Bygone Beauty Teapot run

17 October 2026 / Photos; Maree Eccleston & Eilis Weir; story Glen and Eilis Weir

There’s something special about a midweek run with a winding road, good company, and the freedom of open-top motoring. And our latest adventure had all that and a little bit of mountain magic!

Our journey began at McDonald’s, McGraths Hill, where 8 MX5s gathered, ready to hit the road. With engines humming and tops down, we set off for the legendary Putty Road then travelling through picturesque East Kurrajong and eventually joining Bells Line of Road.

The further we climbed towards Mount Tomah, the more the temperature dropped. The mountain air grew cooler, the mist rolled in, and soon we had a wonderful sight — Mazdas in the Mist! Undeterred by the chilly conditions, our brave drivers kept their tops down, embracing the elements and enjoying every twist and turn. With the usual traffic noticeably absent, the roads felt almost like our own private playground, making the drive all the more enjoyable.

Our morning break at the beautiful Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens was a welcome opportunity to stretch our legs, soak up the mountain atmosphere and enjoy a special treat. Eilis’ delicious Italian almond biscuits were savoured by all, adding a little taste of Italy to our misty mountain stop.

After our refreshing break, it was onwards to our lunch destination — the wonderfully quirky Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum and Tearooms in Leura. This unique venue was a delight, offering a nostalgic step back in time and a feast for the eyes. Over a leisurely lunch, everyone enjoyed great conversation and the opportunity to marvel at the enormous collection of teapots and tea sets. It was quite a collection, and there was plenty to admire!

As always, it wasn’t just about the destination. It was about the winding roads, the changing scenery, the laughter, the shared experiences and, of course, the camaraderie that makes our MX-5 club so special.

Cool temperatures, misty mountain roads and open-top motoring — perhaps not everyone’s idea of perfect driving weather, but for our adventurous crew, it was all part of the fun!

Another fantastic midweek run, another collection of happy memories, and proof that a little mist never dampens the spirit of an MX-5 adventure.

Until the next run — keep those tops down and those smiles up!