Baskerville Raceway
Location
Old Beach, Tasmania, Australia
Current Local Time
Track Info
Baskerville Raceway - Old Beach, Tasmania, Australia
Historic permanent circuit near Hobart - anti-clockwise - short, technical and built into a natural hillside amphitheatre
When was the track built?
The Hobart Sporting Car Club began searching for a permanent home in the mid-1950s. Landowner and motorsport enthusiast Calvin Morrisby agreed to provide part of his property at Baskerville, reportedly leasing it to the club for the symbolic price of one shilling per year.
Construction took place during 1957, with the circuit shaped around the existing hillside rather than flattening the landscape. The result was a short but challenging track that climbs, runs along the hill and then drops back down. Baskerville has operated continuously since 1958, making it one of Australia's oldest permanent racing circuits still in use.
When was its first race?
Baskerville officially opened on 9 February 1958, when Tasmanian Premier Robert Cosgrove declared the circuit open in front of an estimated 20,000 spectators.
The facilities were basic: there was little more than the asphalt circuit, a grass paddock and natural spectator banks. Cars, sports cars and motorcycles competed during the opening programme, with Don Gorringe setting a 1:21.5 lap in his Javelin Special before motorcycle rider Max Eaves went half a second quicker.
What's the circuit like?
- Short and relentless: At just over 2 km, Baskerville gives competitors very little time to relax. One corner quickly leads into the next, making consistency and a good rhythm more important than simply having lots of power.
- Built around the hillside: Elevation is a major part of the lap. The track includes a steep climb, a relatively blind corner near the top and a fast downhill section of roughly 500 metres.
- Old-school character: Baskerville feels very different from a modern, flat racing complex. The changing gradients and unusual off-camber sections reward confidence and accurate car or bike placement.
The circuit was fully resurfaced in 2017 as part of a major programme of upgrades, giving competitors a modern surface while retaining Baskerville's original character.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Outright: 48.8269 - Josh Kean, Benetton B186 Formula 1, 2018.
- Sports Cars over 2 litres: 48.8869 - Jason White, McLaren M10A, 2018.
- Sports Cars under 2 litres: 51.7115 - Daniel Hoult, Radical SR3, 2025.
- TCR: 53.9170 - Aaron Cameron, Peugeot, 2021.
- Improved Production: 56.0298 - Shane Bond, Datsun 1200 Turbo Coupe, 2024.
Different categories have their own official records, so lap times can vary greatly depending on vehicle type, tyres and regulations.
Why go?
Baskerville combines Australian motorsport history with one of the best natural viewing areas of any small circuit. The track sits inside an amphitheatre-like valley, allowing spectators from some areas to see most, and sometimes almost all, of a lap without moving.
Events range from the Tasmanian Circuit Racing Championship and Baskerville Historics to regularity endurance events, time attack and motorcycle racing. The circuit is also only around 20 to 25 minutes from central Hobart, making it an easy motorsport day trip for visitors to southern Tasmania.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Natural spectator banks: The signature Baskerville experience. Higher positions around the amphitheatre can provide views across a large percentage of the circuit.
- Main straight: Best for race starts, finishes and watching cars or bikes accelerate past the pit area before beginning another lap.
- Upper hillside: A great place to appreciate Baskerville's elevation changes as competitors climb toward the blind section before heading back downhill.
Available spectator areas can vary between events, so follow event signage and any instructions from officials on the day.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Baskerville Raceway (Hobart, Tasmania)
Baskerville Raceway is at Old Beach in Hobart's northern suburbs, around 20 minutes from the city centre. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, although Metro buses can get you into the Old Beach area if you arrange another way to complete the final journey.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Hobart: head north towards Old Beach and join the East Derwent Highway. Turn onto Baskerville Road for the final approach to the circuit.
- Navigation: enter 473 Baskerville Road, Old Beach TAS 7017.
- From northern Tasmania: approach the Hobart area via Bridgewater, then continue towards Old Beach and Baskerville Road.
- At the circuit: Baskerville sits in a natural amphitheatre and is well known for spectator viewing from vehicles around the venue.
Tip: Follow the signs and officials at your particular event, as spectator, competitor and paddock vehicle access can differ between meetings.
Bus & public transport
Metro Tasmania serves Old Beach, but there is no simple city bus that takes spectators directly to the raceway entrance.
- Hobart → Old Beach: routes serving the wider Old Beach area include 522, 530, X30 and 696.
- Route 530: travels through Old Beach and is one of the more useful services when approaching the Baskerville Road area.
- Final journey: the circuit itself is farther along Baskerville Road, so arrange a lift, taxi or pickup rather than planning to walk from the main bus corridor.
- Race-day return: check the timetable before entering the circuit, especially for Sunday or late-finishing events.
For a first visit, driving remains considerably easier than combining buses with the final rural section.
Hobart Airport transfers
- Hobart Airport (HBA): the main airport for Baskerville Raceway and the most convenient choice for interstate visitors.
- Rental car: the easiest option for a motorsport weekend. The airport has numerous rental companies, including several located directly in front of the terminal.
- Taxi & rideshare: taxis meet arriving flights and Uber operates from a designated pickup area.
- Airport bus: SkyBus runs between Hobart Airport and central Hobart, but it does not continue to Baskerville Raceway.
Race-day tips
- Check your event: Baskerville hosts car racing, motorcycle events, track days and club-level motorsport, so gate and spectator arrangements vary.
- Vehicle viewing: the circuit's amphitheatre layout means spectators can see the entire track from suitable areas around the venue.
- Busy meetings: allow additional arrival time for larger events such as the Baskerville Historics or Tasmanian Circuit Racing Championship rounds.
- Current activity: Baskerville remains an active circuit with multiple racing and track-day events scheduled during 2026.
Camping & staying nearby
- Camping: do not assume general public camping is available at Baskerville. Confirm directly with the organiser if your particular event advertises camping.
- Old Beach: the closest residential area, although accommodation choices are limited compared with Hobart.
- Hobart: the easiest base for most visitors, with a much wider choice of hotels, restaurants and other services.
- Short drive: the circuit's location around 20 minutes from central Hobart means staying in the city is practical even for a multi-day event.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: travelling by car or taxi is normally easiest because regular public transport does not reach the raceway entrance.
- Before travelling: contact Motorsports Tasmania or your event organiser to confirm the most suitable parking, entrance and viewing arrangements.
- Metro buses: almost all regular Metro services use wheelchair-accessible low-floor buses, although you will still need to plan the final journey to Baskerville.
- Airport assistance: Hobart Airport provides accessible facilities, with wheelchair assistance arranged through your airline.
Quick guide
- Driving? Head towards Old Beach via the East Derwent Highway and navigate to 473 Baskerville Road.
- Without a car? Metro can get you into Old Beach, but arrange a taxi or pickup for the final journey.
- Flying? Use Hobart Airport and hire a car for the simplest race-weekend transport.
Check Motorsports Tasmania, Metro Tasmania and your event organiser shortly before travelling, as bus timetables, gates, vehicle access and spectator arrangements can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Baskerville Raceway (Old Beach, Tasmania)
Whether you’re here for circuit racing, historic cars, supersprints or a track day, Baskerville Raceway puts you just north of Hobart - close to Tasmanian wildlife, museums, mountain scenery and some of southern Tasmania’s best-known historic towns.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Meet Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, kangaroos and other native animals at this wildlife rescue and conservation centre near Brighton.
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: Hobart’s main museum mixes natural history, science, Tasmanian stories and family-focused exhibitions in an easy waterfront location.
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: Wander through established gardens, ponds and unusual plant collections just outside central Hobart. Entry is free.
- Richmond: Explore a small historic town filled with Georgian buildings, cafés and Australia’s oldest surviving stone arch bridge.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Mona: The Museum of Old and New Art is one of Tasmania’s most unusual attractions, combining ancient objects, contemporary art and striking underground architecture.
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: A strong wet-weather choice covering Tasmania’s wildlife, Aboriginal cultures, history, art and connections with Antarctica.
- Salamanca & Battery Point: Explore Hobart’s historic sandstone warehouses and surrounding streets, with galleries, shops and cafés packed into a walkable area.
Eat & drink like a local
- Hobart waterfront: Head towards Constitution Dock and Salamanca for seafood, cafés and restaurants overlooking the harbour.
- Tasmanian seafood: Local salmon, oysters, fish and chips and fresh shellfish are easy choices if you want something strongly connected to the island.
- Scallop pie: Try this distinctly Tasmanian snack - scallops baked inside pastry, often with a mild curry sauce.
Active outdoors away from the track
- kunanyi / Mount Wellington: Drive towards the mountain above Hobart for lookouts and walking tracks, or tackle trails such as the Organ Pipes walk if you have more time.
- Derwent River: Hobart and its northern suburbs have waterfront paths and parks that work well for an easy walk or cycle between race days.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Richmond & Coal River Valley: Combine convict-era history with countryside, local food and wineries for a relaxed half or full day.
- Port Arthur: Allow most of a day for Tasmania’s famous World Heritage-listed convict site and the dramatic coastal scenery of the Tasman Peninsula.
- Bruny Island: Take the vehicle ferry from Kettering for coastal walks, wildlife, beaches and local produce including cheese, oysters and honey.
Good to know when visiting Baskerville Raceway
- The circuit is still very active: Baskerville hosts Tasmanian championship racing, the Baskerville 1000, supersprints, hillclimbs, track days and other club events.
- Baskerville Historics is a highlight: The heritage meeting celebrates both historic competition cars and the long history of the circuit itself.
- Check spectator access: Some dates are major race meetings while others are private practice or club activities, so confirm public entry before travelling.
- Prepare for Tasmanian weather: Conditions can change quickly even in summer. Bring sunscreen, water, warm layers and lightweight rain protection for a full day outside.
Circuit access, event schedules, museum opening, ferry services and walking-track conditions can change - check live information before travelling.