The RAA Bay to Birdwood is the annual spectacle that wins over people who do not know a carburettor from a cardigan. This is about pageantry as much as pistons, and fashion as much as fenders. It is the biggest, most colourful, progressive, roaring event in South Australia.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Bay to Birdwood, one of the largest events of its kind in the world. More than 1,500 vintage vehicles will take part in the convoy from West Beach to the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, while thousands more will join the Finish Festival in the Adelaide Hills.
This magnificent event has wowed crowds for decades because it is not just about historic vehicles. It is about people, stories and style, and the way Adelaide turns the greatest Sunday drive into theatre and a party for all. It continues to impress every year.
“This event is a family-friendly celebration that brings generations together to share in our motoring, community, and social history,” said History Trust CEO Justyna Jochym.
She added that it is also about “the simple pleasure of a weekend drive,” with delightful spring weather that draws people to the Adelaide Hills.
It is the spirit of style that non-motoring people fall for. The entire day feels like theatre in motion. The soundtrack drifts across a century as drivers, riders, passengers and spectators dress up. Picnic sets collected over many years even match the era of the vehicles.
If you are new to the RAA Bay to Birdwood experience, set an alarm and start at West Beach with a coffee and send off the participants with a smile.
“I’d encourage the public to be there from 7:30am to cheer on our entrants,” said Dane Wilden, Director of the RAA Bay to Birdwood.
“The ribbon will be cut at 8:15am with the oldest vehicles starting first to give them a clear run. The oldest participating this year is a 1904 De Dion.”
The convoy rolls past bright lawns and breakfast picnics.
“Anzac Highway is a great place to see the historic vehicles first, and Greenhill Road is always a great spot,” said Dane.
“Anywhere on North East Road from Collinswood through Holden Hill to Tea Tree Gully is fantastic. Civic Park, Modbury is also a wonderful place to set up. There is lots of open area and plenty of shade.”
Among the 1,500 vehicles taking part in the RAA Bay to Birdwood that will be on participating on Sunday there are headline moments for the curious.
“We’ve got a 1964 Amphicar 770. We’ve never had an Amphicar in the RAA Bay to Birdwood previously. It is one of only two in Australia,” said Dane.
“Another showstopper returns to the road too. For the first time in 25 years, Don Dunstan’s 1974 Datsun 260Z is running and driving absolutely beautifully.”
Wave big to the convoy. Pack a picnic rug.
If you are heading straight to Birdwood for the fabulous fanfare, aim for a late morning arrival and settle in for the festival.
If you are so inclined to dress up and represent a vintage era, you do not need an entry to look the part. In fact, the judges for our famous Fashions on the Field parades will reward authenticity, flair and accessories, so throw your hat in the ring,” said Dane.
Vintage shopping is on site, so you can add a final flourish to your outfit or find the perfect look on the day.
There is live music, great food and Adelaide Hills craft beer, wines and spirits at bars dotted around the venue to discover, and the party vibe carries through the afternoon.
You will find the Finish Festival feels like the greatest family friendly picnic party in South Australia.
The event at Birdwood is set up from paddock to paddock where vehicles are grouped by decade and as you wander it feels like a time travel adventure.
You can chat to people of all ages about their motor vehicles, their passion for the period and hear incredible stories as many of the older generation reminisce and share tales of growing up when time was so very different.
The vehicles set the tone for the 1920’s, the 1950’s, the 1960s, 1970’s and every year in between.
Some will strike a memory of your childhood, your grandparents and even a dream you had of owning a particular model or sportscar.
If you have children who harbour a love for firetrucks, motorbikes, old trucks, race cars and even cars from television and movies, walking through the National Motor Museum offers so many moments of joy (and not just for the kids).
It’s not all about the past. There’s a current exhibition at the National Motor Museum titled Game Engine: Digital Legends, which is great fun for anyone nostalgic for the cars and vehicles featured in popular video games, or for those curious about the present and excited for the games of the future. The exhibition allows you to explore the changes in gaming technology in the most fun way: by playing some of history’s most influential motoring games.
If you are planning to attend the event at Birdwood. The ticket includes entry to the Finish Festival and the National Motor Museum. RAA members get a sweetener with a 20 percent discount on ticket prices at the gate or online. Just show your RAA card.
Remember to give the convoy space and love as you move about on Sunday, and stop to cheer the drivers and participants on. These machines are rolling history, and every one of them tells a story worth seeing.
Bay to Birdwood
Where: West Beach to Birdwood
National Motor Museum, 11 Shannon Street, Birdwood
When: West Beach – Sunday 19 October, 7.30am
National Motor Museum – 10am-4pm
For more information, click here.
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