October · New South Wales · Bathurst
Bathurst 1000
The biggest touring car race in the southern hemisphere, held at Mount Panorama in Bathurst every October.
The Bathurst 1000, held at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst in early October, is the crown jewel of Australian motorsport.
The Bathurst 1000 is a 1,000 kilometre touring car race held each year in early October at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, about three hours' drive west of Sydney. It has been running continuously since 1963 and is considered the crown jewel of Australian motorsport. More than 200,000 spectators attend the four-day event each year, and the race is broadcast live on free-to-air television to audiences of around 2 million.
The circuit is a 6.2 kilometre public road that is closed for the event each year, climbing Mount Panorama and descending back through the town. The course is notoriously technical, with steep climbs, tight chicanes and the famous Conrod Straight where top speeds exceed 300 km/h. The race takes around six and a half hours to complete and is run by teams of two drivers sharing a single car.
Camping at the Mount Panorama campground is the classic spectator experience, though accommodation in Bathurst itself is usually booked out a year in advance. The race is considered a rite of passage for Australian motorsport fans.
While you are there
