For 17 years, Dave Perry has organised the High Wheeler rally in Australia making it the longest-running event of its kind in the world.
In a vibrant showcase of living history, Corowa played host to not one but two major heritage vehicle events last weekend.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The town was abuzz as the biennial National High Wheeler Rally coincided with the Australian Antique Aircraft Association’s 51st annual gathering.
Visitors were treated to the sight of vintage automobiles chugging through the streets by day and classic planes soaring overhead, all against the backdrop of Corowa’s mild autumn weather and rich historical charm.
For 17 years, Dave Perry has organised the National High Wheeler rally in Australia making it the longest-running event of its kind in the world.
About 60 participants brought 27, pre-1912 vehicles with their tall wagon wheels.
Mr. Perry said Corowa was an ideal choice because the flat geography helped the slow-moving vehicles with their top speed of 20 km/h.
“It’s a great region with so many historical places of interest, and a great time of year with the weather,” he said.
Throughout the week, participants leisurely toured local attractions such as the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate distillery, the Federation Museum, and several nearby wineries.
The rally wrapped up with a celebration dinner at Club Corowa, where stories from the road were shared over hearty country hospitality.
The unforgettable sight of rare early-1900s cars alongside colourful mid-century airplanes created a festival atmosphere.
As the vintage high wheelers cruised at ground level, the skies above thrilled with the sight of the vintage warbirds.
Over four days, the aerodrome roared to life with about 100 antique aircraft and 250 pilots and enthusiasts in the fly-in’s second visit to Corowa.
Although not an official air show, the spectacle in the skies was hard to miss; warbirds, military trainers, and pre-war civilian planes from the 1920s through 1960s buzzed overhead, giving locals an aerial display from their backyards.
Organisers praised Corowa’s facilities and community for making the event a success.
The town’s well-equipped, dual-runway aerodrome and easy accessibility were key factors in choosing Corowa.
Local groups like the Corowa Cougars rugby league club and the Corowa Apex Club lent support on the ground.
“We look forward to working with council, community and business on making this a go-to destination.”
“We look forward to working with council, community and business on making this a go-to destination,” president Gordon Rich-Phillips said.
Hosting both events together proved a boon for Corowa’s economy and community spirit.
In 2024, the antique aircraft fly-in brought about $222,000 into the community.
Along with the car rally this year, that figure is expected to top $300,000.
Local hotels, eateries and shops were bustling, and the unforgettable sight of rare early-1900s cars alongside colourful mid-century airplanes created a festival atmosphere.
Corowa was on show as a vibrant hub for heritage enthusiasts and reinforced its reputation as a must-visit destination for wheels and wings.
25°C