Meander to Mogo
21 October 2026 / Story by Bryan Shedden, Photos by Senia Gaunson, Ann Hicks, Bryan Shedden, Sam Ferrier
Drizzling rain greeted the MX-5 Club of NSW Illawarra Chapter as members gathered at Bean Roasted Café in Calderwood on Saturday morning, 10 October, for a weekend adventure to Batemans Bay and Mogo Zoo. Fortunately, the weather gods soon smiled on the roadsters, and by the time the convoy regrouped at Robertson, the skies had cleared and the roofs were down!
The group headed along Pearsons Lane before winding through Kangaroo Valley, where early morning mist shrouded the mountains and provided a spectacular backdrop for the enthusiastic drivers.
Morning tea at Cambewarra Mountain Tea Rooms was a highlight, particularly for those experiencing the lookout for the first time. The breathtaking panorama took in Coolangatta, the Shoalhaven River and Jervis Bay beyond. The group even encountered several Audi TT enthusiasts, one of whom fondly lamented selling his former MX-5.
Rather than take the easy highway route south, the convoy opted for the more entertaining country roads through Nerriga and Oallen Ford, crossing the Shoalhaven River before regrouping at Tarago. An urgent CB radio call from Claire announced a need for fuel, prompting considerable discussion about just how far her ND could travel once its range indicator read zero. Happily, Claire reached the Tarago servo with a few litres to spare! While there, some members explored the Corang Estate tasting room, stocking up for the evening, while others took advantage of the photogenic canola fields for a few memorable snaps.
The next stop was historic Braidwood, where members dispersed to sample the town's culinary offerings. The bakery, Albion Café, local pub and Provisions Deli & Creperie all attracted visitors. The latter proved a particularly delightful discovery, serving authentic Breton galettes made with buckwheat flour. Braidwood's historic streets and quirky shops offered plenty to explore before the convoy tackled the twisty descent of Clyde Mountain along the Kings Highway.
Arriving at Quays Hotel, Batemans Bay, around 4pm, members enjoyed a well-earned rest before gathering in the courtyard for the traditional afternoon 'fives'. With temperatures hovering around 30 degrees, the sun-safe long sleeves and trousers were perhaps a little too enthusiastic!
Saturday evening's Thai dinner provided an unexpected talking point. Despite some ordering mix-ups and missing meals, the food was delicious. Unfortunately, Senia's Thai beef salad came with an unwelcome extra — a black latex glove! The restaurant's host was extremely apologetic, and the incident became another unforgettable chapter in the weekend's stories.
Sunday began at a leisurely pace, with some members spotting dolphins playing just 100 metres offshore. The convoy then followed the scenic coastal road to Mogo, pausing at Observation Point Lookout for a fantastic group photograph overlooking the bay.
Mogo Zoo proved well worth the visit, with its compact layout making it easy to explore the impressive collection of big cats, primates, savanna mammals and exotic species. Members enjoyed a couple of hours discovering the animals before heading to Broulee Brewhouse for lunch, beer tasting and live music in the shady beer garden. Delicious burgers and a talented band provided a fitting finale to a sunny afternoon.
The weekend also produced a surprise transaction in Braidwood. Bill struck up a conversation with a gentleman interested in his yellow NC Roadster Coupe. An impromptu test drive and a few phone calls over subsequent days, the car was sold! Bill will now be joining future club runs in his VW Multivan.
Another running joke throughout the weekend was the apparent abundance of Dimovskis. Convenors Zan and Phil, Emilco and Beti, and newer members Lube and Diane, together with their daughter Claire, inspired talk of renaming the group the 'Dimovski Chapter'. As Zan explained, Dimovski is a common Macedonian surname, much like Smith — and apparently just as prevalent in the Illawarra!
With winding roads, spectacular scenery, gourmet discoveries, wildlife encounters and plenty of laughter, the weekend delivered everything a great MX-5 adventure should. Members headed home separately on Sunday afternoon, already armed with stories to share and memories to treasure until the next run.
