What began as a misty morning at Caldermeade McDonald's quickly turned into a day full of laughter, learning, and scenic driving as BMW Drivers Club Melbourne members set off for a memorable journey to Wonthaggi.
Despite the drizzle, spirits were high and attendance was strong proof that a little rain can’t dampen the enthusiasm of our incredible community. As we hit the road, we were treated to the sight of countless bikes heading to Phillip Island for the MotoGP. While the spectacle was impressive, we were all quietly grateful to be cruising in our warm, dry cars!
Scenic Roads & SES Visit
The drive itself was nothing short of stunning—rolling hills, coastal glimpses, and winding roads that made every kilometre a joy. Our destination: the Wonthaggi State Emergency Service (SES), where we were welcomed with an informative and engaging presentation. The SES team shared insights into their operations, equipment, and community impact. We could’ve stayed for hours soaking it all in!
Lunch at the Coal Mine
Next stop: the historic Wonthaggi Coal Mine café for a delicious lunch that had everyone raving. The food was hearty and satisfying—perfect after a morning on the road. Some members ventured underground for the guided mine tour, while others explored the grounds and museum exhibits. Both options offered fascinating glimpses into Victoria’s industrial past and the lives of those who worked below the surface.
Missing Peter, Sending Love
We missed our dear Peter, Williams who’s currently recovering from knee surgery #2. He’s doing well, and we’re counting down the days until he’s back behind the wheel with us. The roads aren’t the same without him! He had, however, put together another stunning route combining scenery and entertaining driving.
Tourboss & Sunny Roads Home
A big thank you to everyone who used our Tourboss app—it kept us on track and made navigation a breeze. As the clouds cleared, we were treated to a glorious sunny afternoon and some of the best driving roads on the way home. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
To all who joined us—thank you for your smiles, your stories, and your company. Days like this remind us why we love what we do. Until the next adventure!
Jo Mawson #2
As part of the informative visit to the marvellous Wonthaggi SES we learnt about a subject dear to my heart, the computer tablet Crash Recovery System. This is a replacement for the paper based, " Airbag guide " more properly known as the Emergency Rescue Guide or Road Resecue Guide, which I supervised the compilation of for several years. Both these products guide the rescuers on how to safely deactivate the vehicle (including the high voltage batteries on hybrid and electric vehicles) and avoid cutting into the airbag detonators, and more. Detailed information on each and every car model. This used to be updated every 6 months with a print run costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, one thick book per rescue truck across Australia. Now, updated daily at no extra cost and much quicker to search.
Lawrence Glynn #3
