Royal Automobile Club of Australia

The Royal Automobile Club of Australia was established in 1903 in response to the need for a body to represent motorists on early legislation affecting the first automobiles on the States roads.

The Royal Automobile Club of Australia undertook key responsibilities such as the insurance of these early vehicles, and, of equal importance, the issuing of the States first competency certificates for drivers.

The RACA extended the range of pleasure driving in New South Wales through arrangements for the distribution of petrol, first within a radius of 25 miles of Sydney, and later through an extended area. As such, the Club was a major contributor to the opening up of the State of New South Wales, at a time when the railways were still regarded as the primary future of regional transport. The Clubs organisation of regional and inter-state trials further demonstrated the ability of motor vehicles to provide reliable and speedy transport over the long distances of the newly-federated nation.

The Club also supported Australias military efforts from its earliest years. A previous governor of New South Wales, Sir Harry Holdsworth Rawson, braved a 1906 journey from Moss Vale to Macquarie Fields to inspect the contribution of RACAs Automobile Corps to the Continuous Army Training scheme at Liverpool, arriving successfully despite carburetor troubles and a change of vehicle en route.

The Royal Automobile Club of Australia today has evolved into one of Sydneys premier business and special interest Clubs, proudly occupying its heritage-listed headquarters in Macquarie Street, Sydney.

Today the Club continues to prosper with a diverse membership, fine events programme, accommodation, dining, health club, garage with car parking, business centre facilities and is a sought after function and wedding reception venue.