South Australia’s iconic Bay to Birdwood is making a grand return in 2025 with an exciting new partnership with the RAA. Scheduled for mid-October, the event will see over 1,500 historic vehicles parade from West Beach to the Adelaide Hills, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands.
This historic motoring event, now in its 45th year, will continue to be organised by the History Trust of South Australia, but thanks to the three-year partnership with RAA, it is hoping to be bigger and better than ever. Both organisations are aiming to draw attention to the state’s automotive heritage while increasing community engagement and national visibility.
Michael Neale, the chair of the History Trust and the Bay to Birdwood, shared, “Both the RAA and the Bay to Birdwood celebrate a deep respect for motoring heritage, innovation and community. With RAA on board, we can take this much-loved event to new heights while preserving the stories, vehicles and spirit that define it.”
Minister for Education, The Hon Blair Boyer MP, added, “The collaboration between the Bay to Birdwood and the RAA makes sense as it’s two organisations with deep roots in South Australian history and culture. The Bay to Birdwood is one of my favourite events on the South Australian calendar, and one my family and I always look forward to. I’m confident this collaboration will continue to celebrate the spirit of innovation, community, and heritage that this event represents, while securing its future.”
The RAA Bay to Birdwood is renowned for its showcase of veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles. Along the parade route and at the finale in Birdwood, attendees can enjoy festival-style entertainment, local food and drink, and a lively community atmosphere.
Nick Reade, RAA Chief Executive Officer, shared, “While we’ve been supporting the Bay to Birdwood for several years, we thought putting our name to it as the RAA Bay to Birdwood was a fantastic way to honour the shared history of our organisation and motoring in South Australia.
“I encourage everyone to get involved with either the parade or the Finish Festival this year on 19 October – especially if you’re one of our 830,000 members.”
This year’s event also includes the much-anticipated Concours d’Elegance, Preservation, and EV Conversion awards. Participants in these contests are judged on the authenticity of both their vehicles and their period-correct attire and accessories.
Vehicle registrations are now open for models built prior to December 31st, 1995. The event, taking place on October 19th, kicks off early at Barratt Reserve in West Beach from 7:30am, and the Finish Festival begins at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood from 10am for a full day packed with music, food, and a celebration of automotive history.
2025 RAA Bay to Birdwood
When: Sunday, October 19th, 2025
Where: West Beach to Birdwood
For more information, click here.
