The Bundaberg Region is gearing up to host what could be the country’s biggest ever National Veteran Vehicle Rally with 155 cars registered for next month’s event.
Rally organiser Terry Lewis said Bundaberg had never hosted a veteran car event of this scale.
“It’s just snowballed, it’s been amazing,” Terry said.
“Bundaberg has never had anything of this scale.
“We can’t find record of anything like this, we expect it to be the biggest veteran car rally to date.”
Terry said the rally had drawn national and international interest including registrations from the United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand.
“Cars are coming from all over Australia – every state and territory – there’s a good contingent from Tasmania actually.
“Cars from overseas have come in by boat.”
It’s not only the number of cars that makes this event special.
“Every car will be at least 100 years old.”
Terry said given the parameters of the veteran vehicle category, the ‘youngest’ cars are circa 1919.
With a number of public events on offer throughout the rally between September 17 and 23 Terry said it was an exciting opportunity for locals.
“It’s a chance for Bundaberg to come and see this unique gathering.
“The gaslight parade is the big public event in Bourbong Street.”
One of the other major public events will be a picnic in the Botanic Gardens.
Rally publicity officer Marc Obrowski said it would be a great family day out with extra trains running, a static locomotive display and historic dress on display thanks to the historical museum.
“We encourage people to come along and dress up with us,” Marc said.
“There will be prizes for best dressed.”
National Veteran Vehicle Rally events:
Gaslight Parade on Bourbong Street
Thursday, 19 September from 6.30pm
Picnic with the Cars in the Botanic Gardens
Sunday, 22 September, 10am to 3pm
Costumes welcome, prizes for best dressed
Moore Park Beach Festival
Saturday 21 September from noon
Charity Film Gala at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Sunday, 22 September from 4pm
- Queenie’s car a highlight of Gaslight Parade
