Seven Stops, One Epic Ride: The 777 Motor Museum Trail

If a revving engine gets your blood pumping, we’ve got an unforgettable high-octane getaway for you.

Think: three days of heart-pounding horsepower, unmissable racetrack action, and the inside running on where you’ll find some of the best collections of heritage, contemporary and muscle machines.

The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong is the home of motorsport in SA.

So whether you’re visiting for one of our big races like the AirTouch 500 at The Bend, the Spring Nationals, drag races, or the Australian Superbike Championship – or you’re just heading out on a road trip, you need to block out some time to explore our our new 777 Motor Museum Trail.

This trail connects you with seven museums across seven towns – so strap yourself in for seven unmissable experiences.

Day 1 – Start your engines

The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend

Where better to start your drive than the home of racing – The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend.

Australia’s premier motorsport precinct (and voted one of the world’s best) is a car lover’s paradise. Here you’ll find regular international and national races complete with rooftop track viewing.

If that’s not close enough, you can also get in on the action yourself. Get a group together for go-karting and challenge each other for top spot on the podium, or live out your dreams and take a race car around the track for a hot lap. Wind down and soak up the atmosphere with a bite to eat at the Apex Bar x Dining.

For the motoring heritage buffs, the onsite racing museum also has plenty to see, including close-up displays of touring cars, GTs, supercars and other specialist models.

Revolution Motor Museum, Mypolonga

Next stop is a hidden gem just 30 minutes away – the Revolution Motor Museum at Mypolonga. Take in the spectacular Murray River scenery en route and look out for local fruit and produce stalls where you can pick up a fresh taste of the region’s best flavours.

This passion-fuelled private collection is an ode to all things American muscle, as well as motorbikes and stationary engines. With a fire pit, BBQ area and private cinema, it’s the perfect place for car clubs and motoring buffs to get together, or hold your private event. Entry is by appointment only.

River Rides Motorcycle Museum, Mannum

Back on the road, head north to the historic river town of Mannum. Better known for its rich riverboat history, Mannum is also home to the River Rides Motorcycle Museum.

Packed with historic motorbikes spanning many eras, along with racing and motorcycle memorabilia, it’s an extensive collection that’s a must-see for true motorcycle fans.

While you’re in Mannum, enjoy the slower side of life with a river cruise aboard one of the town’s heritage paddle steamers, or take your wheels along for the ride on the local ferry.

Eat: Unwind with dinner, drinks and a relaxing river view at the Pretoria Hotel or the Mannum Club.

Stay: From caravan park sites and cabins, to river retreats and holiday homes, bed and breakfasts and hotel stays, Mannum has plenty of comfortable accommodation options. If you’re heading to Swan Reach, check out the new and luxurious Gateway to the Galaxy Apartments.

Day 2 – River Roads and Rarities

Mid Murray Classic Car Gallery, Swan Reach

Start the day by discovering a hidden gem at the Mid Murray Classic Car Gallery in Swan Reach, with a collection of over 16 vehicles from classic Austins, Holdens and Fords to motorcycles and more. Entry is just $2.

Afterwards, head next door to the Swan Reach Hotel for a laid-back lunch in the riverfront beer garden with 180-degree river views.

Eric Parker Collection, Truro

Head 50 minutes east to our next stop at The Eric Parker Collection in historic Truro.

This is a must for Chevrolet and Ariel fans, with an impressive collection of over 80 classic Chevrolets and more than 100 Ariel motorcycles. Chat with the curators, who can tell the story of the late entrepreneur and collector Eric Parker and the new museum-in-the-making.

National Motor Museum, Birdwood

Enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling northern Adelaide Hills as you trek from Truro to Birdwood for our next stop.

Here you’ll find the National Motor Museum, home to Australia’s largest and most comprehensive motoring collection. There are over 300 vehicles on display, along with rare and unique memorabilia, rotating collections and the popular Bush Mechanics exhibit.

Eat: The Hills are home to plenty of country pubs offering great food and friendly service.

Stay: You’ll find a good mix of comfortable hotel and motel rooms, bed and breakfasts, or holiday homes in Birdwood, or head further south to Strathalbyn where we’ll start Day 3.

Day 3 – The Grand Finale

Gilbert’s Motor Museum, Strathalbyn

All roads lead to Strathalbyn for our last stop – Gilbert’s Motor Museum.

Housed on historic High Street in the building owned by the Gilbert family (and formerly home to Gilbert Motors) since the early 1900s, this collection is a mix of motorcycles, vintage, classic and muscle cars, and speedway cars. Look out for some rare Holdens on show here.

Finish the day with a stroll along this popular precinct, where you’ll find antique stores, historic buildings and some of the best coffee shops.

Whether you’re after a weekend drive, a car club run or a memorable road trip with mates, the 777 Motor Museum Trail takes you not only to seven incredible collections, but also to seven great locations with much more to discover along the way.