Sea Lake Mallee Rally 1974-2019 |
From 1974 - 2019, the Mallee Rally was held annually over the Queen's Birthday long weekend in June.
Australia's oldest known off-road car race had grown to include about 100 competitors who gather to pit their vehicles against one another over an 85-kilometre circuit around the foreshore of Lake Tyrrell, which lies just to the north of Sea Lake.
The 85 km long track, 7 km north of Sea Lake, runs around Lake Tyrrell (the second largest salt lake in Victoria). The competitors endeavoured to complete four laps of this gruelling track (five for National status competitors).
The challenge lies in the way in which the surface of the track varies, from high-speed grass to sand, salt and clay, not to mention the numerous gates and trees that the competitors must navigate to finish.
It started with the Friday Night Spectacular at the Sea Lake Recreation Reserve consisting of live band, jumping castle, merry-go-round, a static display of off-road vehicles and fireworks. On Saturday the event moved out to the track (travel north on the Robinvale Road), for the prologue (time trials) and a 'dash for cash'. Sunday was race day - four or five laps of grueling racing around the 85 km track!
A plinth. honouring past directors and winners, stands at the eastern side of the Recreation Reserve in Sea Lake.
The event was run by the Sea Lake Off Road Club Inc .
Cancellation
The race was cancelled in 2019 after a state heritage adviser identified traditional Aboriginal burial sites around the lake, prompting a conservation assessment.
An interim report funded by the state government and administered by the shire council determined that the Mallee Rally posed too high a risk for Lake Tyrrell's sensitive cultural heritage, which included proof of 30,000 years of Aboriginal habitation.
A example of the difficulties modern Australia has with the traditional owners of the land and working towards reconciliation.
❊ Address ❊
⊜ Lake Mallee Ninda View Map
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Sea Lake Mallee Rally 1974-2019
➼ www.facebook.com
➼ www.sealake.vic.au
❊ Also See... ❊
➼ Lake Tyrrell - Sea Pink Lake
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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