SINCE 1995, the Allora Showgrounds have stepped back in time over the Australia Day weekend, showing vehicles and machinery that contributed to the growth of the nation across the past 150 years.

Locals, visitors and vintage car and history enthusiasts from across Australia will descend in the thousands on Allora for the 2018 Allora Heritage Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

An drive around Allora in the early hours of Monday provided a first taste of the 2018 Heritage Weekend,.

Tractors were coughing and snorting, poking their noses out of various sheds and adorning footpaths; veteran trucks, cars and machinery were idling away or receiving the first wisp of polish ready for their big weekend at the Allora Showgrounds; and enthusiasts were parading around in the standard dress of a liberal splash of grease and oil.

The event will once again feature a stream of historical vehicles, machinery and local legends show their skills, specialities and rare motors.

The event will take older generations back to familiar times, while providing those of younger years an education in the nation's history.

The event considered a historical feast is hosted annually by Warwick Veteran and Vintage Vehicle Club, by the community, for the community.

Historical machinery will roll into Allora from around Australia, but the significant contribution from local vehicle and machinery restorers gives accurate recollections of the Southern Downs' historical past.

The event offers the showgrounds' camping and caravan facilities, local food suppliers and a bar.

The two days of entertainment will cost $5 entry for adults and is free for children, the disabled and exhibitors.

The Heritage Weekend gives the Southern Downs region an economic boost, especially the Allora community which has also benefited from more than $36,000 donated by the car club over the past decade.

This year Victoria and NSW will be represented and by a fleet of vehicles.

The event is known internationally, having been a subject in historical magazines of Britain,

It was not all machinery that laid the foundations of our nation's agricultural future, and Mick Bradford with his team of magnificent heavy horses will return.

Two significant appearances this weekend will be the classic 1904 Rambler Model G and local vehicle enthusiast Doug Partington's Wikner Ford Special.

The 114-year-old Rambler will make a rare appearance outside of the foyer of the RACQ in Brisbane when it motors into the Allora Showgrounds.

The historic Wikner is making its final Heritage Weekend appearance for some time given it is heading to the US to take part in several Vintage Racing and Model T events.

Since 2001 event organisers have nominated feature machinery for the event.

The initial feature in 2001 was Ellis Chalmers tractors. In 2018 visitors can wander avenues of Chamberlain and Caterpillar tractors, Chrysler cars, Volvo and European trucks, Moffat Virtue engines, Air Cooled engines and Triumph motorcycles.

Vintage and veteran cars and trucks, historical machinery, and motorcycles along with country music will have the Allora Showgrounds seemingly in a time warp of past Aussie generations.

This year the Heritage Weekend's annual cent sale will be run in aid of the local Days for Girls group.

Days for Girls is an international organisation that aims to restore dignity to women by providing feminine hygiene kits they assemble to developing countries, homeless women and Aboriginal communities.

Camping sites are available at $18 a night, and bookings can be made by calling the Allora Showgrounds on 0427 100 210.

For further details on this icomic local event, phone Lyle Johnson (0409 766 288), Ted Woodrow (0418 875 469) or Graeme McMillan (4666 3554).

Gates to the festival open at 7am daily with events starting at 9am.