Garterbelts & Gasoline Nostalgia Festival @ Mt. Tamborine April 29th – May 2nd

This article appeared in the 2nd issue of Vintage Caravan Magazine - June/July 2011

Having only just completed my caravan Vicky’s interior makeover the week before, it seemed as good a time as any to hit the road once more and show her off a bit. The occasion: the third annual Garterbelts & Gasoline Nostalgia Festival. Held for the first time in the idyllic location of Mt. Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland, the euphoria started to set in even before we arrived at the showgrounds, as the perfect weather and breathtaking scenic drive up the mountain filled me with a sense of anticipation and adventure. The thrill of taking my little Vicky out and about to a new setting in conditions like this is one of life’s better joys and always makes me so proud and happy to be a caravanner.

Once inside the showgrounds, the pink flamingos were put in place and the banana lounge brought out to take advantage of the sensational summer-like weather. Then it was off the nearby Saint Bernard’s Hotel for a steak meal, some live rockabilly jives and the judging of the Miss Garterbelts & Gasoline pin-up contest.  The party went on well into the night and saw me crawling back into the van way past my usual bedtime.

Early on Sunday morning, even with earplugs in, the familiar rumbling of hot rods could be heard as streams of entrants and their pre-1970 vehicles rolled in to the showgrounds in preparation for the big day – the classic and custom car displays. Several vintage caravans, along with Vintage Caravan Magazine’s own “Vicky” were also on display and proved to be very popular with the crowds. And I was stoked to spot this pink Vauxhall!

The great weather continued throughout the entire weekend creating ideal circumstances for a long weekend festival of lowbrow art, tiki carving, hot rods, classic and custom cars, vintage fashion, pinup photography, market stalls, plenty of rockin’ live music and lots and lots of dancing.  Along with over 300 show cars, a crowd of almost 4,000 filled the showgrounds with most in full retro regalia creating a sea of slick back hairdos for the guys and circle skirts, petticoats, polka dots and parasols for the gals. 

The next day, with all the cars gone, I was lucky enough to get some photos done of Vicky and I by the renowned pinup photographer: the gorgeous Helen Mclean before hitting the road for the 2-hour journey home. Assisted by Miss Christine from Lindy’s Charm School for Girls on hair and makeup, the Helen McLean pinup photo booth proved to be one of the most popular attractions of the festival.

A big shout out has to go to Paul Biagini and wife Amanda for putting together what was probably one of the best and definitely the most fun events I’ve been to in a long time. The choice of location and the enthusiasm and dedication to the nostalgia lifestyle shown by the festival organisers created a fantastic festival vibe and Vicky and I can’t wait for next year’s event!

This is the Saint Bernard from St. Bernard's Hotel at Mt. Tamborine who obviously has a very tough life - I found him lounging in the Pokies lounge!

Vintage vanners campout Canungra, Gold Coast (350km return)

Yes, it has been a while since Vicky and I hit the road, but this weekend we set out to Canungra on the Gold Coast for the vintage caravanner’s campout at Canungra Showgrounds. It was awesome! What do I love best about caravanning? The fact that even though it’s been a few months since our last trip, the van has everything I need already packed inside – the beds are made, the pantry is stocked, the fridge is already cold by the time I get there and the crockery and cutlery is all in its’ place. All I need to do is hitch her up and we’re off. No matter how far I drive, or how exhausted I am when I get there, all I need to do to set up camp is open the door and my dinky little home is just as I left it ready and waiting for me. No stuffing around with tents and sleeping bags or packing the car full of camping equipment. I just grab a bag of clothes and toiletries and that’s it. Pure freedom and no stress – that’s what caravanning means to me.

I was busy all day Friday sewing up the cute vintage van print material into cushions to take with me and managed to sell a few while I was there as well as put one on the raffle giveaway table, the rest are still in the van looking ever so pretty.

I set off on Saturday morning and arrived at Canungra showgrounds just after lunch. I found myself a possie next to the other aluminium vans. Across from us was a fine collection of fibreglass Olympics and over the other side were a collection of older bondwood vans, a selection of teardrops and the odd classic, around 40 vans and 88 forum members came and we all had a great time checking out each other’s vans.

Some of the restorations and interior decorations were amazing. Check out this one that even had chandeliers! I love the way you can personalize a van and it becomes such a reflection of the person who owns it. Of course, although I have chosen to leave the interior in the mint original condition I bought her in, my decorative finishes are just so pink it leaves no one in doubt as to what my favourite colour is! On Saturday night we had a catered group dinner and Santa came for the kids before playing trivia and doing the raffle draw.

Fellow vintage vanner, exhibitionist and griddle cake expert Banno gave a plug for my cushions and threatened to get his gear off if they didn’t sell. He followed through at breakfast the next morning and we were welcomed to griddle cakes on the barbeque by the naked chef himself.

Vicky did me proud and received plenty of compliments and even an offer to buy her – which was, of course, quickly denied. As my fifth van, I assured the potential buyer that she is the only one for me now and is not for sale at any price.

I met heaps of great people and even a few from the Sunshine coast and I am sure we will catch up again at the next event.

The drive home was lovely; there is something about having the van on the back of my car that just makes driving so much fun. When the van is on, my heart soars. I had to stop and take a picture of this place though – hmmm... son of manland? Hilarious!

Here are a few more pics of the lovely vans I saw:

 

Butcher Bob and Maria were about to set off on their around Australia trip

A big thank you to the organisers of this event and for the hospitality and friendliness of all who attended I look forward to catching up with you all again at the next event.

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