Event date: 18 September 2022

Well, the day didn’t get off to a good start with the Donnybrook service station suffering a power failure and as such no fuel pumps were working.  Then there were late arrivals due to Donnybrook Road being closed and let’s not even mention the overcast weather.  Due to all the issues Lawrence had to do some quick recalculations and decided that we would go to the Wallan Road Stop for fuel. 

After a pep talk from Jo, the 20 attending vehicles started towards our destination and only a few kms down the road, someone asked if we should take the Northern HWY. After hearing a yes, half of us went off track.  Once some of these stragglers got fuel, we set off again determined to get back with the main group.

I took the lead and promptly took the group down the wrong road and was immediately relinquished of the lead duties.  The stragglers eventually joined the main group at the Wallan Truck Stop and after another pep talk from Jo we headed off on the Hume Fwy to get back on our scheduled drive. 

Along the Hume Jo pointed out the rooster tree (that you can see past the second Clonbinane exit sign) and it sure does look like a rooster up on the hill, so look out for it next time you’re on the Hume. 

We got off the Hume Hwy at Broadford, many of us wanted to turn right to have a few laps of the track, but left we went to continue to drive to Shepparton.  The roads were wet and it rained occasionally but the back roads were an absolute delight to drive on.  The scenery and the sea of green was breathtaking, well for any passengers, as the drivers were concentrating on the curves and avoiding the fallen trees and debris.  Whilst driving we learnt what a caveat was with another dictionary lesson from Jo.  When we reached the Caveat sign it delighted Jo immensely but by this stage we were all in driving mode and we continued on our journey. 

We had a short stop at Seymour for a toilet break and stretch of the legs.  Then off again towards Shepparton.  After a wonderful two hours of driving we arrived at the most magnificent Shepparton BWM dealership.  Awaiting us was a wonderful paella lunch and complimentary coffee.  The renovations and new look of the dealership are the first of its kind in Australia and third in the world, in line with BMWs goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. 

The dealer principal Aaron Brain advised us they are going all in on sustainability and this dealership proved that that as they have 100kw of solar power on the roof and 45,000l water tank.  We got to look around the dealership and the magnificently clean workshop which has taken the capability of the Shepparton BWM dealership from being able to service 10 cars a day to 35 a day!  Several of us sat in the new iX M60 and M40 and we marvelled at the build quality and beautiful seats.

After an hour of so of enjoying Shepparton BMW's hospitality we moved on to the MOVE museum.  MOVE museum has an amazing array of vehicles, including motor-cycles, trucks and cycles.  My favourite was the 2007 Aston Martin Vantage such a classic Bond vehicle.  If you’re ever in Shepparton, MOVE museum is a great place to stop.  After we walked around and took it all in we made our separate ways back home, with some of us adjourning to local accommodation to make a night of it.  Thanks again to Jo, Lawrence and the club for a great drive.  

Luke Devlin | Member #738
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne