South Coast Goes to Natmeet
19 May 2026 / Story: Rose Smith; Photos: Rose Smith
Natmeet 2026
May 2026
Day One
The Road to Pokolbin
Geoff and I had the road to ourselves as we cruised toward Kangaroo Valley to meet Kerry and Lesley. When we pulled in at 7:50 am, they were already fueled up and ready to go, coffees in hand.
Our unhindered run continued through the Southern Highlands, but the fun hit a literal roadblock once we merged onto the motorway. The serenity was replaced by heavy traffic and drivers in a frantic hurry; the MX-5 feels particularly small when a semi-trailer thunders past at speed. After exiting onto the A9 at Campbelltown—where we seemingly hit every red light in existence—the sprawl of suburbia finally faded away. It was a relief to be back on the open country roads where our MX5’s belong.
We stopped for morning tea in Windsor, stumbling upon the Sunday markets. We managed a quick browse before refreshments, though no treasures were bought—partly due to a lack of boot space, much to the boys' visible relief.
The next leg toward Wiseman’s Ferry offered classic MX-5 territory, including a scenic ferry crossing. We weren't the only ones out enjoying the twisties; however, a red Lotus and a red Porsche clearly found the speed limit too restrictive. They performed a hair-raising overtake across double lines on a blind corner, disappearing at extraordinary speed. We felt very lucky that nothing was coming the other way.
Lunch was at the Wombat Café. Despite a slightly ‘dodgy’ exterior, the food was delicious and exactly what we needed before getting back on the bitumen.
The final stretch took us to Rydges in Pokolbin, our base for the week. Between check-in, registration, and pouring over the week’s schedule, the afternoon flew by. We capped off Day 1 with a lovely outdoor welcome dinner. With 400km on the clock, it was the perfect start to NatMeet.
Day 2
Chrome, Coffee, and Country Roads
The Hunter Valley greeted the NatMeet XVI contingent with the kind of morning that makes you glad you own a roadster. However, for our dedicated Show and Shine judges, Geoff and Kerry, the morning started a little earlier than most. After conveniently missing the 6:00 pm briefing the night before—we’ll leave their whereabouts to your imagination—the pair were up and at ’em for a 7:15 AM start, clipboards in hand, ready to scrutinize the finest NCHTs and NDRFs in the country.
While the judges were busy checking panel gaps & painwork, Lesley and Rose joined the most important line of the morning: the coffee van. It’s the unofficial social hub of any MX-5 gathering, and the perfect spot to catch up with old friends from interstate and meet a few new ones. By mid-morning, the Hunter was showing off, with temperatures climbing to a summer-like 26°C. For early May, it was surprisingly ‘top-down’ weather, and every patch of shade was quickly claimed by the growing crowd.
Next up was the traditional NatMeet group photo. If you’ve ever tried to organize a hundred-plus MX-5 owners into a cohesive shape, you know it’s like herding cats. We all stood there, squinting into the sun, caught in the modern dilemma of the NatMeet attendee: do you smile at the photographer on the hill or the drone buzzing overhead? We’ll find out which of us has the best ‘drone face’ when the official prints come out.
After a picnic lunch, it was time for the main event: the runs. Rose, Geoff, Kerry, and Lesley were assigned to the ‘Pink Group’ for most of the week. Today, ‘Rocket Rose’ was ready to give the NC’s gearbox a workout, while Kerry stood his ground and kept his seat behind the wheel of his ND.
The route through wine country was spectacular, though the sheer number of cellar doors we passed was enough to make anyone lose count. When the skies eventually darkened and the rain began to spit, we employed the 80kph Umbrella’ - the magical speed at which aerodynamics keep the cockpit dry. It was a total success.
A massive shout-out to our Run Leader, who navigated the vineyard twists with surgical precision, and our Tail-end Charlie. Being a local, Charlie didn't just keep us together; he provided a rolling history lesson over the radio that made the scenery come alive.
By late afternoon, the combination of sun, wind, and concentration had taken its toll. We were so ‘driven out’ that we actually forgot the wine tasting event was on, instead having a much-needed pre-dinner rest.
For the free evening, the four of us made tracks to the onsite Sydney Brewery. While the meals might not have won any awards, the beer paddles certainly did—Geoff and Kerry were impressed with the local craftsmanship. A few glasses of Hunter Red might have also been spotted at the table.
With the cars tucked in and our batteries recharged, we’re already looking forward to seeing what tomorrow’s route has in store.
Day 3
The Pink Group’s Coastal Run
Another day in the Hunter, and another absolute ‘top-down’ cracker. With the sun out and the heaters dialed to the footwells just in case, the NatMeet fleet split into two. While one group tackled the Lower Hunter’s hinterland, our Pink Group set our sights on the Lakes and Oceans route.
We rolled out at 9:10am, and in true club fashion, managed our first U-turn within minutes. It’s practically a NatMeet tradition! Navigating unfamiliar backroads where signposts are a ‘suggestion’ and Google Maps has a mind of its own is all part of the fun—after all, you don't buy an MX-5 to take the most direct route.
The scenery on this leg was nothing short of magnificent. The moment Lake Macquarie shimmered into view, any frustration over missed turns evaporated. We pulled into the Market St Cafe in Wangi Wangi (pronounced ‘Wonji Wonji’ for the out-of-towners) and were met with military-grade efficiency. For a large convoy, we were served impressively fast. The snacks were enormous, the coffee was hit-the-spot strong, and even the gluten-free options earned a gold star.
The next stint included another ‘scenic detour’ that required a U-turn across a main highway. In a heart-warming display of road courtesy, oncoming traffic actually stopped to let our line of Mazdas stay together. It seems a convoy of smiling roadsters can melt even the most impatient commuter's heart.
We wound our way through to Catherine Hill Bay, stopping for a photo op overlooking the iconic old jetty and the pristine beach. From there, we hummed through the heritage mining cottage area—a stark, beautiful contrast to the modern homes in the area. Despite the best efforts of traffic lights and roundabouts to break our spirit, the convoy held firm all the way to lunch at Blacksmiths Surf Life Saving Club. While the lunch itself won’t be winning any Michelin stars, Rose’s ‘emergency muesli bar’ saved the day. Always come prepared!
The run home was a bit of a scramble. A GPS glitch saw the convoy split for about 30km, turning a scenic cruise into a solo freeway trek. However, like homing pigeons, we all eventually merged back together for the final stretch to Rydges. Our Run Leaders and Tail-end Charlies worked overtime today, and their patience in keeping our wandering flock together was truly legendary.
Upon return, the group split into two camps with very different ideas of recovery. Geoff and Rose headed off to refuel the car, but somehow the MX-5 wasn't the only thing getting topped up; they ‘accidentally’ navigated a direct path to Hunter Valley Chocolates. Purchases were made with high enthusiasm, from Rose, and rumor has it several treats didn’t even survive the walk to the car, let alone the seven-minute transit back to the hotel. Meanwhile, Kerry and Lesley took the virtuous route, opting for a healthy recovery swim.
The night’s festivities took a turn for the theatrical with our ‘M’ themed dress-up night. Kerry and Lesley leaned into the mystery of a Venetian Masked ball. Rose and Geoff arrived as Musicians (though no instruments were harmed in the making of the evening). The room was a sea of ‘M’ characters, just use your imagination!
Between the loud music, the dancing, and the endless chit chat, it was the perfect end to a massive day. Tomorrow, we will do it all again.
Day 4
The Long Haul: 370km of Ferries, Foliage, and the Famous Putty Road
Today was the "marathon" of NatMeet—an eight-hour odyssey covering 370km of New South Wales’ finest (and occasionally most fragrant) tarmac. To avoid congestion on the road and eating venues, the groups departed at 20-minute intervals. Geoff and Rose took up their post as Tail-end Charlie for the White Group, while Kerry and Lesley joined the Pink contingent, and were the last group to leave.
The White Group rolled out at 8:30am, immediately wrestling with urban traffic before finally escaping onto the historic, convict-built Northern Road. While the countryside was picturesque, the ‘Great Australian Roadwork’ was in full swing. Numerous stop-go signs and portable red lights meant that by the time we reached Jerry’s Cafe for morning tea, two groups had merged into one giant car park of MX-5s. Most of us opted to skip the cafe queue, choosing to bank our appetite for what we hoped would be a legendary lunch.
Back on the road, we gave the lead group a ten-minute head start to find some clean air. We needed it. As we wound through the valley, we were greeted by the unmistakable, lingering ‘perfume’ of local chicken farms. It was definitely a ‘windows up, recirculate air’ kind of moment—or, for the purists, a ‘drive faster and hold your breath’ moment!
More red-light roadworks followed, evoking memories for the South Coast members of the long-standing landslips on the pass to Kangaroo Valley. Eventually, both convoys converged again at Wiseman’s Ferry. Every single MX-5 squeezed onto the ferry with room to spare—a testament to the compact genius of the Mazda design.
After crossing, our group held back for 15 minutes to regain our spacing. No one complained; the car park chatter was in high gear. However, one ‘sneaky’ member managed a quick detour and returned with an ice cream. The consensus was clear: if you don’t bring enough for the whole class, you’d better eat it fast!
We pushed on toward Freeman’s Reach, pausing briefly at Hawkins Lookout for a spectacular panoramic view of the river. Lunch at the reach didn't disappoint. The ‘half-size’ portions were still massive, with the fish and chips proving to be the fan favorite—even if the faint scent of poultry still lingered in the air.
Then came the stretch we’d all been waiting for: the Putty Road. This is quintessential MX-5 territory—sweeping bends, elevation changes, and pure driving joy. Despite more landslip repairs, the flow was fantastic.
During one set of red lights, Geoff and Rose (bringing up the rear) became separated from the pack. Geoff, finding himself at the front of the queue, decided this was his moment. He stayed strictly to the speed limit, of course, but he seemed to develop a sudden allergy to the brake pedal. While Geoff had the time of his life carving through the corners, Rose’s fingerprints are likely still permanently embedded in the door handle.
By the time we pulled back into Rydges, the exhaustion was real. But the day wasn't done. We boarded the bus for dinner at 4 Pines Brewery, where the food was good and the stories from the road were even better.
However, it seems the 370km had taken its toll on us ‘oldies.’ By 8:45pm, a very orderly queue had already formed for the first 9:00pm return bus. The four of us were right at the front of the line, dreaming of pillows and the final day ahead.
One more day to go!
Day 5
Scones, Slices, Sandwiches and Country Hospitality: The Final Run
After a week of unseasonably warm weather, the Hunter finally gave us a reminder that winter wasn't far off. An icy wind whipped through the starting area, prompting a flurry of polar fleeces and club jackets. But we are MX-5 drivers, after all; the sun was out, so the tops stayed down.
Our convoy headed out along the Golden Highway, a route historically vital for connecting the coast to the agricultural riches of the ‘Golden West.’ The geography here shifted to wide, flat plains framed by distant, rugged peaks—a perfect backdrop for a line of roadsters.
Our morning tea stop at the Denman Bowling Club was, by unanimous vote, the culinary highlight of the trip. The local ladies had clearly been busy, providing a spread of cakes, slices, and scones that would put a high-end patisserie to shame. The gluten-free options were equally impressive. The quality was so high that Kerry was spotted ‘securing’ an extra scone with jam and cream for the road. Fuel for the car is important, but fuel for the driver is essential!
The next leg provided a stark contrast to the rolling greenery. We cruised past several open-cut mines, including the gargantuan Mt. Arthur. As the largest mine in NSW, its sheer scale is difficult to process from the cockpit of a car that sits six inches off the ground. While we would have loved to stop and marvel at the machinery, a convoy of our size requires a bit more than a shoulder pull-off, so we pressed on.
We wound our way over historic bridges and through quiet country townships, passing the now-silent Liddell Power Station before pulling up at the Singleton CWA for lunch. There is something incredibly special about ‘old-fashioned’ hospitality. Freshly made sandwiches and home-baked treats served with a smile reminded us of a pace of life that matches the soul of our cars. Rose even managed to snag a few slices for "later," ensuring her sugar levels wouldn't drop on the way home.
After a quick post-lunch leg stretch to justify the scones, we made a dash for home. The sky turned an ominous charcoal for a moment, but not a single drop hit the seats—perhaps we were finally driving fast enough to outrun the clouds!
The week culminated in the official NatMeet Presentation Dinner. Seated together with a great group of ten, we cheered as the trophies were handed out for the Day One Show and Shine and Pride of Ownership. The "M" themed awards were a highlight, with Mary Poppins (Solo), Marcel Marceau (Pairs), and the Mexicans (Group) taking home the top honors, although we hear their sombreros were left behind in the Hunter, likely unable to fit in the MX-5's modest trunk space!
As the official ‘thank yous’ were wrapped up and the massive MX-5 cake was sliced, the band Anthology kicked into gear. The dance floor filled up quickly, proving that even after 1,000 kilometers of gear changes, this group still had plenty of energy in the tank.
Looking back, it was more than just a week of driving. It was a week of camaraderie, stunning vistas, and the shared joy of the world’s favorite roadster. A huge thank you to the organizers and the committee for making NatMeet XVI a trip to remember.
Until next time—Zoom-Zoom!
Day 6
The Long Way Home: One Last Run on the Putty
After a final round of goodbyes, the group split for the journey south. While Kerry and Lesley opted for the direct route through Sydney to visit family, Geoff and Rose couldn't resist one last dance with the Putty Road. Even though we had tackled it just two days prior, any enthusiast knows that a great road is a completely different beast when driven in the opposite direction.
The ‘Roadwork Gods,’ however, were not on our side. We hit significant delays as crews were busy resealing the two unpaved sections we’d encountered earlier in the week. Between the pilot vehicle escorts and the stop-go signals, we added a solid 45 minutes to the logbook. The local ‘tradie’ in the ute behind us clearly didn't share our appreciation for a slow Friday drive, eventually losing his patience and continually blasting his horn from the 20-minute mark.
Once the tarmac finally opened up, the frustration evaporated. Geoff was back in his element, expertly navigating the famous twists and turns that make the Putty a pilgrimage site for MX-5 owners. After a quick lunch in Windsor and a final leg-stretch in the familiar surrounds of Kangaroo Valley, we finally pulled into the driveway.
It was a week defined by the hum of engines and the warmth of like-minded souls. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘It’s not just about the car, it’s about the people,’ but at NatMeet, that sentiment truly comes to life.
From the icy winds of the Lower Hunter to the sun-drenched vineyards of Pokolbin, we shared more than just a convoy—we shared a passion for the open air and the perfect apex. We return home with slightly more kilometers on the odometer, significantly less space in our chocolate stashes, and a wealth of memories that will keep us going until the next time.
Until NatMeet XVII in Wangaratta—Zoom-Zoom!
