THE first weekend of May marks the starting line for the 2026 Florence Thomson Tour. Created in 2017, the tour is a unique rally for just women drivers, celebrating the pioneering spirit and contribution of women to Australian motoring.
The tour was aptly named after Florence Thomson, who, in 1905, was the sole female entrant in the Dunlop Reliability Motor contest from Sydney to Melbourne. She was one of 16 entrants who successfully completed the five-day trial, driving a six-horsepower Wolseley, over what was just 562 miles of dirt track between capital cities.
More than 100 vehicles have entered this year, ranging from vintage to more modern classics. More than 200 people are participating as either drivers or passengers. Entrants must be women driving a vehicle greater than 25 years of age, with men permitted as passengers. To add to the excitement, participants are encouraged to dress in the era of their vehicle.
Tour Director Maureen Ross said, “Despite the cost of fuel, key local businesses and the tourist authority have encouraged the tour to continue, and we are committed to supporting the local region by bringing something exciting to the Goulburn Valley.”
The event is organised by the Association of Motoring Clubs (AOMC) and is proudly supported by RACV.
Entrants can choose either a shorter or longer route taking in the towns of Mooroopna, Tatura, Nagambie, Murchison and Toolamba, finishing at MOVE Shepparton.
The community is invited to come and see the tour vehicles and talk to the participants at MOVE, with vehicles on display from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, May 2.
