Mac Park Raceway
Location
Compton, Mount Gambier, South Australia, Australia
Current Local Time
Track Info
Mac Park Raceway - Mount Gambier, South Australia, Australia
Historic motorcycle-only road circuit - clockwise - undulating, technical and built by generations of club volunteers
When was the track built?
The story of Mac Park began in the early 1950s when the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club wanted a permanent home for road racing. Club member Frank McNamara offered land from an old limestone quarry, and Laurie Fox helped sketch a circuit inspired partly by England's famous Cadwell Park.
Building it was a true club effort. Volunteers raised money through events and raffles and even used an ex-Second World War tank to help form the track. The circuit was extended in 1972 and again in 1976, when it reached 2.4 km. More recently it has been completely resurfaced, widened and given larger run-off areas.
When was its first race?
Local club members raced on the unfinished, unsealed course as early as 13 July 1958. The first race meeting on the completed sealed circuit followed at Easter on 21 April 1962, the date generally regarded as the beginning of Mac Park as a permanent raceway.
A major milestone came in 1976 when the extended circuit hosted the Australian motorcycle Grand Prix. That same year also marked the beginning of the Master of Mac Park competition, which remains one of the venue's signature events.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical and undulating: Mac Park constantly rises and falls, so riders need to think about braking, balance and grip while the motorcycle is moving over changes in elevation.
- A little bit of everything: Turn 1 is a sharp hairpin, while Turns 7 and 8 are much faster and more flowing. That combination rewards riders who can be both precise and confident.
- Built for motorcycles: Unlike most Australian circuits, Mac Park was designed specifically for motorcycle road racing. The track is now around 10 m wide, expanding to approximately 12 m on the start-finish straight.
Because the straight is relatively short, outright engine power is not everything. A rider who carries speed through the corners and gets the motorcycle turned efficiently can gain a lot of time.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Superbike / Outright: 1:07.846 - Arthur Sissis, Suzuki 1000, 2022.
- Supersport: 1:09.688 - Dallas Skeer, Suzuki 600, 2022.
- Supersport 300: 1:15.463 - Ghage Plowman, Yamaha 321, 2025.
- Sidecar: 1:16.450 - S. Jones / J. Budarick, Yamaha 1000, 2005.
- Historic Period 4 Unlimited: 1:14.757 - Beau Beaton, Irving Vincent 1300, 2022.
Each motorcycle category has its own lap record because engine size, age, tyres and technical regulations can differ dramatically.
Why go?
Mac Park is unusual because it is owned and operated by the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club rather than a large commercial circuit operator. Generations of volunteers have developed it into a national-standard venue while retaining the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional country race track.
Modern Superbikes, historic motorcycles, juniors and sidecars all compete here, with the Master of Mac Park one of the biggest fixtures. Camping is available during events, helping create the friendly weekend atmosphere for which the circuit is well known.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 4 raised viewing area: One of the circuit's dedicated spectator areas, offering an elevated view across a significant section of the track.
- Main straight: Best for race starts, finishes and watching the field accelerate away from the grid.
- Turns 7-8: Where event access allows, the faster sweeping section is a great place to appreciate the speed and commitment of experienced riders.
Viewing areas can change between race meetings, so follow event signage and instructions from officials on the day.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Mac Park Raceway (Mount Gambier, South Australia)
Mac Park, officially McNamara Park Raceway, is a motorcycle road-racing circuit just outside Mount Gambier in South Australia's Limestone Coast. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, although coaches and flights can get you to Mount Gambier before a taxi or pickup for the final journey.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Mount Gambier: head out of the city towards the Compton / Moorak area and follow navigation to McNamara Park Road.
- From Adelaide: drive south-east towards Mount Gambier, then use the city as your final reference point before continuing to the circuit.
- From Melbourne: approach Mount Gambier from western Victoria, then follow navigation towards McNamara Park Road.
- Navigation: enter 174 McNamara Park Road, Compton SA 5291 or search for Mac Park Raceway.
- At the venue: follow officials for spectator and competitor vehicle areas, as arrangements can vary between race meetings and ride days.
Tip: Buy fuel, food and other essentials in Mount Gambier before heading out to the circuit.
Coach & public transport
Mount Gambier can be reached without a car, but regular public transport does not continue all the way to Mac Park.
- From Adelaide: Stateliner operates South East coach services serving Mount Gambier.
- From Melbourne: V/Line operates coach connections between Melbourne and Mount Gambier via regional Victoria.
- Mount Gambier → circuit: arrange a taxi, lift or pre-booked pickup for the final journey.
- City buses: LinkSA operates three weekday city loops within Mount Gambier, but these do not provide a circuit-door service.
If you are attending a full race weekend, having your own vehicle is considerably easier than relying on local transport each day.
Mount Gambier Airport transfers
- Mount Gambier Regional Airport (MGB): the nearest passenger airport and the obvious choice if flights suit your itinerary.
- Current flights: Rex currently operates Mount Gambier services to both Adelaide and Melbourne.
- Rental car: the simplest onward option, with car-hire companies serving Mount Gambier Airport.
- Taxi: another option if you are staying in Mount Gambier, but arrange race-day journeys in advance.
Qantas suspended its Mount Gambier services in 2026, so check current flight options rather than relying on older travel guides.
Race-day tips
- Motorcycles only: Mac Park is operated by the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club and is dedicated to motorcycle road racing.
- Food: full catering is available at race meetings, with breakfast and lunch facilities at the circuit.
- Different events: the calendar includes race meetings, ride days and major events such as the Master of Mac Park, so admission and gate arrangements vary.
- Weather: Mount Gambier can be cool and changeable, so bring suitable clothing even if conditions look good when you leave town.
Camping
- On-site campground: camping is available at Mac Park and is advertised for many club ride days.
- Current ride-day rate: camping is $15 per person per night.
- Facilities: the basic campground includes toilets, running water, hot showers and plenty of shade.
- Arrival: campers must sign in with the caretaker before setting up.
Camping prices and access may differ for major race meetings, so check your event information before travelling.
Where to stay
- Mount Gambier: the easiest base, with the widest selection of hotels, motels, restaurants and shops.
- Camping: useful if you want to remain at the circuit for a multi-day motorcycle event.
- Major weekends: book accommodation early for larger meetings such as the Master of Mac Park.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: arriving by car or taxi is easiest because public transport does not serve the circuit directly.
- Before travelling: contact the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club to confirm the most suitable parking, drop-off and viewing arrangements.
- Camping: toilets and showers are available, but contact the club if you require specific accessible facilities.
Quick guide
- Driving? Navigate to 174 McNamara Park Road, just outside Mount Gambier.
- Coming by coach? Travel to Mount Gambier, then arrange a taxi or pickup for the circuit.
- Flying? Mount Gambier Airport is closest; Rex currently serves it from Adelaide and Melbourne.
Check Mac Park Raceway and your event organiser shortly before travelling, as race schedules, camping, gates and spectator arrangements can vary between meetings.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Mac Park Raceway (Mount Gambier, South Australia)
Whether you’re here for motorcycle racing, a ride day or the famous Master of Mac Park, McNamara Park Raceway puts you just outside Mount Gambier - surrounded by volcanic craters, caves, dramatic coastline and some of the Limestone Coast’s best food and wine.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Umpherston Sinkhole / Balumbul: Walk down into a collapsed limestone cave that has been transformed into a spectacular sunken garden filled with terraces, plants and hanging vines.
- Valley Lake / Ketla Malpi: This volcanic crater area has picnic grounds, walking tracks, wildlife, an adventure playground and plenty of open space for children.
- Echo Farm: Meet and feed farm animals while learning about traditional rural life - a simple change of pace for younger visitors after a noisy race day.
- Blue Lake / Warwar: Walk or drive around Mount Gambier’s famous volcanic crater lake, which becomes an especially vivid blue during the warmer months.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Engelbrecht Cave: Descend beneath suburban Mount Gambier on a guided tour through part of the limestone cave system hidden underneath the city.
- Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre: Explore changing exhibitions alongside a substantial regional collection of Australian art and works connected with the Limestone Coast.
- Tantanoola Caves: Around half an hour from Mount Gambier, this large decorated cavern is one of Australia’s relatively few wheelchair-accessible caves.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Central Mount Gambier: The city centre has the widest choice of pubs, cafés and restaurants and is the easiest place for dinner after a full day at Mac Park.
- Limestone Coast produce: Look for locally sourced beef, lamb and seafood on menus throughout the region.
- Southern rock lobster: If you head to Port MacDonnell during the season, try the seafood associated with the town known as Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster Capital.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Crater Lakes: Follow walking routes around Mount Gambier’s volcanic landscape, linking lake viewpoints, woodland and elevated lookouts close to the city.
- Mount Schank: Climb to the rim of this striking dormant volcano south of Mount Gambier, then follow the 2 km rim walk for views across the surrounding countryside.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Port MacDonnell: Around 30 minutes from Mount Gambier, South Australia’s southernmost town combines rugged coastline, maritime history, seafood and Cape Northumberland.
- Coonawarra: Head north into one of Australia’s famous red-wine regions, particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon and a compact collection of cellar doors.
- Tantanoola Caves: Combine a guided cave visit with the short clifftop walking trail and a picnic for an easy half-day trip northwest of the city.
If you are visiting Coonawarra cellar doors, nominate a driver or arrange transport rather than driving after tastings.
Good to know when visiting Mac Park
- It is primarily a motorcycle venue: Mac Park was designed specifically for motorcycle road racing, so the atmosphere is quite different from a typical car racing circuit.
- Check the calendar before travelling: The programme mixes competitive race meetings with ride days, coaching and other club activities, and spectator arrangements can vary.
- Camping is available: The club offers trackside camping for many events and ride days, making it convenient for multi-day meetings. Check current availability and fees when booking.
- Pack for Limestone Coast weather: Conditions can be cool, windy or wet even outside winter, so bring layers and rain protection as well as sunscreen for clearer days.
Circuit access, event schedules, camping, cave tours, attraction opening and weather conditions can change - check live information before travelling.