Steampunk Victoriana Fair
24 October 2024 / Story by Bryan Shedden (& ChatGPT), Photos by Zan Dimovski, Rob Wilko
On Sunday, a vibrant group of members joined the Illawarra Chapter for on a spirited drive from Bean Roasted Espresso Bar at Calderwood to the Steampunk Victoriana Fair at Goulburn Historic Waterworks. The convoy featured eight cars, including six MX-5s, a Mustang, and a Mazda3, with a total of 16 club members participating.
The journey began with an exhilarating ascent up Macquarie Pass, where members were greeted by the deafening symphony of cicadas resonating through the lush rainforest canopy. The scenic route then meandered through the picturesque Southern Highlands along the Highland Way, offering stunning views and winding roads that thrilled the drivers.
Upon arrival in Goulburn, we parked and hopped into a minibus, where the enthusiastic driver entertained us with engaging stories about the region’s history. At the Steampunk Victoriana Fair, attendees were treated to a dazzling display of creativity, with countless participants donning intricate, futuristic Victoriana-style costumes. The event was alive with vintage activities that captivated both club members and other fairgoers. There was a circus tent, a fashion show, and dogs in tutus with rocket-launchers. The Stonedog Meadery stall attracted quite a few of us for some samples! There were plenty of market stalls selling all sorts of Steampunk paraphernalia, and Fiona couldn't resist buying herself a knitted octopus beanie. Why? Just because!
Lunch options were plentiful, featuring a variety of food trucks offering Greek cuisine, baked potatoes, fish and chips, and classic hamburgers. Despite initial forecasts predicting rain, the day remained dry, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the fair's festivities without interruption.
After the fair, several of us visited One Raceway, just outside Goulburn. The newly upgraded track, opened just two weeks prior, impressed everyone with its state-of-the-art facilities. Members watched as drivers from the Porsche Club sampled the exciting new layout - clockwise today, but it is capable of operating anti-clockwise too. It will be fantastic to drive the new track, but may prove to be cost prohibitive as entry fees have roughly doubled!
Overall, the day was a resounding success, celebrating both automotive passion and the whimsical charm of the Steampunk aesthetic, leaving participants eagerly anticipating the next MX-5 Club adventure.
Click the links for more photos by Rob Wilko and Zan Dimovski.
