WOLSELEY CAR CLUBS NATIONAL RALLIES

1992 7th National Rally Mildura, Victoria and Birdwood South Australia.
As the NSW Club were in control of the Sixth National Rally it was the Victorian Club who organised the Seventh National. This was a new idea holding the rally at two venues. It was the only rally held under these conditions and did not receive a great approval rating, but was enjoyable just the same, and it covered two states, thus giving South Australian owners a chance to participate.

Sunday 5th July 1992.
We arrived in Mildura mid afternoon and booked into our accommodation, before we proceeded to the Gateway Tavern for the usual welcoming dinner and meeting with friends from previous rallies.

Monday 6th July 1992.
Assembling at the river which was close by, we boarded the paddle steamer "P.V. Rothbury" for a delightful cruise on the River Murray, (why else would you visit Mildura?). As an added bonus to the cruise we landed at Trentham Estate Winery where wine tasting was enjoyed (naturally), followed by a lovely meal and a voyage home, so more than the normal amount of wine could be sampled. This was followed by a free evening to discover the town and find dinner, if you really wanted to eat after a relaxing day.

Tuesday 7th July 1992.
Forming up in convoy we were treated to a scenic tour of the town and nearby rural area, which was for about 50 miles, by the local car club, followed by a very tasty BBQ for lunch. Then we had another free afternoon as the attractions of Mildura were many and varied. Dinner was enjoyed at the Mildura Settler's Club, and I may add here that some of the Australian country towns have some great clubs as this one supplied a 3 course meal for $18.50, and even in 1992 it was value for money.

Wednesday 8th July 1992.
Another convoy was organised for the trip to Gawler S.A. of approx. 235 miles, stopping at Renmark for morning tea, and Waikerie for lunch, arriving at the Gawler Bypass Motel at around 3.00 pm. Dinner was at the Motel which had a fine restaurant.

Thursday 9th July 1992.
A trip to the Barossa Valley was highlighted by a visit to the famous old Chateau Yaldara Winery where a tour was taken, and of course more wine tasting. It should be mentioned here that the Victorian Club is mad keen on wineries. Then a DIY trip to see the beauty of the Barossa Valley and return to Gawler to pretty up the cars for the judging on Friday.

Friday 10th July 1992.
A 10.00 am start saw us proceed to Birdwood and display our vehicles in the Mill carpark while we toured the National Motor Museum and Folk Museum as well as craft shops. After a BBQ lunch we lined up at 3.00 pm for the return to Gawler after judging. We traveled by the scenic Chain of Ponds and prepared for the Farewell Dinner at the Motel.

Saturday 11th July 1992.
Even though the rally was officially over, many cars returned to Victoria via the town of VVolseley on the Vic. / S.A. border for lunch by the local Service Club. Then all cars headed to their home states, after a great but long National Rally. So another pleasant time was had with some unique (as usual) places visited and enjoyed.

Keith.