Five Hills Run - 2025

24 January 2025 / Author: Norm Barker, Photos: Lili Chi

The Five Hills Run is our traditional first run for the year. The weather was overcast and rain looked quite possible. There were 12 MX 5s lined up in front of the Russell offices. Although prepared for two groups if numbers demanded, we were able to have just the one. With the run details distributed, the group set off for a cruise around Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, going up and down five of the surrounding hills. Climbing the first hill, Mt Pleasant in the grounds of Duntroon/ADFA, the line of cars was closely watched by the security vehicle at the bottom of the hill. We didn’t stop here as parking didn’t permit the numbers.

Next was up Mt Ainslie, which involved a steep climb on a winding road. A short stop was made to take in the view. The 12 Cars were able to stop mostly in one long line which attracted attention from the visitors to this popular lookout, so as the cars were admired by the tourists the group purchased ice-creams from the van at the 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.

At the bottom of Black Mountain, we were forced to take a detour through the Australian National University grounds as the westbound road was closed. For most of our group, it was a new experience to drive through the ANU and after the detour we were back on track to the National Arboretum and up to the top of Dairy Farmers Hill. There seemed to be quite a few people here watching the approaching storm, so 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. Clouds were gathering by this time but we hoped the rain would pass either side of us.

Once all the photos had been taken, we proceeded to Lennox Gardens for a picnic by Lake Burley Griffin. The sky was looking increasingly threatening but people started to set up their chairs. Just as we sat down there was a lightning flash to the north and the storm was heading our way, so it was decided we should pack up and head home. Some of us passed though torrential rain in one spot but not much at home. Despite the abandoned picnic everyone had an enjoyable drive. Another successful MX5 run.