Breakfast Run – A Woman’s Perspective

21 February 2019 / Words & Photos by Tonia Ciacchi, extra photos by Bryan Shedden

I normally like to start my weekends with a sleep in, but on Saturday 16th February, that wasn't to be. Instead, I opted to join my hubby and some other keen MX-5 enthusiasts in a brekkie run that was most definitely all about the windy roads.

Starting at 6:00 AM at Kiama Lighthouse, we could see all the fishing boats heading out on a very cloudy morning, but mother nature didn’t disappoint when it came to a beautiful sunrise. After a quick chat and run down on the morning’s route, we headed off up Jamberoo Road and down to Albion Park Rail for that all important petrol stop. Then fuel tanks full and tyre pressures checked, Bryan led the way to our first stop.

Back on the road along the Illawarra Highway we took one of my favourite roads in the area, up through Macquarie Pass to Robertson Pie Shop. My favourite because again, mother nature never disappoints. No matter what season or time of day you drive through the Pass, the rainforest always looks amazing! But more importantly, it’s an awesome road for some fun driving in the MX-5 … provided of course you don’t get stuck behind a slow driver, or a P-plate tradie driving a van like it’s a sports car.

After a quick re-group at the Pie Shop we were on the go again down Jamberoo Mountain Road, but we didn’t even stop long enough to buy a pie! Oh well, next time maybe.

Jamberoo Pass is almost as beautiful as Macquarie Pass, and definitely as much fun when it comes to driving! Our next stop was the Little Blowhole back in Kiama, and although it was still quite cloudy, the sun was trying to peek through the clouds and the Blowhole was blowing … a little. Certainly much better than the Big Blowhole, anyway.

At this point we realised our leader Peter was MIA, but after a quick phone call we found out he had missed the turnoff and was already heading towards Berry! Never mind, we’ll catch up with him down the road, but the rest of us still took the opportunity for a short break and some were hoping for a toilet break. Now you would think a popular tourist spot would have public toilets, wouldn’t you? No, I’m afraid not. But that didn’t stop a couple of the boys finding a spot in the bush, of course. Unfortunately, us girls can’t get away with that kind of thing, so my hubby reluctantly detoured via the nearby Caltex station for me, and the rest of the group kindly waited for us to re-join the drive in Kangaroo Valley.

So, after a few Blowhole snapshots and everyone was feeling relieved, we proceeded up Berry Mountain to Kangaroo Valley. The Valley was abuzz with activity as hubby and I drove on through - apparently the World's Largest Cheese tasting was on that day! We found our fellow MX-5’s waiting for us to re-join the group, on the other side of town, approaching the famous old Hampden Bridge.

The braver drivers amongst us, or should I say the crazier drivers, powered on ahead up the narrow and winding Kangaroo Valley Road. Mind you I’m sure it helped that they were familiar with the road! But us first timers followed cautiously behind. Whilst it’s definitely a road to be cautious on, it’s also another fun twisting turning MX-5 road with plenty of pretty scenery along the way.

The last leg or our morning run took us along a few more twists and turns on Moss Vale Road through Barrengarry Nature Reserve, and well into the Southern Highlands and the many wedding venues dotted along the way. We found our way to Exeter and from there onto the Hume Motorway, to go just a little north and arrive finally at our fabulous brunch venue.

The Eling Forest Winery Café in Sutton Forest was a great little spot for a delicious brunch, and a perfect way to end our morning run. I did though, feel a little sorry for the poor confused waitress at the café, who accidentally gave the same table number to two different tables, one of which was ours. It made for an interesting wait for our orders, but she was a good sport and eventually had a laugh along with us.

I’m glad that I decided to give up my Saturday sleep in, as I had a very enjoyable morning drive with great company. They certainly don’t call it the “Southern Highlands” for nothing! You don’t realise how high it is until you start driving back down the mountains, and just when you think you’ve made it to the bottom, there’s yet another steep descent.

But I have to say there was just one small disappointment to the whole morning, and that was that I was the only lady on the run! I know us ladies have “lots to do” on Saturday mornings, especially if like me, you’ve been working all week! But ladies, take some time out and come and have some fun. You won’t regret it! Hope to see you on another breakfast run.