Postie Bikes in Cessnock
20 October 2026 / Story: Steve Eccleston Photos: Rob Wilkins
This run did not attract many starters as it seems watching Aussie Post Bikes racing each other around Cessnock may not be most people’s idea of high-octane racing, however we thought we would give it a go. Maree and I and six other of our bestie MX5 mates assembled at Macca’s Mount Colah for the drive up to Cessnock via Wollombi. Another car club arrived before us, however their pride and joys were a tad more upmarket than our MX5’s, as the Aston Martin Car Club had chosen to also start their run from Macca’s as well. They looked and sounded great and as you do, we got talking and we discovered that you can never have too much of a good thing a as one guy told us he as six Astons, but he was only driving one on the day. Shades of Rob “which MX5 will I take today” Wilco! But it’s a little easier for Rob as he only has three to choose from at the moment.
The Astons’ left before us, so we didn’t see them again as they were certainly not heading up to the Postie Bike races. So, our little group of 8 cars set off for a very pleasant drive stopping at Wollombi for a leg stretch and a coffee. The weather was good, the traffic was light and the road was generally pothole free but it does get a little rough just before Wollombi. After this stop we proceeded to Morpeth for lunch and a wander. This is a great little town and has lots of cafes and other interesting shops to wander through. I can’t remember the café we went to but the cheese melts they made were both sensational and large highly recommended I just forgot the name…
After spending the afternoon at Morpeth, it was time to head back to our overnight motel accommodation at Cessnock. We decided to have dinner at the very recently renovated Cessnock Leagues Club which was midway between our motel and the race circuit which is around the streets of Cessnock. The club was a great choice as the décor, food and staff were all really good.
Useful tip if you are planning a visit, join the club its only $5 p.a. and you don’t get your photo on the card so you can easily pass it on to your mates. It’s very good value as membership gives you 20% discount on food and drinks!
Now for the races, the action starts at 9ish on Sunday, as Saturday is set up the circuit and bike checking day. All bikes are denoded and they can’t produce more than 6.7bhp (the engine is 110cc) and no modifications are permitted. There are about 70 teams (2 members) men, women and mixed. Sunday morning is utilised for practice and setting times for the actual races which start at about 1pm. There are three races based on slowest to the fastest, with the fastest riders/teams all in the last race which starts at 3 pm and finishes at 4.30pm.
We only saw the morning practice and didn’t stay for the main event as we would be home at a late hour. However next year we will stay overnight on Sunday instead of Saturday, as from what we saw at practice the actual races in the afternoon will be on another level. The racing is very competitive and there are stacks, shunts and slides at virtually every corner. Don’t think 6.7bhp is for wimps, the riders are nuts and will overtake every time there is a gap.
The race has been going for 12 years and attracts some serious riders. It is free, very well run and you can walk around the entire circuit during the races so you can see all the action, as some corners have more stacks that others, they even have a speed bump which they jump over flat out before they have to brake for a very tight corner. The main race can be seen on YouTube if you are interested.
It was a great event, and you should come along next year it’s a hoot and check out Rob Wilkos excellent photos on Face book to get a feel of the action.
