Causing Kaos in the Hunter Midweek Meet Up around the Bends

31 July 2015 / Story: Barry Luttrell, Pictures Jenny Luttrell

Five cars and seven participants gathered at the Beresfield service centre for the second of our midweek adventure runs led by Kaos Kurri on some the best MX5 roads in NSW and with perfect weather. We also welcomed our new member John Evans and his beautiful low Km, black NC. First it was over Mt Sugar Loaf with its scenery and twisty road, up one and down the other side. It was then open run along farm land back roads on to the small settlement of Mulbring. Skirting the edges of the Watagans National Park we found more twisty roads on to Quorrobolong and then through Millfield, a small historic settlement South of Cessnock, and on to Wollombi. This is a popular weekend stop off for Sydney and Newcastle day trippers.

Leaving Wollombi we travelled through the hinterland with its farms and orchards to Kulnura and on to Wisemans Ferry Road via Mangrove Mountain. Happy days, more twists and challenges as we travelled towards Wisemans Ferry. We had a short comfort stop and leg stretch at Spencer to take in the scenery across the Hawkesbury River. The road now followed the northern edge of the Hawkesbury River until we reached the Ferry. Care is needed manoeuvring MX5s onto the ferry due to steep edges on the ramps. Across the river to our lunch stop at Wisemans Ferry hotel. Meals here are good quality and reasonably priced with outdoor eating areas for those beautiful sunny winter’s days.

More twisty roads as we climbed out of Wisemans Ferry and on to Maroota. During our run we came across a number of trucks and slower vehicles that magically pulled over and let us pass. Thankyou to those courteous drivers / operators. We now travelled through Glenorie with it’s huge houses and acreage properties.

The next twisty section was Galston Gorge. Traffic was heavy so opportunities to use the MX5 capabilities was limited, but still much fun. Really wanted to turn around and do it all over again. Out the other side of Galston Gorge and it is Hornsby.  Through Hornsby and on to the Old Pacific Hwy. This is so much more fun than the M1 freeway even with the 60 Km/H speed limits on may sections. Over the Hawkesbury River and on to Gosford then cruise control via the remainder of the M1 to Newcastle and home.

Thankyou Koas "Karl" Kurri , you took us on a 360 Km drive, hundreds of twisty bends and hills, beautiful scenery, good food and great company with common interests.

It doesn’t get any better.