National Rove Report – September 2026
WildflowerWest, Perth, WA
(report by Eve McCormack)
The Bi-annual Rover Car Rally was held in Perth 18-21 September 2026. Ross and I flew into Perth on Friday, hired a car and drove to our accommodation, ‘The Pagoda Spa Resort’ in Como. On Friday evening, the Registration and ‘Meet and Greet’ was held at the Pagoda and this was a good time to catch up with fellow Rover enthusiasts and renew friendships with those from interstate.
We also caught up with fellow Queensland member, Andrew Holland who had driven (his Mercedes!) across, accompanied by Kevin Ward from NSW Club.
Saturday morning saw us assembled at Kings Park for a guided tour of this magnificent park and its display of wildflowers. The weather was inclement and cool but did not deter us. From there we headed to Whiteman Park for a tour of their Tractor and Motor Museum and lunch.
Our evening meal was held at the Veteran and Classic Car Club of WA club rooms which also included a tour of their ‘sheds’ for those interested.
On Sunday we drove to Stirk Park, Kalamunda for the car display – this was a great display of Rover cars, from the earliest – 1908, 1912, 1926 – and so on, at least 15 P5s and on to several 75s – the majority of the cars on display were in pristine condition. After a drive down the ‘ZigZag route’ and lunch, we drove home through the picturesque Bickley Valley.
Sunday evening meal at The Pagoda was a chance for more catch up and chat, we were entertained by a quartet then awards were presented, a couple of speeches and the announcement of the next Rove (2028) in Bendigo, Victoria. On Monday morning, after a farewell breakfast, those joining the ‘post rove convoy’ travelled to the Mundaring Weir and Pump House No. 1. The guided tour was very interesting detailing the construction of a pipeline to pump water (uphill!) from Perth to Kalgoorlie.
Afterwards we found the Mundaring Weir Hotel for refreshments, then back to our accommodation.
In the following few days, Ross and I toured Perth City and Elizabeth Quay, took a drive to Fremantle and finally, another visit to Kings Park before flying home to Brisbane.
We had a great time and thanks must go to the organising committee of the Perth Rover Car Club for this Rove !
