June has been a busy month for Queensland car freaks, with major events like the Winternationals, Powercruise, Downunder Beachfest and Cooly Rocks On all happening in the last couple of weeks.

As much as we like we can’t do ’em all, but this time we made it back to Coolangatta for the first time since 2018.

Cooly Rocks On replaced the iconic Wintersun festival, which held its final event at Coolangatta in 2010 after a quarter of a decade. Cooly Rocks On stuck largely to the Wintersun formula, mixing a massive car show with an impressive program of live music, organised runs and fun for the whole family.

First on the agenda was a cruise out to the new Gold Coast Car Musuem on the Wednesday. Located in Coomera, the museum is a cracker and well worth a visit any time of the year. But during Cooly Rocks time, the rides in the carpark are almost as diverting as the actual exhibits!

From there, we convoyed out to Seven82 Motors auction house. We scored a tour from owner Ben Atkinson, who showed us through the the bevy of rides on display, as well as the workshop and on-site barber shop!

On Thursday, we headed out for another cruise to see Top Gun: Maverick at the iconic Yatala Drive-In. Nothing like enjoying a cool flick on a warm Queensland winter evening in the company of hundreds of classics!

For the weekend proper, it was all about the massive car display in and around the streets of Coolangatta. The pubs were rammed, bands were rocking out around every corner and foks from all walks of life were having a fat time.

A new feature of the event was the Kustomville display hosted by the Beatniks CC, which included a live roof chop!

Speaking of customs, it was great to see Crip’s two-door FJ Holden sled in the metal, fresh from its feature in last month’s mag.

It was also a treat to see Mez’s flamed FC Holden sedan delivery. The man is a master of traditional custom building, there is no doubt.

Cooly Rocks On will be back for 2023, so grab some accomodation now if you’re keen to experience its full glory.