The 32nd Borderline Street Rodders Yamba Rod Run set a new attendance record over the weekend, gathering a remarkable 511 entrants from diverse locations, including as far as Tasmania and Cairns. This vibrant event attracted thousands of admirers to Ford Park, where the traditional Show and Shine took place on Saturday morning, showcasing nearly 500 classic cars to enthusiastic crowds.
Borderline Street Rodders President Craig Nolan expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, stating, “All up we had 511 entries, but not all of them went down to Ford Park. Our previous record was around 480 entrants. Everyone has said they had a really good time.” The success of this year’s event was particularly significant given earlier concerns regarding the future of the Yamba Rod Run following the NRMA’s acquisition of the Blue Dolphin Resort.
Due to the resort being fully booked, many participants chose alternative accommodations, which included renting houses in the area and staying at other caravan parks. Nolan noted, “We did have a lot of people who stayed off site this year. A lot of regulars that used to stay at the Blue Dolphin booked other places.” Local business owners reported a surge in activity throughout the town during the event.
Over its 32-year history, the Yamba Rod Run has contributed significantly to charitable causes, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. “We have a lot of goods that are donated over the year, we buy stuff when we see it at the right price, and we hold auctions,” Nolan explained. One notable auction item this year was a vintage fridge, which was restored and signed by the original owner of Moon Eyes, a well-known automotive brand. The proceeds from this auction, along with other items, were directed towards the Meningococcal Foundation.
The event also featured an array of activities, including observation drives around the scenic Lower Clarence region. On Thursday, participants visited Sanctus Brewery, and on Friday, they enjoyed a drive through Yamba and Angourie while navigating roadworks. Nolan mentioned, “The observation run was about showing different places to see in and around Yamba and Angourie, with notes on good spots to stop and eat.”
Live entertainment added to the atmosphere, with the band Linelockers performing prior to the auctions on Friday night. Nolan described the environment at Ford Park as lively, saying, “People enjoy cruising the park, driving around and around while everyone sits on the side of the road and watches the cars go around… it’s a bit of a party atmosphere.”
As the event concluded, plans were already underway for the next Yamba Rod Run. Borderline Street Rodders will meet with Blue Dolphin management in the coming weeks to discuss the 2026 event. “We are happy to come back, so long as they are happy to have us back,” Nolan stated.
Images capturing the stunning array of cars from the Show and Shine will be available on the Clarence Valley Independent website. This year’s Yamba Rod Run not only celebrated automotive culture but also reinforced community spirit and charitable giving, making it a standout occasion in the region’s calendar.
