South Coast Christmas in July
09 August 2025 / Story: Anda Clayton; Photos: Anda Clayton and Rose Smith
Christmas in July – Southern Highlands
27th July, 2025
It was cold and cloudy as Brian and I dusted off our trusty Santa hats and hopped into our top down (but of course!) MX5, it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas......yes, today was our Christmas in July run to the Southern Highlands!
Our first port of call was a 3-minute drive away at Milton’s Heritage Bakery, where we met up with our more “southerly” members – Fred and Kim, Bob and Karen. Before much delay, we headed off up the highway, through Nowra’s traffic, over the bridge, left into Moss Vale Rd and up the mountain for some fun twists and turns before we arrived at our second meeting point, what has become a regular haunt, Cambewarra Lookout café. Here we met up with 10 more members. The café was unexpectedly busy due to the simultaneous arrival of a motor cycle group, which resulted in some of us deciding to forfeit a caffeine hit – we were heading for a 3-course lunch, after all.
Following a coffee for some, the 16 of us made our way through Kangaroo Valley, over Barrengarry mountain, right turn up Myra Vale Rd, through Robertson township to the grand old Robertson Hotel, our lunch destination. Waiting patiently were our final two attendees, Illawarra members Jeff and Pam. Let the celebrations begin!
The hotel was dressed to the nines for the occasion, with Xmas decorations galore! We could now comprehend why the hotel needs to be closed for a day or two to complete the operation of its embellishment.
A warm glass of mulled wine, received by most but appreciated by few, set the tone of the day. A 3-course meal of pumpkin soup, traditional Xmas ham and turkey and apple strudel followed.
Being Xmas, it was a befitting time to present our wonderful convenors, Rose & Geoff with a thankyou gift from all of us. They have, yet again this year, worked tirelessly to bring joy to our members through interesting events and drives in our Zoom Zooms.
Before much time passed it was time to saddle up and make our way home before nightfall. For a change of pace, some of us chose a different path home over Jamberoo Mountain.
Another enjoyable day out with our MX5 Club friends....until next time.
