2025 Melbourne Summer Drive Day
February 9 @ 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
EVENT SNAPSHOT:
When: Sunday 9th February, 2025
Start Location: Westerfolds Park, Templestowe, VIC 3106
Time: from 8.15am arrival, for 9:00am essential briefing
Morning tea: Yea, VIC
End Location with Lunch by Michelin Star Chef: Flowerdale Estate, 2285 Broadford-Flowerdale Rd, Strath Creek VIC 3658
Cost (covering lunch): $60 pp
*Note: full event details and Tourboss link will be emailed to registered participants in advance of the event.
Starting 2025’s calendar with a Premier Event
In 2024, DAD delivered two premier events in addition to our classic DAD drive days: the Sunshine Coast-based exclusive tour of the Bowden Collection and Melbourne’s Spring Drive Day at the Shannons Showroom. Alongside meaningful connections, normalised mental health conversations, and wellness education, these truly unique motoring experiences created memories that will last a lifetime and were high points in the year.
We know how important it is to have something special to look forward to and fond memories to reflect on, and it’s been incredible to see how often these sold-out events have appeared in participant highlight wraps for 2024! To start 2025 on a high, we’re delivering another highlight-worthy premier event and we’d love to share the experience with you.
This Drive
The Melbourne Summer Drive Day starts at Westerfolds Park, Templestowe. Here we’ll gather for sign-in, chats and our morning briefings. DAD event briefings are so much more than an update on the drive route. The time we spend at our start location is fundamental to what makes DAD events different – it’s where community is built, connections are fostered, and conversations start. This time sets the intention for our event. Plus, you’ll be introduced to our event guest speaker.
We invite you to arrive at briefing with sufficient time to check out the cars and chat with others, or simply to allow yourself the space to land at our event and be present for yourself.
After briefing, Stage 1 of the drive cruises us to Yea for morning tea, then Stage 2 loops us through Tallarook and Strath Creek to end at the spectacular Flowerdale Estate.
The Destination & Lunch
We’re incredibly privileged to conclude our drive at the award-winning Flowerdale Estate, located in regional Victoria’s scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills. Built in 1842, the historic Homestead sits at the heart of the 106-acre estate, surrounded by blossoming gardens, lush lawns and spectacular rolling hills.
Use of this dream venue has been generously donated by the team at Flowerdale Estate. Claire and the Flowerdale Estate team see the importance of DAD’s mental health mission and have been working with the DAD team to deliver a special experience for the DAD community.
Flowerdale Estate’s Michelin Star experienced Executive Chef Dominic Grundy and his team of chefs are serving a two-course seated luncheon for our hungry crews, including a variety of starters, a feasting-style main meal and soft drink on arrival.
To begin:
Flowerdale house made dip selection warmed breads, pita, crisp biscuit and crackers
Roast red pepper, confit garlic, goats feta, green onion (GF)
Spiced green chilli curry, cashew and coconut, lime (contains nuts and shellfish)
Sesame tahini chickpea hummus, olive oil, cumin (GF, DF)
Main Meal:
A feasting style main meal with substantial sides to share and a main plate
Why We Drive
DAD drive days are always about connection and community. They hold the intention to normalise mental health problems and mental illness, promote conversations around these and offer pathways for seeking further support, by using driving and the shared enthusiasm for cars and great roads as our way of connecting.
To learn more about DAD’s mission and Why We Drive, please click here.
Seeking Event Sponsor
If you or someone you know may be interested in supporting our premium event for the Melbourne Summer Drive Day, please reach out to us at connect@driveagainstdepression.com.au – we have tailored packages to suit all budgets.
Other info
There are no minimum car requirements to join this cruise – if it’s registered and you love it, bring it along.
As a registered charity we are proud to offer tax deductibility for your donations, and thank you for your generosity which allows us to provide these important events.
If you’re interested in supporting as a DAD Local Legend or sponsor, please let us know in the “Additional Comments” section on the below form.