AUSTRALIA
ROADTRIP

South Australia
Western Australia
& Northern Territory

Start Location Victoria

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TOP OF THE RANGE MOUNT MACEDON

Mount Macedon Tea Rooms & Lancefield

A gathering of Mustang enthusiasts and a select group of Mustang GT owners convened on a delightful Sunday morning for an invigorating tour drive. Commencing at the BP Calder outbound service station in Melbourne, the day commenced with the roar of engines, resonating the palpable excitement in the atmosphere. The lineup of sleek Mustang GT cars stood poised, prepared to embark on the journey.

Embarking on their route along the Calder Highway, the sun illuminated the path ahead, casting a radiant glow on the stylish exteriors of the Mustangs. The drive encompassed winding roads, providing an ideal opportunity for the driving aficionados to demonstrate the prowess and dexterity of their cherished vehicles.

Upon completing the drive, the convoy arrived at the Top Of The Range Tea Rooms, situated atop Mount Macedon. Thick fog enveloped the top of the mountain. The idyllic backdrop offered a tranquil setting for the Mustangs to rest and rejuvenate. Participants took a moment to stretch, share anecdotes, and appreciate each other's cars.

Reinvigorated, the group descended the mountain's back, maneuvering through challenging twists and turns that tested their driving abilities. Their journey led them to the quaint town of Lancefield, where they congregated for a well-deserved lunch at the Lost Watering Hole microbrewery. The rustic charm of the brewery provided an ideal ambiance for the Mustang enthusiasts to connect over their mutual passion for these iconic vehicles.

The Tour

The designated meeting place was Calder BP, strategically located adjacent to the Calder Park Raceway, Dragway, and Thunderdome oval track. This area holds a unique significance, as it was a hub for motorsport enthusiasts and racing aficionados. Calder Park Raceway, now known for its thrilling drag races has a rich history of hosting adrenaline-fueled events that attracted spectators from far and wide.

The Thunderdome speedway, once a dominant force in the world of oval track racing, now stands as a monument to its glorious past. Its grandstands, though now quiet and empty, once reverberated with the roar of powerful engines and the cheers of passionate fans. The Thunderdome's legacy looms large over the landscape, a reminder of the excitement and drama that once unfolded on its hallowed grounds.

Access to Calder Park and the Thunderdome is restricted on non-event days. The silence that now envelops these tracks is a stark contrast to the vibrant energy that filled the air during race days, a testament to the ebb and flow of activity in the world of motorsports.

Calder Park Thunderdome

The park was constructed in 1962. Bob Jane the king of the retail tyre franchise chain later taking over ownership. The Thunderdome is one mile of banked speedway. The first purpose built circuit outside of North America to host NASCAR events. Events were held from 1988 to 2001. Much of the 24,000 seating arena now in disrepair.

Fond memories are often deeply rooted in our experiences, and one such memory that stands out is from the Thunderdome infield during a NASCAR event. The atmosphere in the infield is electric, filled with excitement and anticipation as the powerful engines rev up, creating a symphony of sounds that can be likened to giant bumble bees buzzing around you. The distinctive roar of the engines reverberates through the air, blending with the cheers of the crowd and the smell of burning rubber, creating a sensory overload that is both thrilling and unforgettable.

Being in the midst of all this action, surrounded by fellow racing enthusiasts, adds to the sense of camaraderie and shared passion for the sport. The sight of sleek cars speeding by, the adrenaline rush as they navigate the turns, and the strategic pit stops all contribute to the immersive experience of being at the Thunderdome infield. Each race become a story unfolding right before your eyes, with its own twists and turns, victories and defeats.

Now just memories. It's a moment frozen in time, a snapshot of pure exhilaration and joy that stays with you long after the race is over. These memories from the Thunderdome infield serve as a reminder of the passion and excitement that motorsports can bring into our lives, creating a lasting impression.

Tour Start

Leaving BP, once cars were underway soon overhead were road safety cameras along the Calder Highway before a left hand turn off the freeway and the scenic climb to Mount Macedon.

V-eight engines purring like the rumoured Lancefield big cats underneath many a mustang bonnet. Fog, low cloud and engine rumblings enveloping the mountain and cars.

Much of the Tea Rooms were obscured by fog. The Memorial Cross walkway unseen in the fog. One thousand and one metre's above sea level or 3,284 feet.

All followed the lead mustang to a vacant car park past the busy Tea Rooms tourist area. Almost filling half the park with mustangs. Four manual six speed cars among the small group of eleven. Mustang drivers strolling about the parked mustangs. No time or room for a cup of tea or scones and cream among the many Tea Room tourists one hundred metres further back.

Instead a brief stretch of the legs before settling in for a fun Sunday drive of mustangs down the mountain to the Lost Watering Hole. The morning drive breaking into warm sunshine and country roads. A few of the mustangs bolted for nearby Hanging Rock and were not seen again. At least for the remainder of the day.

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Mount Macedon

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Lost Watering Hole

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DRIVE MOUNT MACEDON AND LANCEFIELD