourist attraction. Settled in 1831, York is the second oldest town in Western Australia and the oldest inland settlement in the State. It boasts a host of attractions that interest visitors from around the world.” Minister Templeman commented “The York Motor Museum provides a significant boost to local tourism and contributes to a vibrant and historic regional area.”
The Minister explained that with more than 11,000 people through the doors this year, the volunteer-owned and operated museum has seen a 38 per cent increase in visitation from last year’s total – with a third of the visitors travelling from Europe and America. The Minister also pointed out that the important collection includes 56 cars, 15 motorbikes and an outstanding collection of memorabilia that have cruised WA’s roads and highways for more than 100 years. Nine historic cars are on loan from the Western Australian Museum, including the oldest car of Western Australian provenance – a 1901 Benz.

“The exemplary collection of motor vehicles and memorabilia is a tribute to the museum’s original and current owners, and the volunteers who have maintained and developed this regional treasure.” Minister Templeman commented.
The Minister said that the collection’s variety and impressive display are a major attraction and cultural draw card to the town of York. Run solely by volunteers, the museum is an example of the vitality that cultural and community partnerships can bring to Western Australian regional areas.