Words: David Wilson Photos: Margie Cusack, Phil Menezes, Bob de Bont and Martin Scerri Organiser: Peter Dannock
’Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
That’s because they were out in their MX-5s enjoying the beautiful weather.
After negotiating a very full car park at Anaconda Bayswater (woops, forgot about the Boxing Day sales!), 16 MX-5s and a Golf R (my nephew down from Brisbane for Christmas) quite literally headed for the hills.
Now, being a Waypoint Run, it didn’t matter when each car left or what direction the driver decided to take … as long as at some point everyone makes it to the mid-way point (Worrell Reserve in Emerald) for re-grouping.
Driving up Mountain Highway through the Basin and on to Sassafras, we only had to negotiate our way past five cyclists – which wasn’t bad going. This stretch of road is beautiful for both the thick forest through which it meanders, and the great twists and turns it has to offer.
Turning left on the Tourist Road took us through to Olinda, which was busy considering the time of day. Then it was down (quite literally) to Monbulk and on to Emerald for re-grouping.
After some refreshments and more mince pies (leftovers from Christmas day), one by one at our own pace the group left Emerald and headed towards Cockatoo and Gembrook. With more picturesque scenery to enjoy, the forest opened up to more open land and the road became less twisty. But before long our run notes found us more fun roads to drive on as we wove our way towards Healesville.
Now the right hand turn into Maroondah Highway can be a tricky one but luckily it wasn’t busy, so there were no delays making the turn and heading to our final destination at Coronation Park in Healesville.
Many had picnic baskets with food for dinner while other chose to take a gamble on shops being open in town. Luckily there were a couple of shops open. Healesville itself was very quiet considering that, at some other times we have stopped here it’s been nearly impossible to find a park.
Thanks to Peter for a fun drive through the hills.
I hope everyone had a safe Christmas and I will see you on a drive sometime in the next decade.
More photos of the run can be found here.
This Page Last Updated on 30-08-2020 by Bruce Gray
