Over 1300 classic cars, hot rods and customs from 1923 to 1973 all on display during one huge rock n roll festival over 11 days – sound too good to be true? It’s called ‘Cooly Rocks On’ and the event is a 50s and 60s based nostalgia festival run over the borders of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads every June.
Cooly Rocks On is a very popular event that draws over 50,000 people and its free to enter; so I had to check it out.
The main streets are closed down along the surf precinct across Kirra beach and a range of outdoor stages are playing rock n roll style music with swing entertainment; which makes you feel like you have travelled back in time.
Hundreds of market stalls were there selling a lot of old school memorabilia and just the general hustle and bustle this event generated with the clubs, pubs, restaurants and shops all dressed in rockabilly theme had me addicted.
I was really impressed when I saw the Harley Davidson display tent where they had a range of display bikes set up on a specially designed ‘jump start dyno machine’ where enthusiasts could jump on and see what it’s like to ride one.
Sadly when I went on Sunday it was raining so I didn’t get to experience the street parade, main street car cruise, or the poodle and fashion parade but despite the wet weather hundreds of people were still there and I can guarantee I definitely won’t be missing this event next year – I’m thinking I might even hire a hotel for the weekend and really soak up the atmosphere.
Just walking through the main streets and looking at the hundreds of old school cars was amazing; its definitely an event everyone has to experience.
With over 1300 hot rods, custom and classic cars on display, based on an average of $40,000 per car (some were worth over $200,000) this display is estimated to be valued at around $52million dollars as car enthusiasts travel from all over Australia to be involved.
Cooly definitely rocks on with this festival!
Photos provided by Matt Davies.
If you would like more information about the Cooly Rocks On event see the website coolyrockson.com.au
