HILLS IN FULL BLOOM: Club Hillside Members Spring Drive Day 2025

The dawn of the Spring seasons called for celebration, and what better way to do so than with Club Hillside. There’s just something special about a crisp Adelaide Hills morning that makes the heart of car enthusiasts beat a little faster, whether it be the way that the light catches the dew on the tarmac, or how the blip of a downshift echoes through the gum trees. Whatever it is, our Club Hillside Spring Drive captured it perfectly in the form of a day of pure motoring joy that reminded us of why we do this in the first place.

At our first ever members-only meeting, our members assembled at Morialta Conservation Park, as engines idled, coffees were sipped and conversation flowed freely. The line-up was the perfect mix of old-school charm and modern firepower: an Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette C8, Porsche 911 Targa, BMW M2, Porsche M491 Cabriolet, a retro Porsche 928 and a seriously tuned BMW 135i packing a big turbo setup. Not a bad way to start a Sunday.

As the sun climbed higher over the bushland, the convoy rolled out, with each member settling into their rhythm. The R8’s V8 howl bounced off the cliff walls, while the C8’s mid-engined bark added an American counterpoint. The two 911s, top down and in their element, danced through the bends while behind them, the M2 snapped at their heels alongside the wildcard 135i. Its built motor and turbo spooled up and launched itself through the hills as we made our way up the scenic Montacute Road.

From Morialta to Lobethal, our route snaked through some of the Hills’ most celebrated driving roads. Our members carved through Marble Hill and Basket Range before regrouping briefly in Lobethal, a town that lives and breathes motorsport heritage. The streets here still remember stories from the original Lobethal Grand Prix Circuit, and as the cars parked just off the main street, local enthusiasts turned their heads.

After a quick coffee stop and a few photos in the picturesque carpark, the convoy fired up once more, heading towards Glen Ewin Estate. Our route continued along the winding Cudlee Creek Road, notorious Tippet Road and unusually busy North East Road through Chain of Ponds. As we arrived into the gorgeous grounds of Glen Ewin, the stone walls and wisteria made for a stunning backdrop as our members parked in formation. As we viewed the group from above, our diversity became apparent, from the analogue beauty of the 928 to the razor-edged precision of the C8. This truly was a celebration of the driving passion that brings Club Hillside together.

We made our way back onto the open road, where members cruised in convey along Gorge Road and Fox Creek Road, before arriving at the final destination, Lenswood Cider Co. The Spring Drive destination offered the perfect wind down, with members sharing stories, photos and laughs under the warm spring sun. The hum of conversation was punctuated by the occasional rev in the background as some members began to depart.

As the midday sun set in over the orchards, our members lingered, relaxed and were already talking about the next drive day, showing why the Club Hillside community thrives on a shared language of engines, roads and laughter.

Club Hillside’s Spring Drive proved again what this community is all about: authentic people, proper cars and idyllic drives. The simple joy of motoring done right.

For those who missed it, don’t worry as the next one’s already in the works. If you’re keen to join Adelaide’s premier driving group, applications are open for all sports and supercar owners, no matter the era.

We’ll see you on the road.