Star Torque Issue 244 Winter 2016

Amazing line up of 81 Mercedes-Benz at Kiama Oval
Lunch at the Pavilion
run through scrublands, past southern beaches, round
lots of bends until we reached Bald Head with spectacular
vistas of the south coast of Wollongong and beyond.
Soon we headed down the escarpment and were driving
over the unique Sea Cliff Bridge, past more oh-so inviting
beaches beckoning us to stop for a look and then onwards
towards Kiama. We joined on the M1 freeway, giving us
a chance to put our foot down (a little!). It didn’t take long
before we were veering off left, into the quaint town of
Kiama. Lots of people were enjoying the great jazz music
of the Kiama Jazz Festival, as we drove past.
Driving into the showground we were marshalled by
Club volunteers into position around the oval. What
a sight to behold: 81 Mercedes of all ages, models and
colours. As it had become extremely hot and humid,
everyone soon headed towards The Pavilion for morning
tea and air conditioning.
Everyone soon introduced themselves over a cuppa,
meeting others for the first time and catching up with
old friends from other states. Some groups went off to the
town to discover the many attractions mentioned in the
Rally Program. From 12.30 until 2:00pm, an excellent
lunch was provided, where small groups discussed plans
for the afternoon. Of the many attractions, there were
museums, galleries, the rolling green hills, golden sandy
beaches, the famous Kiama Blow-hole on the headland and
the Crooked River winery.
Claus and I decided to depart via the most direct
route back to the Novotel as our car does not have air
conditioning.
We were soon home and relaxing in our wonderful
Hotel room overlooking Botany Bay and the Mascot
airport runway: “Ah the serenity”. Many thanks John
Assarapin and the team of willing helpers for this very
special day.
Rocks tour, Sunday March 13, 2016
Simon Strauss
The 90 minute walking tour of the Sydney Rocks district
provided an unexpected highlight for most people.
Made extra special by the quality of the guides, the insights
given to the first English settlement on Australian shores
were eye-opening. The history hiding in the narrow lanes
and behind the old terraces came to life in the hands of
these professionals and everyone enjoyed themselves.
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