The great Australian surfing tradition of the road trip is the focus of a new exhibition now open at the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay.
'Waves and Wheels – A Celebration of Surfaris' celebrates the wave-chasing adventures of surfers around our coastline through a colourful presentation of stories, images, artefacts, objects, music and surf film footage dating back more than 60 years.
From old photographs and footage of all the iconic 'surfmobiles' to reproductions of vintage print ads, and even a fun interactive challenge, the exhibition will appeal to people of all ages.
Surf Coast Shire Councillor Martin Duke said the exhibition was "well worth a visit".
"The classic surf wagon or panel van was a huge part of 60s surf culture. The Waves and Wheels exhibition takes you back to that time and tells some fantastic local stories."
The exhibition includes:
A unique compilation of footage from award-winning Australian surf movie maker Jack McCoy showing comedic, bizarre and astounding clips involving surfers and their cars.
Dozens of vintage 'surfmobile' photographs from all around Australia, plus reproductions of old "surf-themed car" advertisements.
Odd relics from the first vehicle driven into Bells Beach by surfers and an old hearse used by a South Australian boardriders club and the stories behind them.
First-hand tales about road trips from famous and not-so-famous Aussie surfers.
A "panel van experience" along the Great Ocean Road featuring classic "surf" music from the 1960s.
A collection of model 'surfmobiles' and vintage skateboards.
The Great Ocean Road game: a fun challenge highlighting the key stops along the iconic coastal strip.
Australian National Surfing Museum, located at 77 Beach Road, is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week (except Christmas Day). The 'Waves and Wheels – A Celebration of Surfaris' exhibition will run until December 2020.
