Half Way Havoc 2006 Nambucca Heads NSW - Minitruck Show Photos
I made the drive to Nambucca Heads in March 2006 for Half Way Havoc, an event that brings Queensland and Sydney enthusiasts together at the halfway point for a weekend of trucks and good times. The lakeside park setting provided the perfect backdrop for this gathering of Australia's custom truck community.
The Lakeside Setting
The Nambucca Heads location worked brilliantly. Lions Club set up BBQ service throughout the afternoon, and the relaxed lakeside atmosphere made it easy to walk around, discuss builds, and enjoy the coastal setting. The concept behind Half Way Havoc is simple - by choosing a location roughly halfway between Queensland and Sydney, it's equally accessible to both regions.
Participants traveled from Brisbane down to Sydney, many specifically to connect with friends made at previous events and see the latest builds from clubs across both states. The lakeside venue gave ample space for displays, competitions, and socializing.
Club Turnout
The event attracted major clubs from both regions. Ground Level Minitrucks represented Sydney's high-quality build standards, while Diversity Minis showed various build styles from traditional to modern interpretations. Negative Camber focused on extreme stance and aggressive fitment, and Subsided Queensland brought that northern scene flavor with more color and flash.
Each club brought their signature approach, creating diverse displays that showcased the full spectrum of Australian minitruckin. The friendly rivalry pushed builders to bring their best work, while the camaraderie ensured knowledge flowed freely. Regional differences showed clearly - Queensland trucks typically featured more flash, Sydney builds leaned cleaner and more understated.
Vendors and Prizes
Vendors set up showing the latest products for custom builders. DUT (Down Under Truckin') magazine documented the scene, Living Low Customs brought parts and suspension components, and Hood Styles donated an Air Zenith compressor for Best of Show. The vendor presence kept it grassroots rather than corporate - opportunities to discuss products, get technical advice, and support businesses that actively participated in the scene.
Raffle prizes kept things exciting throughout the day. Custom airbrushed air tank, sets of airbags, videos from previous events, and the Air Zenith compressor for Best of Show. The raffle system meant everyone had a chance to win whether they brought a show winner or just came to appreciate others' work.
Event Legacy
Half Way Havoc has since evolved into one of Australia's premier minitruck, full-size pickup, rod and custom shows, now held annually in Macksville, NSW (near the original Nambucca Heads location). What started as an informal meeting point has become a must-attend event on the national calendar, attracting hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators.
The 2006 Nambucca Heads event represents an important chapter in that history. The combination of scenic lakeside location, strong club participation from Ground Level, Diversity Minis, Negative Camber, and Subsided Queensland, plus quality vendor support from DUT, Living Low Customs, and Hood Styles created genuine community spirit. Modern Half Way Havoc events continue those traditions - competitive elements mixed with social activities, vendor displays alongside technical knowledge sharing, serious builds with laid-back fun. For many in the scene, it's the peak of the show season and a reunion with friends made over years of shared passion for custom vehicles.