Five Hills 2026

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16 January 2026 / Words and photos Norm and Roz Barker. A few photos by Rod Nicholas

The Five Hills Run is our traditional first run for the year. The weather was quite a relief from the past few days of high 30s but there was quite a smoky haze from the Victorian bush fires. There were 8 MX-5s lined up in front of the Russell offices.

At the top of the first hill (Mt Pleasant) we received a phone call from two late starters who quickly met us there as it was only just up from the meeting place. Here we took in the view over Canberra to the right and the airport to the left.

Next was up Mt Ainslie, which involved a steep climb on a winding road. A short stop was made to take in the view impeded somewhat by the smoke haze. Most of the group took the opportunity to buy a pre-picnic icecream. The 10 Cars were able to stop mostly in one long line which attracted attention from the visitors to this popular lookout.

After descending Mt Ainslie, the convoy drove past the Australian War Memorial and down Anzac Parade. At the bottom of Anzac Parade, the group turned right and followed the lake along to Black Mountain. This is another steep and winding road and at the top we circled the car park. The tower on the top of this mountain is currently closed but is to be restored to a visitors’ centre and lookout. The carpark seems to have become a temporary skidpan for some of the more adventurous Canberra drivers to test the traction of their vehicles.

At the bottom of Black Mountain, we all turned right and kept in a convoy as the traffic was very light. A red NA passed us going the opposite direction, did a U-turn and joined the convoy. We continued along the lake to the National Arboretum and up to the top of Dairy Farmers Hill. There were a few people looking to west through the smoke haze but we did not stop.

Leaving the National Arboretum, we followed the route past the Canberra Zoo and across the top of Scrivener Dam, through Curtin and Deakin and up Red Hill. At the top the convoy formed up in the car park for some photos. We then welcomed the driver of the NA and explained the club to him and invited him to join us for the picnic which he graciously accepted.

Once all the photos had been taken, we proceeded to Lennox Gardens for a picnic by Lake Burley Griffin. The breeze was not as forceful as at the top of the hills and we set up our chairs on the grass. As usual there was much chat and the NA driver was enthusiastic about joining the club.

Another successful MX-5 run.

There are more photos by lili Chi, and Rob's cover ReLive video, on out Facebook page.