Community
19 March, 2026
Iconic vehicles to return
OWNERS of some of the south west’s most rare, iconic and eye-catching vehicles will descend on Mortlake later this month.
The 2026 Federation Mortlake Picnic will see the collection of iconic vehicles roll into Mortlake’s Tea Tree Lake on Sunday, March 29 from 9am.
Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Car Clubs (FVVCVCC) committee member John Kennett said the event would keep it simple – catering, live music and dozens of vehicles spanning from veterans to classics.
“It’s still a picnic,” he said.
“We’ll have all the usual food and drink available along with music from the Lakes and Craters band.
“Our hope is for the locals to come along and enjoy the day if you’ve got the opportunity.
“The cars will start rolling in from around 9-9.30am.
“They’ll come from all across the south west – from Geelong, Ballarat, Hamilton, Portland and all the local clubs in between.”
The FVVCVCC will again receive the support of Moyne Shire Council, the Mortlake Lions Club, Country Women’s Association Day Group and Coffee with the Girls.
The combined efforts have kept the family-friendly feel which the event aimed to create for almost a quarter of a century.
Car clubs from across Victoria are represented under the FVVCVCC, uniting groups no matter the age difference between vehicles – united only in their shared love of motoring.
The Federation Mortlake Picnic is among the club’s most beloved events, with the serene setting at Tea Tree Lake having been selected as an ideal middle point for members from Warrnambool, Hamilton, Ballarat and Geelong to meet for a relaxing day.
“There’s no other event purely for the car clubs – for vehicles eligible for the red plate scheme and belonging to federation clubs,” Mr Kennett said.
“The event was started 24 years ago at Mortlake as a genuine family picnic for the car clubs and their members.
“That’s the way it has stayed ever since.
“A lot of other picnics or events have evolved into market days or show and shines, with a number of those throughout the area, but this one is still the family picnic we always started it to be and we always enjoy.”
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