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The unmistakable chug of vintage engines, the gleam of polished tractors, and the smell of wood smoke will once again fill the air at the Clarendon Classic Rally, returning September 20–21 to the Hawkesbury Showgrounds.
Organised by the Sydney Antique Machinery Club (SAMCI), the event is one of Australia’s premier displays of antique machinery. With over 400 members — many former farmers or long-time Hawkesbury locals — the club works year-round restoring and preserving equipment dating back to the 1800s.
“Our focus is on restoring and showcasing Australia’s agricultural heritage — stationary engines, tractors, steam traction engines, and vintage vehicles,” said Luke Franks, president of SAMCI. “Some of this equipment takes years to restore. We often have to fabricate parts ourselves by welding or casting them because they just don’t exist anymore.”
While the machinery is the star attraction, the Clarendon Classic is built on strong community foundations. The rally is SAMCI’s annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the event and local charities. Beneficiaries include Little Wings, which provides free air transport for seriously ill children from regional areas, and the local Rural Fire Brigades, who assist with parking and gates.
Visitors can expect much more than antique engines, with highlights including vintage cars, tractor pulling, a massive Kenworth truck gathering, and family-friendly fun such as jumping castles, food trucks, and live demonstrations. To help everyone get close to the action, the club offers trailer tours with accessible options for up to 15 people, and this year will also run double-decker buses from Richmond Station to the Showgrounds, making it easy for visitors to travel in and enjoy the day.
A crowd favourite in past years has been the steam train rides between Richmond and Clarendon, offering a nostalgic journey for eventgoers. This year, the steam trains are set to return, giving locals another chance to enjoy the experience.
For the Sydney Antique Machinery Club, the Clarendon Classic is more than a show — it’s a link between Hawkesbury’s rich agricultural past and the present.
“We love having families and the wider community come along,” Franks said. “It’s a great day out, it supports a good cause, and it keeps our rural heritage alive.”
The Clarendon Classic runs Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21 at the Hawkesbury Showgrounds. Gates open daily, with tickets available at the gate. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children, or $25 for a family pass.
