2006 Australian National Rally of

Mercedes-Benz Clubs in Canberra.

POMS TO VISIT AUSSIE NATIONAL RALLY! – JOIN THEM IN A POST RALLY TOUR

 Riona and Nick Mitchell, who are members of both the UK and Victorian Mercedes‑Benz Clubs, have attended the last four National Rallies in Australia, and will be here again in 2006 at the National Rally in Canberra.

 This time, Riona and Nick are planning to bring with them a contingent of UK Club members, numbering between 20 and 30 people, and to start their Australian tour in Sydney on Saturday 8th April. After a few days there, hosted by the NSW Club, and a couple of days in the Southern Highlands, the group will arrive in Canberra on Thursday 13th for an introduction to the national capital, hosted by the ACT Club, before the Rally starts.

 After the Rally, the Victorian Club will host them on a five day tour through Victoria, finishing in Melbourne, where they will spend another two days sightseeing.

 As at mid May, 22 members of the Victorian Club who will be attending the Rally in Canberra have expressed interest in participating in the post Rally tour, and interest seems to be growing. The Victorian Club has advised details to the ACT, NSW, Queensland and South Australian clubs in case interest is more widespread.

 ·         The post Rally tour will leave Canberra on Easter Monday (17th April) and travel through Cooma, Jindabyne and Thredbo, and over the Snowy Mountains along the Alpine Way through Corryong to Albury for an overnight stay.

 ·         Tuesday takes in the Murray Valley Highway to Echuca, visiting the old river port and undertaking a paddle steamer cruise. Overnight Echuca.

 ·         On Wednesday the tour heads south through the goldfields towns of Bendigo and Maldon, then through Daylesford to Ballarat. Overnight near Sovereign Hill and attend the award winning "Blood on the Southern Cross" sound and light show in the evening.

 ·         On Thursday the tour travels via Port Fairy to Warrnambool, staying overnight there, also seeing the Flagstaff Hill precinct and another sound and light show depicting the history of the Shipwreck Coast.

 ·         Friday's route is along the Great Ocean Road through Port Campbell, Apollo Bay and Lorne to Melbourne.

 The cost of the four night / five day tour including accommodation and a three course dinner and cooked breakfast each day looks to be about $450 per person on a double / twin share basis. This includes the paddle steamer cruise and the two sound and light shows. Any other meals and beverages will be at own cost.

 Any members interested in participating in this tour should contact Bob Cumberlidge (Victoria Club) on 03 9836 2750 or Gordon Gates on 03 9758 6889.