A fresh documentary is shining a light on a previously overlooked segment of Mosman Park’s thrilling history.
It explores a facet of the western suburbs’ past that even we weren’t aware of: the Harley Scramble.
Harley Scramble: The Birth of Australian Motocross is the labor of love by producer John Steyntjes, a former sidecar racer and creator of Australian Motocross History, a site devoted to keeping alive the history of Australian motocross and honoring its past champions.
Inaugurated on June 17, 1928, the Harley Scramble course was crafted by Aubrey Melrose and Roy Charman, who had just returned from competing in the legendary Isle of Man, Scott Trial, and International Six Day Trial, alongside a rising sport called “scrambles.” They pitched the idea to the Harley Davidson Motor Cycle Club, creating a route from Perth to Fremantle, concluding on the banks of the Swan River, which was later refined to a 20-square-kilometre track filled with challenging hairpin turns, slides, ascents, and bends, named after the local rope factory.
“The track was so demanding on machines that competitors sought out spare wheels and chains along the way for a better chance of finishing,” Steyntjes recounts.
“In the event’s early days, rope crews were stationed atop the steepest hills, equipped with ropes and grappling hooks, to assist riders who lost momentum on the climbs and prevent blockages for those behind.”
“In 1932, modifications were made to the course, creating a clearing of over 300 meters for more spectators and viewpoints. Within ten years, the Harley Scramble had transformed into possibly Australia’s first natural terrain motocross track.”
Race entries quickly turned invitation-only, extended only to elite motorcycle talent, given the course’s infamous difficulty; in 1931, merely ten out of 28 competitors finished the full four circuits of the four-mile course.
The Harley Scramble thrived, attracting an extraordinary attendance of 20,000 in 1955, until 1964, when expanding residential areas and the approval of a nearby drive-in theater marked the end of the legendary Rope Works course. However, remnants of the race remain, with Harley Terrace situated at the start and finish of the circuit.
Eventually, the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Club found a new location in York, remaining there until 1978, before merging with the BSA Motorcycle Club in 1993 to revive the Harley Scramble at the Noble Falls circuit in Gidgegannup.
“Sharing this incredible tale and significant piece of Australian history with Mosman Park residents—and motorcycling fans nationwide—is the essence of this event,” Steyntjes remarks.
“Harley Scramble legends were well-known figures in Perth from the 1940s to the 1960s. I want to honor their accomplishments and ensure their stories are preserved for the future.”
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
The documentary will premiere at Mosman Park’s newly restored Camelot Arts Club—historically a venue where daring riders once raced nearly a century ago—during a special event on June 14.
In addition to the documentary screening, the event will include a live Q&A, hosted by the legendary Claremont Speedway commentator, Con Migro, featuring champion riders like seven-time WA State Motocross Champion Bill Watson and three-time WA State Motocross Champion Bob O’Leary, along with an exclusive showcase of vintage bikes, trophies, and memorabilia.
The event will honor the late Peter Nicol, a five-time Harley Scramble champion and significant contributor to the film who passed away in March 2025 at the age of 94.
For tickets to the premiere event of Harley Scramble: The Birth of Australian Motocross, please visit the Camelot Arts Club website here.
Image credits: Supplied
