His first attempt at the Mount Tarrengower Historic Hillclimb was too long ago to remember (“I think about 20 years ago”) but Hein Otten is still excited to race in the 2025 competition, which takes place over this weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October.
In fact, it was this unique event that brought Hein to the area. “I’ve missed a couple but I’ve been in quite a few of them, always loved the Hillclimb. And it’s one of the reasons I moved near Mount Tarrengower; all the people that are around and have their cars,” he says. “Maldon is a good place to be when you love cars.”
Hein has an enviable collection of vehicles, mainly veteran (which Hein explains refers to pre-1919 vehicles), vintage (pre-1929) and a few classic cars (post-1930). “I’ve got probably a few too many, about 60 or so,” he says. “Whenever I see one that I like and can afford, I buy. And some have been given to me because I have a lot of car clubs visiting. Each car has its own story to tell.” And it’s not just that Hein has the car-collecting bug, it seems he has vehicles in his blood. “My grandparents and great grandparents built some of the first cars and motorbikes in Holland, where I’m from,” he explains. He still has the second motorcycle that they built in 1901 and has raced bikes in the Hill Climb in the past, but his love for old cars shines through. “The thing about the vintage and classic cars is that you can repair them yourselves, you can take them apart and put them together yourselves and that’s a big advantage to a lot of people,” he says. “And they have a lot of style, they look better.”
The Mount Tarrengower Historic Hillclimb has been an annual event in Maldon for over 95 years. Organised by Bendigo Car Club, competition in the Hill Climb is open to members of any club affiliated with Motorsport Australia, so it attracts a diverse bunch of rev-heads.
Hein has met many friends on Mount Tarrengower, partly because the focus is not on the value of the vehicles. “At the Hillclimb, because the cars are much older, everyone is there to enjoy the camping and the camaraderie. Everyone is there to have a good time,” Hein says. “It’s not just about the speed, although Mt Tarrengower is very fast. My top speed is nothing compared to a Commodore or something like that. It’s just about the challenge.”
He encourages everyone to get along to the Hill Climb. “It can be a great family thing, it’s not just a man thing, so I strongly advise women to join in.”
Look out for Hein racing his 1936 MG TA. And if any locals are interested in helping out at the event, the organisers are still seeking “some exceptional volunteers” to help out with a variety of jobs including front gate duties. (Contact Chris on 0498 613 342.)
The Hill Climb takes place at Mount Tarrengower Lookout Rd, Maldon on Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4.30pm. Ticket prices are $20 family, $10 adult, $5 child on Saturday and $40 family, $20 adult and $10 child on Sunday. Entry for children under 12 is free.
It’s a casual, noisy, friendly, exciting event. Head along to experience the Thrill of the Hill!
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 17 October 2025.
