The Sunshine Coast is unquestionably home to some of Australia’s best coastlines and beaches. What you might not know is that this usually quiet piece of paradise also plays host to a sub-culture of ‘Hoons’ – although not the kind that rip doughnuts in Macca’s carparks, as you could be forgiven for thinking. I’m talking about genuine Hot-rodder’s. These ingenious car hobbyists are known for their passion for classic cars, classic style, and custom creativity. The sub-culture takes its name from the monsters they create. Affectionately referred to as ‘Hot-Rods’, these Frankenstein like creations of different parts from different cars and different eras, with the goal to build something as mean and as cool as possible. What’s ‘cool’ in this situation usually translates to the rest of us as: chrome, flames, and big engines. This June our quiet little beach paradise is set to tremble in the wake of hundreds of the countries best custom beasts from Hot-Rods, pre-1983 classics, vintage motorcycles and some of the quirkiest custom Caravans you’ll ever see. The Annual Downunder Beachfest returns, this June 7th  to the 11th .

What is the Downunder Beachfest? It’s a celebration of all things custom, hot-rod and classic, and all things Sunshine Coast beaches. It’s a 5-day cruise in and around the hinterland itself, with plenty of Show n’ shines, driving events, dining, dancing, street parties, trophies for various competitions, and of course, the climax of the event; the Mega Car Show right in the middle of the Main Street and even the Esplanade of the beautiful city of Caloundra, concluding the adventure with the infamous Sunday evening Dinner and Dance.

Downunder Beachfest is run by people passionate about ‘big fins and chrome’; people whose lives revolve around the passion of collecting, building, showing and driving these vehicles, people who understand the ‘head-turning’ charisma of these classics. With the first event held at Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 2015, Downunder Beachfest is a tribute to the ‘Chrome Bumper’ era; a festival featuring the hot rods, classic cars and motorcycles that were built before 1983. And, of course, there is the classic music of the era performed by bands who remember what ‘Brylcreem’ and ‘vinyl records’ are.

If you’re into Hot Rods, Classic Cars, Muscle Cars, Classic Motorcycles, even Classic Caravans (as long as it was built prior to 1983), Downunder Beachfest is the only place to be, this time of year.

For more information on this time and generational bridging event; visit their website.