Wollongong Botanical Gardens
03 July 2026 / Story: Rose Smith; Photos: Rose Smith, Lesley Brook
Wollongong Botanical Gardens
2 July, 2026
Five MX-5s, blue skies and a surprisingly warm winter's day—what more could you ask for?
Our convoy of five cars gathered at Hungry Jack's, Bomaderry, ready for a 9:00 am departure. Rose and Geoff, Roger and Lesley, Phil and Helen, and Steven were all eager to make the most of the perfect top-down weather. With clear skies, warm sunshine and barely a breath of wind, the only way to travel was with the tops down.
Of course, no great drive is complete without a little adventure. Our carefully planned route received its first modification when someone (no names mentioned!) sailed straight past the Bolong Road turn-off. Rather than performing an impromptu U-turn worthy of a rally stage, Rose & Geoff decided to continue north and spend the time we'd saved with an extra stop at Saddleback Mountain Lookout.
As it turned out, that "wrong turn" was one of the highlights of the day. The views stretching north along the coastline were absolutely spectacular under the crystal-clear winter skies. The western view was rather less impressive, thanks to an enthusiastic collection of trees, and unfortunately we ran out of time to walk to the southern lookout. There's always a reason to come back.
The drive over Saddleback Mountain and through Jamberoo reminded us why we own MX-5s. Quiet roads, sweeping bends and hardly any traffic made for driving bliss. Some members may have quietly suggested that the 60 km/h speed signs were being a little... conservative for such enjoyable roads. Naturally, everyone remained perfectly law-abiding.
Our only real encounter with traffic came as we merged onto the motorway. Google Maps then decided to inject a little excitement by changing its mind at the last moment, placing us neatly in the wrong lane for our exit. Fortunately, an alternative route involving a couple of traffic lights in close succession worked in our favour and, much to everyone's surprise, the convoy stayed together right to our destination.
The Wollongong Botanic Gardens provided a relaxing change of pace. Armed with takeaway coffees, we spent a leisurely ninety minutes wandering through beautifully maintained gardens bursting with winter colour. Camellias, azaleas and countless other flowering plants brightened many areas of the gardens, although identifying some of them became something of a botanical guessing game. The standout display was undoubtedly the succulent garden, where an incredible collection of flowering succulents proved that even the spikiest plants know how to put on a spectacular show.
Refreshed and well exercised, it was back into the cars for another memorable drive. The winding roads over Mount Keira and down through Mount Kembla were a first for everyone except Rose and Geoff, and they certainly didn't disappoint. Twisty roads, stunning scenery and a line of colourful MX-5s made for a picture-perfect afternoon.
Lunch at the Mount Kembla Village Hotel was the perfect finale. Mark and Hella joined us there, making the gathering complete. Every meal that arrived at the table looked and tasted exceptional, with many agreeing it was the best lunch we've enjoyed on one of our club runs. High praise indeed!
As always, it wasn't just about the roads or the destination. It was another wonderful day spent with great friends, great cars and plenty of laughter - a combination that never fails to make an MX-5 run something special.
