CHROMEFEST IS A CLASSIC CAR EVENT IN NSW
As a professional photographer who loves cars I am always searching for interesting car events to attend including local cars and coffee mornings or car exhibitions. It helps to satisfy my passion but is also a great opportunity to take photos.
ChromeFest is an annual event held in Australia, in The Entrance on the Central Coast of New South Wales. It’s a celebration of 1950s and 1960s culture, featuring classic cars, rock ‘n’ roll music, dancing, and vintage fashion.
The festival draws car enthusiasts, dancers, and retro lovers, offering a vibrant display of hot rods, custom cars, and motorbikes, alongside live music and dance performances. It’s a family-friendly event that usually takes place over a weekend in October which attracts thousands of visitors.
What classic cars are on display at this event?
ChromeFest showcases a wide variety of classic vehicles, including over 450 cars manufactured before 1979. These include a mix of hot rods, muscle cars, custom builds, and vintage classics from brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Holden.
Iconic models often seen at the event include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Bel Air, and Holden Monaro. Attendees can also admire less common models such as the Plymouth Barracuda and Pontiac GTO, alongside many others from the golden age of motoring.
The large crowds make it tricky to photograph each vehicle so my advice is to either;
- Go really early in the morning before it gets busy.
- Be super patient & wait for your moment to take a clear shot.
- Make sure you bring or hire a wide angle lens in your kit bag.
- Be prepared to use your smartphone camera which may have a 13-24mm focal length for wide angled photos.
- Rather than photograph every vehicle just choose selected ones.
Any car enthusiast would relish a visit to ChromeFest because it has;
- Classic and rare vehicles on display: The event showcases over 450 pre-1979 vehicles, including hot rods, muscle cars, and custom builds, offering a unique chance to see rare and beautifully restored cars up close.
- Community and networking: It’s a gathering spot for like-minded enthusiasts. Attendees can swap stories, tips on restoration, and knowledge about vintage vehicles. Although there are also market stalls and great food too, so it appeals to everyone.
- A great dynamic atmosphere: Beyond the cars, the event includes live rock ‘n’ roll music, dance performances, and retro fashion shows, immersing visitors in the 1950s and 1960s culture
- Engaging activities: Beyond the static displays there are also a number of car cruises, Show n’ Shine competitions and nightly events.
- A family-friendly atmosphere: While centred on cars, the festival is packed with activities for all ages, making it a well-rounded day out for families with petrol heads.
See unique design details of classic cars from the 60's and 70's
One of the best things about these types of car events is that you can get up close to most of the vehicles to see and even smell all the little details.
This becomes a bit of a photographer’s dream to take photos of because classic vehicles from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s feature distinct design elements that reflect the automotive and cultural trends of their respective eras that you simply don’t get to see on modern vehicles.
You can see some samples in the gallery above but here are some of the highlights from each era which are great to photograph.
1950s
- Tailfins: Prominent and often dramatic, inspired by the jet age (e.g., Cadillac Eldorado).
- Chrome Detailing: Extensive use of chrome on grilles, bumpers, and trim.
- Rounded Body Shapes: Smooth, flowing lines with bulbous fenders.
- Two-Tone Paint Schemes: Bold, contrasting colour combinations.
- Bullet Grilles and Headlights: Reflecting space-age aesthetics.
- Whitewall Tyres: A popular visual feature for a luxury feel.
1960s
- Streamlined Silhouettes: Transition from rounded forms to more aerodynamic, sleek designs.
- Muscle Car Influence: Wide, low stances with aggressive front ends (e.g., Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro).
- Hidden Headlights: Featured in models like the Pontiac GTO and Dodge Charger.
- Minimal Chrome: A move towards subtler chrome accents.
- Pony Cars: Compact and sporty vehicles designed for youthful buyers.
1970s
- Boxier Shapes: Squared-off body lines became more prevalent.
- Vinyl Roofs: Popular as a luxury or sporty styling cue.
- Large Grilles and Bumpers: Due to stricter safety regulations, bumpers became more prominent.
- Bright Colours and Graphics: Bold hues and stripe kits, particularly on muscle cars (e.g., Dodge Challenger).
- T-tops and Sunroofs: Introduced as trendy features on sports and luxury models.
During this era vehicle design elements evolved from flamboyant to performance-focused and eventually more safety-conscious styling.
The retro and vintage fashion outfits
Another fun aspect of ChromeFest that many people get involved with is the fashion, the event encourages people to dress ‘in period’ for the event, there’s even a fashion parade.
So as you walk around you get to see people wearing different clothing styles and colours from the 1950’s onwards.
I really enjoyed trying to take photos of the cars with the people as it helps tell a nice story, besides the colours and ‘looks’ really match well.
In summary
For car lovers, aspiring photographers or simply as a day out, attending an event like ChromeFest can satisfy nearly anyone of any age.
When is it on? Annually, normally in October
Where is it held? The Entrance NSW
How many days does it run for? Normally a Friday, Saturday & Sunday
What does it cost to attend? It is a free event for spectators. There are various costs for vehicle owners to display their car in different locations at the event.
