2026 DAD Melbourne Winter Drive Day

Overview

When: Sunday 19th July, 2026
Start location: Geelong, Victoria
Arrival time from: 8:45am
Essential briefing: 9:30am
End location: Great Ocean Road

The full event details and drive route pack will be emailed to registered participants in advance of the event. 

Why We Drive

DAD drive days are 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.

We use driving and the shared enthusiasm for cars and great roads as our way of connecting and escaping downward emotional spirals. We know that connection is vital for mental wellbeing, and DAD events deliver this in spades. 

DAD isn’t a club, it’s a community. Please don’t feel you need to have a particular model or age of car to attend – if you love it, bring it. 

Our drive days are strictly social and non-competitive. We use open roads and carefully plan our drive routes to make them as safe and logical as possible, while using engaging roads with new scenery for a great day out. 

We advocate for using DAD drive days as an inclusive environment to start your mental health conversation where you feel comfortable to do so, however DAD drive days are not a crisis service and keeping everyone safe on the road is of utmost importance. 

Event Partner - Women in Automotive

We are delighted to collaborate with our partner, Women in Automotive (WinA), to deliver the Melbourne Winter Drive Day.

Since 1999, WinA has been empowering women across all levels of the automotive industry. Originally a Victorian initiative under the VACC, WinA expanded nationally in 2024, marking its 25th anniversary with new owners and a fresh leadership team.

WinA has supported women through education, apprenticeships, and networking events, helping them thrive in roles ranging from trades to leadership positions. Today, WinA is trusted by thousands across Australia's automotive sector, from mechanics to CEOs, panel beaters to rally champions.

WinA is independently owned by passionate automotive experts -  Rachel Butler and Kate Peck - who are invested in DAD's mental health mission. With decades of experience across media, retail, manufacturing, and insurance, these industry leaders have come together to drive meaningful change. 

How to Participate

Pop the date in your diary and gather your mates!

There are no minimum car requirements to join this cruise – if it’s registered and you love it, bring it along. 

Registrations are now open.

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.