Pizza & Cruise Night 20/2/2026

On Friday February 20th forty members and guests attended the annual car club run to Swanport Reserve, which once again delivered a memorable evening of motoring, mateship and mouth-watering food-though not without a rather vocal reminder from the local wildlife that we may be overstaying our welcome!

The weather could only be described as a balmy, pleasant evening-a comfortable warm atmosphere after a very hot day, a gentle breeze blowing off the Murray-the kind of weather that reminds us why we enjoy these annual outings.

Once everyone had parked their cars under the shady river gums and set up their outdoor chairs, drinks and nibbles, administered insect repellent (if needed) and offered the perfunctory greetings to one another, the attention quickly turned to the main event-pizza.

A delicious array of freshly made pizzas from our local “Jedz Pizzeria” was loaded into the Minge “delivery vehicle” at 6:00pm and driven at break-neck speed (so as to avoid delivering lukewarm or cold food) to the lawned reserve. The spread was quite impressive as it was laid out on trestle tables, awaiting the hungry hordes and included classic margherita, smoky BBQ chicken, hearty meat lovers and a few gourmet creations that disappeared almost as quickly as they were opened.

Fresh fruit platters, complete with chocolate dipping sauces, complemented the meal and appetites were definitely satisfied.

Stories of holidays achieved or those still on the bucket list, stories of vehicle restoration triumphs and roadside mishaps, stories of health, wealth (or lack thereof) and a general mingling of laughter and friendship, mixed with the occasional “schluck” of one’s chosen beverage, rounded out an enjoyable evening.

Sharing pizza and each other’s company remains one of the true highlights of this annual run-it is less about the destination and more about the camaraderie and appreciation of where we live, what we are fortunate enough to have and how we choose to live our day to day lives.

Of course, this report would not be complete without mentioning the long-standing residents-a few thousand screeching corellas. Their presence was impossible to ignore. The trees above us were alive with movement and sound and at times conversation had to compete with the unmistakable chorus overhead.

While spectacular in number and undeniably impressive, the corellas made it increasingly clear that Swanport Reserve is, first and foremost, their territory. Between the constant screeching, the swooping fly-bys and the steady shower of eucalyptus debris (and the occasional less welcome contribution), it seemed we were receiving a pointed-if noisy-message.

As enjoyable an evening as it was, I have a growing sense that it may be time to consider a new venue for future runs. When thousands of feathered locals collectively voice their opinions (and not for the first time), it is probably wise to listen.

Nevertheless, the 2026 Swanport Pizza Run will be remembered fondly; perfect weather, fantastic food, forty happy car club members and an unforgettable soundtrack courtesy of our corella companions.

We look forward to planning next year’s adventure-perhaps somewhere just a little quieter.