The Great Canberra Knuckle Run
26 July 2026 / Story by Bryan Shedden, Photos by Bryan & Fiona Shedden, Senia Gaunson, Ann Hicks
25 happy MX-5ers gathered at Haywards Bay for an 8:30am getaway on 18 July under brilliant blue skies. It was one of those crisp mornings that reminds you why winter is often the best driving season.
After a gentle warm-up through Jamberoo, the fun began in earnest on Jamberoo Mountain Road. Twisting through magnificent rainforest, the road was in superb condition and had everyone wearing the trademark MX-5 grin. We regrouped at Robertson before heading through Wildes Meadow and Bundanoon.
The first entertainment of the weekend came courtesy of Tail-End Charlie, who rang to confess they'd taken an "alternative route" and would meet us later at Bungendore. Every club run needs at least one navigator with an adventurous streak! The rest of us happily continued along Highland Way, one of those roads that seems purpose-built for MX-5s.
Morning tea at the Wingello Village Store was well earned. The coffee, muffins and raisin toast disappeared quickly, although the lack of scones caused more disappointment than anyone cared to admit. The lolly counter claimed a few victims, while Rob and Max tackled milkshakes so large they arrived with a second cup. Fiona, Bryan and Paul also proved you're never too old for the playground, giving the rope castle and zipline a decent workout.
Leaving Wingello, we briefly joined the Hume and escaped as quickly as possible, picking up the far more entertaining roads through Bungonia, Windellama and Tarago before arriving in Bungendore. Parking was surprisingly scarce thanks to a gathering of American muscle cars. We couldn't help noticing they looked much happier parked than tackling winding back roads. Lunch at The George Bar & Dining hit the spot, with most choosing lighter meals in anticipation of dinner.
Skirting around the southern end of the capitals suburbs, one of the unexpected highlights came from an impromptu stop at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. What started as a comfort break quickly became a photo opportunity beneath one of the enormous satellite dishes, followed by an interesting wander through the visitor centre. It's well worth a visit if you're passing through.
From there, Paddy's River Road delivered exactly what we were hoping for — kilometres of flowing bends and great scenery. We finished the day's drive with spectacular views from Black Mountain Lookout before checking into the Garden City Hotel.
Dinner next door at the Harmonie German Club was our Christmas in July celebration. Thanks to Canberra Convenor John Chapuis for dropping in with the Chapter's 30th Anniversary badge. Fifteen brave souls ordered the legendary pork knuckle, each arriving with a knife protruding from it like Excalibur. Most surrendered before the finish, but Rob and Ian somehow reduced theirs to a lonely bone. After several excellent German beers, the barman decided one round of schnapps was enough. Apparently we looked like we were enjoying ourselves a little too much.
Sunday morning reminded us we were in Canberra, with the temperature plunging to -6°C. Those lucky enough to find the underground car park congratulated themselves while the rest scraped thick frost from their MX-5s. After breakfast, some enjoyed a stroll around Kingston Foreshore and the Old Bus Depot Markets before regrouping at Manuka.
The run north through Sutton, Gundaroo, Gunning, Cullerin and Breadalbane uncovered another cracking country road that was new to most of us. Lunch at Tattersalls Hotel in Goulburn wrapped up another terrific club weekend before everyone headed for home.
Great roads, superb food, plenty of laughs and excellent company — it's hard to ask for much more from an MX-5 Club weekend away.
