The 11thNational Rally “The Big Rally” was held in Maida Vale in WA over 28 December 2001 to 6 January 2002.
TIn contrast with previous National Rallies, which were held on wide open showgrounds, windy ovals or sun bleached sports grounds, the Maida Vale rally will be located on acres of beautiful parkland, where most caravans will be in the shade for the better part of the day.
Advent Perk is situated within 25 kms of Perth and bus transport to the city passes the gate.
For participants who need on-site accommodation there are 45 cabins with basic furniture and rented bar fridges and will be fitted out by WA participants with everything needed to make them comfortable. There is also a huge kitchen with many gas burners for cabin people to cook and a big dining room adjacent.
The facilities are very good with 60 showers and 60 toilets, a small laundry with four washing machines, one drier and five rotary clothes lines; a coin operated telephone, a Telstra mast nearby for mobile phones, a huge indoor area for the kids and an even bigger play area outside.
A huge marquee that can comfortably seat 1500 people will provide the hub for entertainment and activities while separate areas are available for exhibitions, souvenir sales and for display of craft items.
An indoor swimming pool is located within walking distance and a 27-hole golf course is opposite the Rally site. A couple of large shopping centres are within easy reach and for the walkers there are a variety routes through this beautiful suburb.
Apart from that, the Organising Committee is doing everything in its power to make this the best rally ever. Swan River Cruises upstream to the Swan Valley vineyards, downstream to Fremantle for sightseeing, a dinner cruise (depending on numbers) and a trip to Rottnest have been organised. Sports persons can compete in competitions for disc bowls, lawn bowls, and golf.
For the ladies a quilters session, a fashion parade, and craft activities.
The New Year’s Eve Ball has people’s first name “initial” as its theme for dressing, while the attending club
members will produce the usual two concerts.
There will be special presentations to people who qualify for attendance at a certain number of National Rallies.
Our sponsors — Coromal — will have a display of caravans and spare parts and accessories will be available
on site.
The theme of the rally is “Friends for Life” and participants will be encouraged to make at least six new friends in caravanning.
With only a few months before the start of the rally there are a few onsite cabins and some 40 powered sites available. When these are taken the Rally will be fully booked.
We are very pleased with the response so far and hope that a lot of the retirees among the participants will take the opportunity to come early and feast on the marvelous sights of Western Australia’s treasure of wildflowers.
John Litjens
Secretary 11th National Caravan Clubs ‘ Rally