National Corvette Convention WA

Adventure to the West

This year's Australian Corvette Nationals were hosted by the Corvette Club of Western Australia in Fremantle.

A good number of SA members decided this was a trip worth doing so we all started to work out our individual ways of getting to the West to attend.

Much planning went into this well before Easter so we all could leave with the attitude of - What could possibly go wrong?

Ruth & I only got our car back from getting the once over at the mechanics the night before leaving. This left no time for a shake down run so with crossed fingers, we packed the beer fridge, a couple of tools and a few jocks and socks. Not much else fitted but we did prioritise!

Early meet up at Bolivar with Jim and Catherine and then Rob a little down the road. We were set for a great couple of weeks.

That afternoon we made it to Ceduna where we crossed paths with members of the Mustang Club who were also heading West. We enjoyed a few laughs and wished them well on their trip.

Next morning, we only had a short run to Border Village. During this leg, a somewhat amusing (for some) thing happened! The previous fuel stop, Jim's car required far less petrol than Rob's or ours which left me trying to convince Ruth that we now needed a supercharged C4 motor installed. All was sweet until 20 kms out of Border Village and Jim suddenly loses power and comes to a very silent halt on the side of the road. (This is where we were hoping the Mustangs were in front of us and wouldn't witness our little dilemma). As we looked under the bonnet scratching our heads on what could be the issue here, Jim decided to check the fuel level through the filler as the gauge had started to play up. Sure enough - one fuel tank was bone dry. While I stayed back to 'protect' the girl's :, Jim & Rob shot into Border Village to buy the world's most expensive jerry can and 20 litres of juice and all was good again.

We arrived in Border Village where we had a practice run through the Western Australian fruit checking station, before dropping the usual U turn to drive back into SA, as this is where our accommodation actually was for the night. Not long after settling down with a drink at our cabins that AJ & Julie turned up. The planets hadn't quite aligned for these guys so at the 11th hour they decided to leave the '54 home and come in the Crewman - Oh, and they were carrying spare fuel!

Next morning, off we set for Norseman, WA. Once we got past the Fruit Nazi's at the checking station, we settled in for a big days drive only broken when the Nullabor Nymph was spotted at Eucla. Besides now wearing jeans and a CCSA T shirt, she still looks wild.

While having brekkie next morning at Norseman, the second group of cars from SA rolled up. Now we had Dave & Karen, Dale, Peter B, Alan and Rudi & Kaye join us for the run into Kalgoorlie.

Kalgoorlie was interesting but the stand out attraction was a visit to the Super Pit gold mine. Hooley Dooley that hole was big. Cannot express it in words, but definitely worth a look when in town. That night, everyone but AJ & Julie (who wanted to eat at a nudie pub apparently) had dinner out on a balcony in one of the grand old hotels in the main street. Enjoyed a few cold beers, great food and even better company. A supurb night.

Next day, some of the group stayed back in town for a Super Pit mine tour while the rest of us headed off to Perth and surrounds for a couple of days R&R before the Nationals started. Besides almost causing a multi car pile-up on the freeway when I found myself in the wrong lane and trying to squeeze in front of AJ with car horns blasting from all sides, we had a nice trip down to friends at Busselton. Thanks for letting me in AJ.

Come Friday, everyone converged on the Trade Winds Motel at Fremantle which was the base for the Nationals. Mel & Goof turned up leaving a trail of sweat through the foyer (Bloody C4 air-conditioning) and headed straight for the shower. John & Jenny, Laurie and Margaret and Peter & Wendy were already there. The bottom line is, we all made it there safely.

Meet & Greet that night was a friendly affair except for when some Nuf-Nuf dropped a full pint glass covering me in glass and beer. Some people!!

Saturday morning, we cleaned and fired up the cars and all headed off for the Show n Shine in Perths Supreme Courts Gardens. A beautiful location in the city plus Perth turned on perfect weather. The West Australian guys were well organised with the parking and the judging which made for a relaxing day for the rest of us.

That night, we walked down to nearby wharf where we boarded a Dinner Boat for our evening meal while cruising the Swan River. Great atmosphere and a great vibe, everyone mixed, enjoyed great food and had another superb night.

Sunday, was a cruise up into the Perth Hills. Not that dissimilar to the Adelaide Hills. First to a winery complex for morning tea, and then onto lunch at a huge Garden venue. From there, we all found our own way back to Fremantle.

The gala dinner and trophy presentations were held that night at the Trade Winds. Again, well organised, great speeches and a comical spill from the Queensland guys to promote next years Nationals being held at the Gold Coast.

The South Aussies could hold their heads up high here. Peter B's car took out Best C3 Original. Alan L took out 2nd in C3 Original. Alans car also took out the Charity / Sponsors Overall Choice award which was absolutely awesome, Dave N took out Best C5 Original and I think Rob took out - not sure, but I think it was for the Fastest Corvette Original. That may be a little inaccurate but my memory is fading. WELL DONE GUYS.

Need to make a special note here regarding the West Australian Nationals committee and the West Australians Vetters in general. They were so welcoming, organised and a great bunch of people that it made it an absolute pleasure for all of us attending. We had no regrets what so ever in making the trek over. Loved every bit of it.

Anyway, it wasn't over here. The WA Club also organised a post Nationals cruise down to the states South Coast and back up to Perth for anyone that wanted to come along. This was a great idea and from all accounts, a great success. Saying that, us and Jim & Catherine toured the South coast separately as we were driving the cars back home and this worked better for us. We crossed paths with the organised group (We were the unorganised group!!) at the Valley of the Giants forest and tree walk. Farewelled everyone and we were off again.

Gotta say, touring the WA South Coast in the Vettes was awesome. Particularly, the Albany and Esperance coastline. Add it to your bucket list.

6400 kilometres later, we rolled back into Adelaide with our 40 year old C3 and Jim and Catherine in their 33 year old battery powered supercharged C4 after having one of the best Corvette adventures you could wish for. Two weeks of great times, plenty of laughs and the best of friends.