Organised by Suzanne and Kevin Richards, the run began at Burleigh Heads, with cars assembling early ahead of the 8:30am departure. With 24 cars attending, the group was split into three smaller groups to ensure a safe and well-managed drive from the outset.
🌄 Stage 1: Into the Hinterland
Starting out from Burleigh Heads, the group made its way inland via Reedy Creek and Tallebudgera, quickly swapping traffic lights for proper driving roads.
The run up Ducats Road in Tallebudgera was a pleasant surprise for those on it for the first time, then onto Trees Road and Currumbin Creek Road taking us through to Tomewin Mountain Road, all delivering tight corners and elevation changes before crossing into NSW via North Arm, Murwillumbah, Uki and Stokers Siding, with the Tweed Valley Way winding over the Burringbar Range to Burringbar.
Of course, the weather decided to add its own element to the day. Light showers meant it quickly became a “roof up, roof down, no actually roof up again” kind of drive. By the end of Stage 1, most of us could probably operate the soft top faster than we could check our mirrors.
At just over 80km, it was a great mix of technical and flowing roads — exactly the kind of drive the MX-5 was designed for.
☕ Morning Tea at Burringbar
The regroup at Burringbar Sports Club was perfectly timed — and very well catered.
A generous supply of home-made ANZAC biscuits appeared, and it’s fair to say they didn’t last long. Whether you were there for the driving or the biscuits is still up for debate.
With a chance to stretch, catch up and (briefly) put the roofs back down again, it was a relaxed and social stop before heading into the second stage.
🌊 Stage 2: From Hinterland to Coast
Pot-morning tea shifted things slightly, trading tight mountain sections for more open roads as we worked our way toward the coast.
The run along Tweed Coast Road provided a change of pace, before diving back inland via Round Mountain Road and Clothiers Creek Road — narrower sections that required a bit more attention (and slightly less biscuit-related distraction).
From there, the route linked together quieter roads including Cane Road and Bilambil Road, before climbing back up toward Scenic Drive and the final run towards Tweed Heads.
By this point, the weather had once again reminded us who was in charge, and the now well-rehearsed roof routine made another appearance.
🍽️ Lunch at Tweed Heads
The run concluded at Seagulls Sports Club, where most stayed on for lunch and a chance to unwind and debrief after the morning’s drive.
🏁 A Strong Turnout and a Great Day
While this was still a “driving with friends” event as the Club progresses through its formal affiliation and insurance arrangements, it showcased exactly what the MX-5 Owners Club SEQ aims to deliver:
- Well-planned and engaging driving routes
- A safe, structured approach to group driving
- A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
- A growing community of like-minded enthusiasts
Thanks again to Suzanne and Kevin for putting together a great drive – one that is sure to be repeated in the dry – and to everyone who attended and contributed to an enjoyable run.
👉 Keep an eye on the calendar — there are plenty more runs like this to come.
