it’s almost a picnic atmosphere,” according to motor enthusiast Bob, who loved the camaraderie of the Mount Tarrengower Historic Hillclimb on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October in Maldon.

“It’s not terribly commercial,” Bob told the TT [Tarrangower Times], while peering into the engine of Doug’s 1949 MG. “And everybody knows everybody.”

Doug agreed that friendship was a key part of the event’s appeal. He has attended and raced in the Hillclimb for 40 years. “It’s an amateur, fun thing, rather than about money.”

First-time racer Michelle agreed that it was a great way to make friends and said she had learned a lot since taking up the hobby. “I sat in this car for the first time in March and found out that I fit, which is a big thing with Austins,” she said. “I love this car, I think this car is so much fun.” Michelle had some engine trouble that she and new friend Mark were attempting to fix. “I have learned how to repair a master cylinder, replace a condenser and spark plugs… and I replaced the leather straps,” she said proudly. “Necessity is a brilliant teacher,” added Mark.

Damian and first-timer Ailish at the Mount Tarrengower Historic Hillclimb (left).
Photos: Tarrangower Times

People attended the Hillclimb from all around Victoria to support competitors or as a novel day out. Paul from Maryborough visited with his grand-daughter to watch a friend race, saying: “It’s a good day out, something different.”

Damian raced his 1973 Cortina in the Maldon event for the first time, having enjoyed the Rob Roy Hillclimb in the past. His baby daughter Ailish is only a few months old, but is already well-equipped with safety gear to cheer Dad up the hill.

The vibe was chill and everyone was friendly, but the weekend wasn’t entirely hitch-free: Maldon CFA reported having to attend to a car fire, a camp fire that hadn’t been extinguished sufficiently, plus a gas bottle blaze at the sausage sizzle. Just like the occasional sad racer whose vehicle backfired and drifted backwards, it was a matter of staying alert, dealing with the issue in the moment and then applying expertise to ensure it’s a smoother ride next time.

This article appeared in Tarrangower Times, 24 October 2025.