Lakeside Park
Location
Kurwongbah, Queensland, Australia
Current Local Time
Track Info
Lakeside Park - Kurwongbah, Queensland, Australia
Historic permanent circuit beside Lake Kurwongbah - clockwise - fast, flowing and famous for its elevation changes
When was the track built?
The story of Lakeside began in 1957 when motorsport enthusiast Sid Sakzewski bought an old dairy farm beside Lake Kurwongbah. Queensland racers needed a permanent circuit close to Brisbane, so the Queensland Motor Sporting Club began raising money to turn the wooded and hilly property into a race track.
Construction continued through 1959 and 1960. Money was limited, so volunteers helped build the circuit using borrowed machinery, picks and shovels. The track was deliberately shaped around the natural hills, creating the elevation changes that still define Lakeside today.
When was its first race?
Lakeside officially opened on 19 March 1961. Queensland Governor Sir Henry Abel Smith performed the opening ceremony before a programme headed by the Queensland Touring Car Championship.
About 2,000 spectators attended and the main race attracted a 15-car field. In a detail that shows how different motorsport was at the time, first prize included £30 and a Qualcast lawnmower.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Lakeside is a momentum circuit. Many corners are taken at significant speed, so a small mistake can affect several parts of the lap.
- Constant elevation changes: The track rises and falls across the hillside, creating blind approaches and making it difficult for newcomers to judge exactly where the road goes next.
- Old-school challenge: Corners such as Karrussell, Eastern Loop and Hungry have become part of Australian racing folklore. Hungry is especially demanding because the road falls away towards its exit.
Motorcycles use an additional section known as the Bus Stop. It was originally introduced in 1984 to reduce speeds before Hungry Corner after increasingly powerful bikes made the approach especially challenging.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula Holden: 0:46.66 - Paul Stokell, Reynard 91D, 1994.
- V8 / Group 3A Touring Car: 0:51.445 - Glenn Seton, Ford Falcon EL, 1997.
- Super Touring: 0:52.233 - Jim Richards, Volvo S40, 1998.
- Group A Touring Car: 0:53.160 - Mark Skaife, Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, 1991.
- Formula Ford: 0:58.7203 - James Corbett, Spectrum 014b, 2020.
Lap times from different racing categories are not directly comparable because vehicle performance, tyres and regulations vary considerably.
Why go?
Lakeside is one of the best places to experience Queensland's motorsport history. Australian Grand Prix winners, Formula 1 champions, touring-car legends and world-class motorcycle racers have all competed here, yet much of the circuit still follows the same basic route created more than 60 years ago.
Today the venue hosts club events, track days, historic racing and motoring activities. At roughly 30 km north of Brisbane, it is also one of Australia's more accessible historic circuits for spectators and enthusiasts.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: A good starting point for first-time visitors, with race starts, finishes and pit activity all nearby.
- Eastern Loop and Hungry Corner: Where available to spectators, this area shows why Lakeside has such a fearsome reputation, with speed, elevation and changing camber all coming together.
- Raised grass banks: Lakeside's natural hillside provides elevated views across several sections of the circuit and is a great way to appreciate how much the track rises and falls.
Spectator areas and access can vary between events, so follow the venue's signs and event instructions on the day.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Lakeside Park (Kurwongbah, Queensland)
Lakeside Park is beside Lake Kurwongbah, around 30 km north of Brisbane. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, although trains to nearby Petrie make train plus taxi or pickup a workable alternative.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Brisbane: head north on the Bruce Highway towards Kallangur, then follow local roads towards Kurwongbah and Lakeside Road.
- Navigation: enter Lakeside Road, Kurwongbah QLD 4503 or search for Lakeside Park Raceway.
- From the Sunshine Coast: travel south on the Bruce Highway and leave the motorway for the Kurwongbah / Petrie area.
- Parking: follow officials when you arrive. Theme days commonly use free spectator parking outside the circuit, while participant vehicles may enter other areas.
Tip: Lakeside is a separate circuit from Queensland Raceway at Willowbank, so double-check your navigation before setting off.
Train
- Petrie Station: the most useful rail arrival point for Lakeside Park.
- From Brisbane: Translink trains connect the city with Petrie on the northern rail network, including Redcliffe Peninsula Line services.
- Station → circuit: trains do not continue to Lakeside Road, so arrange a taxi, rideshare or pickup for the final journey.
- Return journey: arrange transport back to Petrie before the event finishes, particularly if you are attending a late session.
Check Translink before travelling because weekend track works can alter train services.
Bus & public transport
Kurwongbah has some local bus coverage, but there is no convenient regular service directly to the raceway entrance.
- Route 686: operates from Petrie Station and travels through parts of Kurwongbah.
- For Lakeside Park: the bus route does not provide a simple circuit-door service, so it is better to complete the trip by taxi or pickup.
- Event shuttles: only rely on one if your specific event advertises it.
Brisbane Airport transfers
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): the main airport for visitors flying to Lakeside Park.
- Rental car: the easiest option for a race weekend. On-airport rental companies operate at both domestic and international terminals.
- Rideshare: designated rideshare pickup areas are available at both terminals.
- Public transport: you can travel into Brisbane's rail network and continue towards Petrie, but a road transfer is still needed for the final section.
Race-day tips
- Check your event: Lakeside hosts race meetings, track days, motorcycle sessions and themed motoring events, so admission and access vary.
- Theme days: many use pay-at-the-gate spectator admission and free spectator parking outside the track.
- Participant access: vehicles taking part in cruises or displays may be directed through the circuit tunnel into the infield.
- Arrive early: larger events can create queues on the relatively small local roads around the circuit.
Camping & staying nearby
- Camping: general spectator camping is not advertised as a standard facility for every Lakeside event, so check directly with your organiser before planning to stay at the circuit.
- Petrie & North Lakes: useful nearby areas if you want accommodation closer to the circuit.
- Brisbane: offers the widest choice of hotels and restaurants while still keeping Lakeside within an easy day trip.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: arriving by car or taxi is normally easiest because public transport does not reach the circuit entrance directly.
- Before travelling: contact Lakeside Park or your event organiser to confirm accessible parking, entrances and viewing arrangements.
- Flying in: arrange an accessible rental vehicle or transfer at Brisbane Airport if required.
Quick guide
- Driving? Head north from Brisbane towards Kurwongbah and navigate to Lakeside Road.
- Coming by train? Travel to Petrie Station, then use a taxi, rideshare or pre-arranged pickup.
- Flying? Brisbane Airport is the main choice; hiring a car is the simplest onward option.
Check Lakeside Park and Translink shortly before travelling, as event access, parking arrangements and public-transport services can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Lakeside Park (Kurwongbah, Queensland)
Whether you’re here for a track day, motorcycle event or one of Lakeside’s popular car-themed weekends, this historic circuit puts you beside Lake Kurwongbah - with heritage villages, rainforest walks, Moreton Bay beaches and Brisbane all within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Old Petrie Town: Wander through a recreated pre-1930s village with restored heritage buildings, traditional shops, museums and popular Sunday markets.
- Pine Rivers Heritage Museum: Located at Old Petrie Town, this free museum brings local history to life with an old classroom, farm cottage, clocks and changing exhibitions.
- Lake Samsonvale: Pack a picnic and relax beside the water at one of several recreation areas, with walking, fishing and paddling available in approved locations.
- Settlement Cove Lagoon: Head to Redcliffe for a free tropical-style swimming lagoon, children’s water-play area, playground and waterfront paths.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Pine Rivers Heritage Museum: An easy indoor stop for understanding how the Moreton Bay area developed, including farming and Second World War stories.
- Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology: Travel through thousands of years of world history with objects covering prehistoric life, ancient civilisations and later European history.
- Redcliffe Art Gallery: Combine changing exhibitions with a walk around Redcliffe’s cafés, shops and waterfront when the weather improves.
Eat & drink after the racing
- North Lakes: One of the easiest places near the circuit for a broad selection of restaurants, cafés and quick meals after a track day.
- Samford Village: Head into the hinterland for country cafés, pub food and a quieter village atmosphere away from Brisbane’s suburbs.
- Moreton Bay seafood: Redcliffe and Scarborough are good places to try prawns, fish and the famous Moreton Bay bug - a flat-bodied type of slipper lobster, not an insect.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Lake Samsonvale: Follow waterside walking routes, fish from approved areas or simply use the lake’s picnic grounds for a quiet morning before racing starts.
- D’Aguilar National Park: Drive towards Mount Glorious for subtropical rainforest, mountain viewpoints and walks such as the 2 km Rainforest Circuit at Maiala.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Redcliffe: Spend a day beside Moreton Bay with Settlement Cove Lagoon, beaches, Redcliffe Jetty, cafés and the waterfront Bee Gees Way.
- Brisbane: Around 30 km south of the circuit, Queensland’s capital adds major museums, South Bank, riverfront walks, shopping and a huge choice of restaurants.
- Bribie Island: Drive across the bridge for calm coastal scenery, beaches and views over Pumicestone Passage towards the Glass House Mountains.
Good to know when visiting Lakeside Park
- Check the exact event: Lakeside hosts competitive meetings alongside practice days, ride days and car-themed events, so spectator access and schedules vary considerably.
- The circuit is historic: Lakeside opened on 19 March 1961 and has changed relatively little, which is a major part of its appeal to Australian motorsport fans.
- Bring hearing protection: The compact layout keeps spectators close to the action, so ear defenders are worthwhile for children and first-time visitors.
- Prepare for Queensland weather: Bring sunscreen, water and a hat during warmer months, plus lightweight rain protection when showers or storms are possible.
Circuit access, event schedules, museum hours, swimming conditions and national-park access can change - check live information before travelling.