Berrima Cars & Coffee – Schmokin’ Aus

05 March 2025 / Story by Phil Betts, Photos by Phil Betts

It was an early 6:15 am start as nine MX-5 club members gathered at Hungry Jack’s Haywards Bay, ready for another memorable run. The crisp morning air was soon warmed by the sight of a stunning sunrise, making the early rise well worth it.

 Five MX-5s lined up, their tops down, engines humming. The sound of chattering teeth mixed with the low rumble of exhausts as we prepared to set off on our journey to Berrima.

It wasn’t long before we encountered the twisting roads of Macquarie Pass. With fresh morning air and clear roads ahead, the winding ascent was a perfect way to start the run. Each turn was met with precision as we carved our way up the pass, enjoying the balance and agility of our MX-5s.

We soon passed through Robertson, where a misty fog lined the road, creating an eerie yet beautiful scene. The cool air lingered as we continued towards Moss Vale, where the sun finally began to break through, casting a golden glow over the countryside. The temperature started to rise, making for a perfect top-down cruising experience.

On the approach to Berrima, we found a perfect parking spot where we could line up our MX-5s and display them for everyone to see. We then ordered a long-awaited and well-deserved takeaway coffee before taking to the streets to see the amazing cars on show. While walking around, admiring the variety of vehicles, we met up with five other MX-5 club members who had arranged to meet us there.

Excitement filled the air as we explored a stunning range of cars, from 1950s classics to modern sports cars. There was so much to talk about as we strolled through the impressive display.

At 9:00 am, we all gathered at Schmokin’s VIP lounge, where we were greeted with the kind and friendly hospitality of the owners, Martyn and Pauline.  We enjoyed a beautiful breakfast while sharing stories and laughs.

The journey to Berrima was a reminder of why we love these drives—great company, stunning roads, and the thrill of open-top motoring. As we arrived at Schmokin’ for Cars & Coffee, the sight of fellow enthusiasts made for the perfect end to a fantastic morning run.