With this year’s Cooly Rocks On festival just around the corner, this five day festival has long been regarded as a mecca for car lovers around the nation.
Unsurprisingly, it’s not just the revheads that love the iconic vehicles of yesteryear. Iconic cars don’t only appeal to car lovers, but also attract those passionate about engineering, design, art and yes, history. Before cars were built for efficiency and speed, it was about the experience, style, exclusivity and ultimately, craftsmanship – making them timeless, works of art.
While the appeal of classic cars vary depending on who you talk to, it’s no secret that all car enthusiasts all speak the same language, and all share the same passion for the vehicles of a bygone era. Whether it’s American muscle cars, Holden lovers or even hot rodding fans, to get a grasp on just how rewarding being involved in this community can be, all you need to do is stop by Cooly Rocks On, and experience this annual pilgrimage for those looking to celebrate a bygone era.
What Cooly Rocks On Is All About
Held between June 9 to 13, Cooly Rocks On is a real world love letter to all things 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. From vintage cars and bikes, music, outfits and even food, the beachside streets of Coolangatta on the Gold Coast come alive with visitors travelling from far and wide to experience the magic of yesteryear.
Make no mistake though, Cooly Rocks On is so much more than just a car show, and has actually evolved into Australia’s largest Rock ‘n Roll festival. Entry is free, and attendees can expect a huge lineup of live music, dance displays, parades and markets, all set on stages, streets, parks and venues all found in one of the Gold Coast’s most famous precincts, Coolangatta.
Cooly Rocks On also invites visitors to indulge in a full scale vintage atmosphere, and will be home to over one hundred retro market stalls, where you can purchase classic style clothing and souvenirs. Guests can also check out the massive swap meet, or even catch a late night drive-in movie.
Of course, hundreds of classic cars will also be on display in what is arguably one of the most visually stunning locations in Queensland. 2021 is set to host more car clubs than ever before, with Show ‘N Shine events being held to showcase models manufactured before 1979.
In 2021, Cooly Rocks On is merging with the Gold Coast’s other major nostalgic event, VIVA Surfers Paradise. The merge will see VIVA’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, an Elvis Presley Enterprises sanctioned event, move to the Coolangatta beachfront, bringing music from The King with concerts, dances and performances over five action-packaged days and nights.
While the schedule for Cooly Rocks On is jam packed, just a handful of the major events booked for 2021 include the following.
Classic Car Show ‘N Shine – Held at Marine Parade and Griffith Street in Coolangatta, get up close and personal with over 700 cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s era, including classics, customs, hot rods and muscle cars.
Indian Motorcycle National Gathering – The Indian Motorcycle Riders (IMR) will be back to host their National Gathering, bringing the bikes and good times to the beach, and can be found at IMRG HQ, Marine Parade.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest (UETA) – Get ready to watch our top twenty Elvis Tribute Artists take to the stage to compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at the Coolangatta Beachfront.
Miss Cooly Rocks On – Hit the town for an evening (allegedly) filled with class and elegance as 10 finalists compete for the crown and title of Miss Cooly Rocks On, with another world class event found at the Coolangatta Beachfront.
Miss Rockabilly – Watch, support and cheer on ten finalists compete for the crown and title of Miss Rockabilly at what is arguably the annual festival highlight, hosted by The Coolangatta Hotel.
Harvest Moon Swing Ball – Want to party like it’s 1959? This rockabilly style soiree features a full band and a black and white dance floor on the Coolangatta Beachfront, and is sure to transport attendees back to a bygone era.
Rockin’ Dance Performances – Watch on or wiggle away as talented local dancers perform to everyone’s favourite rocking hits along “Nostalgia Lane” in Coolangatta. Kitted out in full rockabilly costumes and attire, it’s these smaller events that really bring Cooly Rocks On to life.
Shannons Show ‘N Shine – Get up close and personal with the cars of the 50s, 60s and 70s, as a fleet of classics, customs, hot rods and muscle cars take over Marine Parade, on the corner of Griffith Street and Goodwin Park.
Kustomville at Kustomville – A Kustom culture experience showcasing lowbrow art, hot rods, kustom vehicles and more! The new and exciting addition to Cooly Rocks On is presented by the Beatniks Kustom Car Club.
Car Run To Seven82Motors – Typically only open to the public on the first Saturday of the month, one of the best classic car garages in Australia will be opening their doors for a special evening to celebrate the spirit of Cooly Rocks On.
Car Run To Gold Coast Motor Museum – Commencing at Goodwin Park in Coolangatta, experience the best of both worlds and cruise from the iconic beaches of the Gold Coast to the pristine oasis that is the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Goodwin Park Showcase – In addition to the Shannons Show ‘N’ Shine, wander through a curated array of vintage vehicles including Hammond Craft Boats, Clipper Busses, Vintage Ambulances, plus Krazy Cruisers vintage bicycles.
The very best part about many of the Brisbane and Gold Coast based car events on this weekend is that the hosts welcome the general public, as opposed to making them exclusive for club members only. The idea is that engine enthusiasts generally want to share their passion, especially when it comes to sparking an interest in cars for the next generation.
Finding a fellow vintage auto enthusiast can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but rest assured that Classic’s Garage understands the thrill more than most. Having spent forty years collecting anything and everything from matchbox cars to hub caps, he’s successfully followed his passion to source, collect and stock beautiful and low mileage classic automobiles from around the world. Needless to say, you’ll find Wayne and a handful of his most prized models at Cooly Rocks On, so be sure to come stop by.
With our showroom conveniently located at Seventeen Mile Rocks, if you can’t make it to Cooly Rocks On but you would still like to arrange a viewing or inspect any other of our classic vehicles, please get in touch with us today.
