Saturday evening’s cruise along Belmore St is one of the most popular events of the annual Rod Run. This year has attracted 756 hot rods and classic cars from across Australia.
The engines are ready to fire up, the chrome is polished, and Yarrawonga Mulwala is gearing up for one of its biggest and most colourful weekends of the year, with a record-breaking field set for the 2026 Repco Lake Mulwala Rod Run from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8.
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Now in its 13th year, the hugely popular event has attracted an extraordinary 756 hot rods and classic cars, so strong registration numbers forced organisers to close entries a month early.
Organiser Wayne Sartori said the response had been overwhelming.
“It could have been anything if we let it go, but we thought we had better keep it to a manageable level,” Wayne said.
Entrants will travel from across Australia, including Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide and Tasmania, bringing an incredible collection of pre-1975 vehicles into the twin towns.
Wayne said the Saturday night cruise remained one of the event’s biggest attractions.
“If you’re a car person, it is just electric,” he said.
“You’re sitting on the footpath about 10 feet away from cars travelling at five or 10 kilometres an hour, just cruising around the street; it’s an unbelievable atmosphere.”
Adding to Saturday night’s festivities will be live music from Itchy Fingers and DJ Donny, performing in front of the post office.
One of the most popular traditions returns with locals and children again given the opportunity to experience a ride in one of the hot rods, with the designated pick-up and drop-off area on Belmore Street, directly in front of the ice creamery.
Wayne said one generous entrant goes through two tanks of petrol on Saturday night simply taking children for rides.
Sunday’s Repco Show and Shine at JC Lowe Oval features rock ‘n’ roll dancing, a fashion parade, children’s activities and more.
The weekend begins on Friday at the Mulwala Water Ski Club, with registration, a sausage sizzle, live music and an 8.30pm laser show.
Wayne said the success of the Rod Run would not be possible without the tremendous support of its sponsors and the wider community.
Repco returns as naming rights sponsor, with Wayne particularly praising the company’s generous contribution to the event and Sunday’s charity auction.
Moira Shire Council is also a major supporter, and the Mulwala Water Ski Club goes “absolutely overboard” in supporting the weekend and welcoming entrants.
Local Lions and Rotary members will lend their support to Friday night’s activities.
Sunday’s Repco Show and Shine at JC Lowe Oval features rock ‘n’ roll dancing, a fashion parade, children’s activities, an SES vehicle dismantling demonstration and rocker cover racing, where decorated engine rocker covers fitted with wheels race against each other.
“The support that we’re getting from all of the hotels and accommodation places is fantastic,” Wayne said.
Importantly, the benefits continue long after the last hot rod leaves town.
Last year about $25,000 was donated back into the community, with previous beneficiaries including Yarrawonga Health, Yarrawonga Ambulance, Yarrawonga SES, Lions and Rotary and the Lions Club Angels, whose postage and handling costs for their handmade beanies are supported for 12 months.
“You get that fuzzy feeling when you’re able to do that, it makes it all worthwhile,” Wayne said.
The support of sponsors, volunteers, businesses and the Yarrawonga Mulwala community remains at the heart of the event.
Behind the chrome, music and excitement is eight months of preparation by Wayne and fellow organiser Mick Grech, while members of the Northern Suburbs Street Rod Club voluntarily give up three or four days to help run the event.
The Rod Run also makes sure those unable to get out to see the action aren’t forgotten, with around 10 to 15 vehicles visiting a local retirement village on Friday afternoon so residents can see the cars up close.
After 13 years, Wayne said the support of sponsors, volunteers, businesses and the Yarrawonga Mulwala community remained at the heart of the event.
“Without them it just wouldn’t be possible,” he said.
For more information, contact Wayne Sartori on 0407 353 132 or Mick Grech on 0418 429 670.
