2021 National Rally hosted by NSW Club and held in Broken Hill Brian & Sue Graham

After a year’s wait we are able to set out on our regular annual adventure. The RMB has not done a long trip for almost two years so it was with some trepidation we set out from Safety Beach to face the journey across the City to the Calder Freeway. All went well so we made a diversion to Castlemaine before going cross country to Inglewood for our first night’s stop. We were joined by Peter Lowe.
Next morning we set off for Mildura, coffee stop in Sea Lake, joined by Rob & Anne Russo and Keith and Meggin Morrison. Lots of interest in the cars by the locals. We all set off at our different speeds next stop Ouyen for lunch.
Margaret & Geoff Harman joined us, Mary and Keith Harris, Graeme & Lola Sargeant were also in town. Underway again we headed for Mildura at our own pace. Overnight there towns restaurants very busy with Mother’s Day
celebrations. Caught up with Noel Hulbert & Helen.
Next morning first stop Wentworth for coffee and petrol. Paul & Yvone Edgar joined us. A brief stop at Coombah Road house then on through the outback countryside to Broken Hill. Check in, then on to our Motel. Welcome dinner
and we catch up with the rest of the Victorian contingent. Malcolm & Bill Bennett, Graeme & Betty Miles, Julia Carr & Marjorie Osborne, John & Cheryl Paul, Joan & David Lewis, Colin & Merrian Dennis, David & Jennifer Perkins, Rob Blackwell and Mark Story. 18 entries 1 Kestrel, 3 Nines, 1 RMA, 1 RMC, 6 RMB, 1 RME, 1 Pathfinder, 1 BMC 4/72 and 3 Modern’s.
Each night saw us gather for Dinner at the Musicians Club where the Riley Room was established.
Day one saw us travel to Menindee 155 kms drive each way. The lake there was full, the flow of water from the Darling over a spillway was unbelievable, even more so the fact that cattle had been grazing on the bone dry lake bed
less than a month before.
Day two we were free to explore Broken Hill. Highlight was the tour of The Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum and Hanger. Miners Memorial, Pro Hart Gallery, Lookouts, Palace Hotel (Priscella Movie Venue) and Howard Steer Gallery were on the list. Howard Steer donated a Painting and a Painted Riley hub cap which were raffled and proceeds of $2000 donated to Flying Doctor Service.
Day three saw us travel to Silverton home of the Mad Max movie. We firstly went to the Mundi Mundi lookout for the big photo which was taken using a drone. Then on to Umberumberka Reservoir before returning to Silverton for
lunch. Interesting Artist Galleries, Mad Max museum and the Silverton gaol museum which houses an immense collection of historic items and memorabilia. After lunch back to the Daydream Mine, a drive of 12kms down
a rough dirt road, here the Conrod Trophy was held and won by Queensland.
Day four we were free to explore more of Broken Hill. Again a list of attractions to pick from. The Living Desert & Sculptures 13 kms out of town was most interesting. Afternoon in the town we were surprised to find a camel
trek in town. Three men, two dogs and six camels Queensland to Tasmania and now on their way back to Queensland. 4kms per hour 20 kms per day. They were on an R&R day checking out Broken Hill’s pubs. At dinner the WA
club made their presentation for the 2022 Rally.
Day five we gathered in Westside Plaza car park and then proceeded in convoy down the town’s main street before gathering with the local car club for a display at Zinc Lake. Lots of local people came to view the cars. Tonight
we had our final dinner together and said our goodbyes.
Our journey home was overnight in Mildura, then on the Silo trail to Horsham for an overnight stop before heading to Geelong and Queenscliff for the Ferry home.
A well organized Rally in a most interesting part of Australia. How good it was to be able to get away and enjoy driving the Riley with fellow enthusiasts. 18 entries from NSW, 18 entries from Victoria, 7 entries from Queensland, 13
entries from South Australia, 2 entries from WA.
The longest distance travelled trophy was won by Ken Lonie from Queensland, the Jim Andriess trophy awarded by the hosting State for promotion of the Riley was awarded to Beth Garland a Broken Hill resident and Riley owner who provided the local knowledge and support for the Rally.
The hard luck trophy was not awarded as all cars made it to Broken Hill without failure, however I understand two Victorian cars needed help to get home.
Next Riley adventures Margaret River, WA, March 20th to 25th 2022 followed by optional four day Tour of WA south coast,

Then in March 2023 the Victorian Club hosted Tour of Tasmania.

EOIs for both these Rallys are now open. We hope to see you there.

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