PREVIEW – 2026 MONARO NATIONALS - JUST CARS

PREVIEW – 2026 Monaro Nationals

After more than a decade away from South Australia, the biennial Monaro Nationals makes its return to the Festival State in 2026.

Hosted and organised by the Monaro Special Events Committee SA, Inc., and supported by the Monaro Car Club SA, the 2026 Monaro Nationals will be based at beautiful Mount Barker, in the Adelaide Hills region of SA.

Welcoming all generations of the classic Monaro - 2- and 4-door, HQ SS and HX LE - as well as the modern V2/VZ, HSV variants and the Monaro-based Pontiac GTO, the 2026 Monaro Nationals features four days of activities and driving events for registered entrants, as well as a big Show and Shine that’s open to the public – with up to 250 Monaros expected.

Four-day Festival

The 2026 programme kicks off on Friday 9 October, with vehicle scrutineering and an evening Meet and Greet function for registered entrants. Saturday, 10 October is the Show and Shine at the Mount Barker Showgrounds, which opens to vehicles from 7:30am, followed by public entry from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Show and Shine judging will cover various categories, from Concours and Original to Modified, with road and race Monaros expected. There will also be non-judged Special Interest and Survivor categories; the latter limited to Monaros 30 years old and older.

Sunday, 11 October, consists of an optional (additional cost) driving event at The Bend Motorsports Park in Tailem Bend, with free spectator entry. Sunday evening is the optional Presentation Dinner at the Wolf Blass Event Centre at Morphettville Racecourse. The dinner will feature presentation of the Show and Shine awards, plus a special guest speaker and prizes.

Monday, 12 October, wraps up proceedings with a regional cruise to the always-popular National Motor Museum at Birdwood, followed by a farewell lunch.

Entries closing August/September

Early-bird entries – prior to 2 August – will guarantee the entrant an exclusive 2026 Nationals polo shirt, along with a goody bag to collect at the event. Entries received after 4 August will also secure a goody bag, but due to manufacturing lead times, the polo may not be supplied until after the event, at additional cost.

The hard deadline for entries to the 2026 Monaro Nationals is Friday, 4 September. A $150/vehicle fee allows entry to the Meet and Greet, Show and Shine, final day lunch and farewell cruise, with multiple vehicle entries welcome. Tickets to the Presentation Dinner and driving event at The Bend are an additional cost.

For entry requirements, vehicle eligibility criteria, the full event itinerary and additional details, go to: monaroclubsa.asn.au