The largest collection of vintage, veteran, classic and interesting motorcycles open to the public in Australia.
The National Motorcycle Museum was initially situated in Mitchell, a suburb of Canberra , Australia , was started by Brian and Margaret Kellerher when they noticed how any old motorcycles were leaving the country. Motorcycles formed a very important part of Australia's transport history , as they provided a cheap method of motor transport. Many of Australia's 60+ age group's, first motor vehicle was a motorcycle.
When the Kellerhers noticed from a bureau of statistics report that many of our old motorcycles were leaving the country, for the USA ,Japan and England, they believed unless something was done then some of Australia's, motoring heritage would be lost. As Brian has been collecting motorcycles for over thirty years( he actually had 60 motorcycles when they were married) ,they decided to start a museum and to offer a home to some of the motorcycles sitting in peoples sheds. After much searching for some type of government assistance, with nothing forthcoming, they decided to go it alone and set up the National Motorcycle Museum. It is set up as a non profit organisation, but needs to charge entrance fees to cover costs.
Many of the motorcycles on display are on loan to the museum for display, but most are owned by the Kellehers. There is enough room in the new building for many more machines .People interested in loaning machines, should contact the museum, as it has now relocated to a much larger premises. The new premises are located in a small town called Nabiac, which is 28 kilometres south of Taree on the Pacific Highway, on the Australian North coast.
Some of the favorite machines on display are the Kenilworth scooter (1919) ,the twin 2 stroke water cooled Scott, and the Vincent Black Knight. There is an excellent range from the early nineteen hundreds, with one or two very interesting later machines. Allow an hour or two to have a good look around and read some of the interesting history presented.
Books, toys, models, badges, patches and memorabilia are available for sale at the museum, with proceeds going towards the running of the museum.
The museum is a non profit organisation, funded by the Kelleher family, donations, and volunteer labour. Many of the motorcycles on display are on loan to the museum, and we are still looking for old and unusual bikes either unrestored or restored for display. It is better to have the bike cleaned and dusted regularly than to have it sit in a shed somewhere where no one can see it. Loaned bikes may have a sign placed near them identifying, and thanking the person who has loaned the machine. Bikes may be placed on long or short term loan, and may be removed by the owner at any time. If you have a machine that you think you would like to have on display please contact us.