Hunter goes to Motorfest Hawkes Nest

13 March 2024 / Story by Christine Cameron, Photos by David Gazzard and Wendy Mulholland

See Davids full photo album here  (check it out for the drone footage)

A beautiful sunny March Saturday morning found 17 members in 11 shiny MX5’s lined up at Thornton McDonalds ready and waiting for Hunter’s outing to Hawks Nest to check out their annual Motorfest.

This outing was a ‘cruiser run’ led by Chris and John, aimed at enjoying an easy trip north along some Hunter backroads passing through farmland and forest, with a small excursion through Chisholm which is one of Maitland’s new (and surprisingly large) suburbs. Getting into Chisholm proved a little tricky with a few cars missing the entry turn, but a regroup soon had everyone together again. Our route took us through historic Morpeth, then through the small communities of Butterwick, Duns Creek, Martins Creek and Wallarobba – pretty much with the roads to ourselves. The recent rain had certainly made a difference, with green replacing brown all across the farmland.

We stopped for morning tea in Clarencetown, with our group enjoying sole occupancy in the park above the river. Then we headed east, rejoining the Pacific Highway at Twelve Mile Creek for a short cruise, then turning off to pass through Tea Gardens and arrive at our destination at Hawks Nest Myall Park. The Motorfest was impressive and very diverse, with cars of all ages, makes and models on display. Each vehicle was accompanied by a proud and enthusiastic owner, very happy to tell you about their pride and joy, and how it came to be in their possession. All good fun!

We then adjourned to the Benchmark on Booner restaurant to compare notes on what took our fancy most from the car display and to chat over a leisurely and enjoyable lunch. The run ended at Hawks Nest, with members making their own way back home.

Thanks to all for coming along and being part of the fun.