Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst)
Location:
Bathurst, NSW, Australia
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst)
|
Repco Bathurst 1000
Supercars
7 - 11 Oct
|
Track Info
Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst) - Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
Public-road circuit closed for events - clockwise - epic elevation, blind crests and the flat-out Conrod Straight into The Chase
First Race
1938
First event was a motorcycle meeting on 16 April 1938 - first car race was the Australian Grand Prix on 18 April 1938.
Circuit Length
6.213 km
3.861 miles - current full layout used since 1987.
Turns
23
Corner names include Hell Corner, Griffin's Bend, The Cutting, Reid Park, McPhillamy, Skyline, The Esses, The Dipper, Forrest's Elbow, The Chase and Murray's.
Lap Record (Official - Circuit)
1:59.291 - Christopher Mies (Audi R8 LMS), 2018
Set during Challenge Bathurst in an unrestricted GT3 - fastest officially recognised lap for the 6.213 km layout.
Elevation Change
~174 m
Steepest gradients approach 1:6 over the Mountain section.
When was the track built?
Construction began in 1936 to create a hill-climb and road circuit on public streets above Bathurst. The course opened in April 1938 and has evolved with safety upgrades, the most famous being The Chase chicane added in 1987 to slow Conrod Straight. The road remains public outside events, so you can drive it at normal road speeds when races aren’t on.
When was its first race?
The circuit’s first race meeting was for motorcycles on 16 April 1938; two days later came the Australian Grand Prix for cars, won by Peter Whitehead. Those opening days set the tone for Bathurst’s mixed two- and four-wheel heritage.
What's the circuit like?
- Mountain section: From The Cutting up to Skyline you’ll find blind crests, off-camber entries and unforgiving walls - rhythm and confidence matter more than outright power.
- Gravity ride: The plunge from Skyline through The Esses and The Dipper compresses suspensions and punishes tiny errors into Forrest’s Elbow.
- Top-speed pay-off: Conrod Straight is one of the world’s great blasts; The Chase (since 1987) creates a heavy-braking pass zone right at the end.
- Public-road quirks: Surface changes, cambers and paint lines make grip evolve rapidly as rubber builds through an event.
- Benchmark pace: Official outright 1:59.291 (Mies, GT3). An even faster exhibition lap was 1:58.67 by the Brabham BT62 in 2019, not eligible as a record.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- Official circuit record (unrestricted GT3): 1:59.291 - Christopher Mies, Audi R8 LMS, 2018 Challenge Bathurst.
- Fastest exhibition lap: 1:58.67 - Brabham BT62, 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour weekend demo (not an official record).
- GT3 - Bathurst 12 Hour pole: 2:00.8819 - Maro Engel, Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, 2023.
- Supercars - qualifying (all-time): 2:03.373 - Chaz Mostert, 2021 Top 10 Shootout.
- Supercars - fastest race lap: 2:04.7602 - Chaz Mostert, 2019.
- S5000 - fastest race lap: 1:59.8375 - James Golding, 2021.
Why go?
Bathurst is a pilgrimage - the view from McPhillamy, the sunrise mist over the Mountain, and Conrod drafts that decide classics. The Bathurst 1000 in October and the Bathurst 12 Hour in summer are bucket-list weekends with packed campsites, manufacturer displays and non-stop drama.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Griffin's Bend and The Cutting: See commitment on entry and traction fights up the hill.
- McPhillamy Park: Panoramic views across the top - small mistakes turn into big slides.
- Skyline - The Dipper: The most dramatic elevation change on the lap.
- Forrest’s Elbow: Exit matters - it sets top speed all the way down Conrod.
- The Chase grandstands: Prime passing zone into heavy braking then the sprint to Murray’s and the flag.
Not just one race: Bathurst’s calendar
Supercars - Bathurst 1000: Australia’s Great Race - the touring car epic that made the Mountain famous.
Bathurst 12 Hour (GT3): A global endurance showcase - darkness starts, sunrise stints and record-breaking poles.
Supports and specials: Porsche Carrera Cup, S5000, Toyota 86 and historic categories regularly write new chapters on the same 6.213 km strip.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Mount Panorama Circuit - Bathurst, New South Wales
Best options are the Bathurst Buslines event shuttles between town and the circuit, the internal Top of the Mountain shuttle running on major race days, driving to signed public and priority car parks around Harris Park, and rideshare or taxi to the designated drop zones. Rail reaches Bathurst Station with local buses and event shuttles for the last leg.
Campus landmark address
400 Panorama Ave, Mount Panorama NSW 2795
National Motor Racing Museum - good GPS target beside Harris Park and main spectator areas.
Closest rail
NSW TrainLink to Bathurst Station
From Sydney Central to Bathurst, then connect to local buses - event shuttles to the circuit.
Event shuttles
Town to Mountain + internal shuttle
Bathurst Buslines runs town to Mount Panorama routes - plus an internal Top of the Mountain shuttle on headline events.
Parking
Public + Priority car parks
Signed areas around Harris Park and Panorama Ave - maps show public, VIP and accessible bays.
Airports
BHS regional - SYD international
Bathurst Airport is close to town - Sydney Kingsford Smith ~2 h 40 min drive to Bathurst.
Public transport - simple into Bathurst, shuttle for the last leg
- Train to Bathurst Station: NSW TrainLink services run from Sydney Central. From the station, use Bathurst Buslines town routes or the event shuttle to Mount Panorama.
- Event shuttle - town to circuit: During the Bathurst 1000 and Bathurst 12 Hour, Bathurst Buslines publishes special shuttle timetables linking CBD hotels, park and ride points and Mt Panorama Lloyds Rd Bus Zone at the circuit. Pay on board - check the current PDF timetable.
Internal shuttles - moving between bottom and top of the Mountain
- Top of the Mountain shuttle: Runs on major event days between Harris Park - pit straight and McPhillamy Park - Skyline area. Operates continuously in the daytime with a simple fare noted each year.
- 12 Hour weekend: The event guide lists Bus Services and Top of the Mountain Access each year - check times before you go.
Driving and parking - straightforward if you follow the signs
- Approach and wayfinding: Aim for Panorama Ave and the museum address, then follow Event Parking signs and marshals into public or priority lots around Harris Park and Ray Bant Dr.
- Car park types: Maps show Public Parking, Priority Parking, VIP and Accessible Parking with pedestrian routes to gates G1 - G5 and beyond. These fill quickly on race days - arrive early.
- Road closures and diversions: Each event publishes local traffic changes and gate opening times - check the current Getting Around page.
Rideshare and taxis
- Set destination: Use Mount Panorama - Lloyds Rd Bus Zone or 400 Panorama Ave as a landmark, then follow the event s signed drop off - pick up instructions for Uber, taxis and private vehicles.
- Post race tip: Consider a short walk toward Bathurst CBD or the signed rideshare perimeter before requesting to reduce wait times.
Walking from gates and bus zones
- From Harris Park - public parking: Signed footpaths lead to gates G1 - G5 and the pit straight. Use pedestrian bridges and track crossings as listed on the event map.
- From Mt Panorama Lloyds Rd Bus Zone: Short stewarded walk into the spectator areas - follow wayfinding.
- Top of the Mountain: If you are heading to McPhillamy Park - Skyline - The Esses, take the internal shuttle or allow extra time for the uphill walk.
Accessibility - parking and on-site movement
- Accessible parking: Event maps and guides show Accessible Parking areas near Harris Park and selected viewing points. Check the current event page for exact locations.
- Accessible shuttles: Events publish accessible shuttle info and contact details for assistance during race week. Refer to the official guides for the year you are attending.
Airports and long distance travel
- Bathurst Airport BHS → Mount Panorama: short taxi or rideshare to the circuit precinct. Services vary by day - check schedules.
- Sydney SYD → Bathurst: approx 200 km by road via the Great Western Highway - around 2 h 40 min in normal conditions. Rail to Bathurst plus local bus - shuttle is another option.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Town to Mountain shuttle users: set down at Lloyds Rd Bus Zone for short walks to Harris Park and gates G1 - G5.
- Drivers: follow signs to Public Parking or Priority Parking around Harris Park off Panorama Ave - check the current parking map.
- Heading to the top: use the Top of the Mountain shuttle between the base and McPhillamy Park - Skyline.
Always follow the lot and gate on your e-ticket and check the event s Getting Around page for final shuttle times, road closures and parking updates.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Mount Panorama Circuit - Bathurst (New South Wales, Australia)
Whether you are here for the Repco Bathurst 1000, the Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, the Bathurst 6 Hour or a club weekend, the mountain overlooks a historic gold rush city filled with family museums, gardens, river walks and easy day trips for non race days.
Motorsport at Bathurst
Supercars - GT3 - Production
Public roads form the 6.213 km Mount Panorama circuit. Major events convert the loop to a closed race track several times a year.
Typical peak windows
February - April - October
GT3 12 Hour often in Feb, 6 Hour often around Easter, Bathurst 1000 traditionally in October.
Nearby hubs
Bathurst CBD - Orange - Oberon
Blue Mountains towns sit 75 - 110 minutes to the east for bigger tourist days.
Event impact
Road closures on the mountain
Mountain Straight, Skyline and Conrod Straight are public roads when races are not on. During events the loop is closed to normal traffic and access routes change.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- National Motor Racing Museum: At Murray's Corner with Bathurst winners, touring cars and bikes. Compact and perfect between sessions.
- Bathurst Rail Museum: Heritage displays with a large kids play space and model layouts.
- Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum: Home of the Somerville Collection with a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and sparkling mineral galleries.
- Adventure Playground and Machattie Park: Big play area beside shady Victorian era gardens, fountains and ponds.
- Bathurst Aquatic Centre: Indoor and outdoor pools for an easy family reset after a hot day trackside.
- Abercrombie House tours: Scottish baronial manor with gardens and seasonal events that work for mixed ages.
Museums sometimes use timed entry on busy weekends. Book morning slots if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Bathurst Regional Art Gallery - BRAG: Changing exhibitions in a bright, manageable space near the CBD.
- Bathurst Courthouse and historic walk: 1880s landmark and self guided heritage trail through the city center.
- Chifley Home: Former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley's preserved 1940s cottage for a slice of social history.
- Orange Regional Museum and Gallery: Add a short drive for a quality double act indoors on a rainy day.
- Wine and cider tastings under cover: Cellar doors around Orange and Millthorpe offer relaxed, all weather visits.
Eat and drink like a local
- Keppel Street and the CBD: Cafés, bakeries and pubs for easy group meals between sessions.
- Orange cool climate wineries: Restaurants and cellar doors serving pinot noir, chardonnay and shiraz viognier blends.
- Millthorpe village: Heritage streets with cosy bistros, a perfect lunch stop on a winery loop.
- Country classics: Schnitzels, steaks and pies feature widely in Bathurst and surrounding towns.
- Race week tip: Friday and Saturday dinner slots across Bathurst and Orange fill quickly on headline weekends. Reserve early for larger groups.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Mount Panorama lap: Walk or cycle the 6.2 km loop when the road is open to public traffic. There are gradients and blind crests, so stay well off the roadway.
- Macquarie River Walk: Flat riverside paths from Bicentennial Park with birdlife and picnic spots.
- Evans Crown Nature Reserve - Tarana: Short hike to granite tors and big valley views about 45 minutes away.
- Mayfield Garden - Oberon: One of the largest cool climate gardens in the southern hemisphere with seasonal maze and lake walks.
- Lake Canobolas - Orange: Easy loop path, playground and cafés for a relaxed family hour.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Blue Mountains - 1.5 to 2 hours. Echo Point, Three Sisters and Scenic World at Katoomba plus cliff top walks. Expect weekend crowds.
- Jenolan Caves - 1.25 to 1.75 hours. Famous limestone cave tours in a deep valley. Check road advisories and tour availability before you go.
- Hill End and Sofala - 1 to 1.5 hours. Gold rush heritage towns with galleries, lookouts and short creek walks.
- Orange food and wine loop - 40 to 60 minutes. Cellar doors, farm gates and Mount Canobolas lookouts if roads are open.
- Oberon and Kanangra-Boyd National Park - 1.5 hours. Plateau scenery and Kanangra Walls viewpoints if you add an extra half day.
Times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. Caves, gardens and cellar doors often require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - The city is busiest in Feb, around Easter and in October. Accommodation across Bathurst, Kelso and Orange books out from Thursday to Sunday.
- Weather - Inland high country climate. Summer can be hot and dry, winter mornings are cold with frost and occasional snow on the hills. Pack layers, sunscreen and a light rain shell. Evenings at the top of the mountain can feel windy.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Road status: The circuit is a public road outside events with low speed limits, residents and wildlife. During events access is by ticketed gates only and local roads adopt diversions.
- On site experiences: The National Motor Racing Museum and some lookout areas may run special hours on headline weekends.
- Camping: Event camping is in designated zones only and sells out quickly for the 1000 and 12 Hour. Outside event dates camping on the mountain is restricted.
- What to bring: Ear protection for kids, refillable bottles, hat, sunscreen and a small folding chair for the grassy banks. Sturdy shoes help on steep viewing hillsides.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, road advisories and event week operations can change - check official sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Bathurst, NSW, Australia
Track Info
Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst) - Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
Public-road circuit closed for events - clockwise - epic elevation, blind crests and the flat-out Conrod Straight into The Chase
First Race
1938
First event was a motorcycle meeting on 16 April 1938 - first car race was the Australian Grand Prix on 18 April 1938.
Circuit Length
6.213 km
3.861 miles - current full layout used since 1987.
Turns
23
Corner names include Hell Corner, Griffin's Bend, The Cutting, Reid Park, McPhillamy, Skyline, The Esses, The Dipper, Forrest's Elbow, The Chase and Murray's.
Lap Record (Official - Circuit)
1:59.291 - Christopher Mies (Audi R8 LMS), 2018
Set during Challenge Bathurst in an unrestricted GT3 - fastest officially recognised lap for the 6.213 km layout.
Elevation Change
~174 m
Steepest gradients approach 1:6 over the Mountain section.
When was the track built?
Construction began in 1936 to create a hill-climb and road circuit on public streets above Bathurst. The course opened in April 1938 and has evolved with safety upgrades, the most famous being The Chase chicane added in 1987 to slow Conrod Straight. The road remains public outside events, so you can drive it at normal road speeds when races aren’t on.
When was its first race?
The circuit’s first race meeting was for motorcycles on 16 April 1938; two days later came the Australian Grand Prix for cars, won by Peter Whitehead. Those opening days set the tone for Bathurst’s mixed two- and four-wheel heritage.
What's the circuit like?
- Mountain section: From The Cutting up to Skyline you’ll find blind crests, off-camber entries and unforgiving walls - rhythm and confidence matter more than outright power.
- Gravity ride: The plunge from Skyline through The Esses and The Dipper compresses suspensions and punishes tiny errors into Forrest’s Elbow.
- Top-speed pay-off: Conrod Straight is one of the world’s great blasts; The Chase (since 1987) creates a heavy-braking pass zone right at the end.
- Public-road quirks: Surface changes, cambers and paint lines make grip evolve rapidly as rubber builds through an event.
- Benchmark pace: Official outright 1:59.291 (Mies, GT3). An even faster exhibition lap was 1:58.67 by the Brabham BT62 in 2019, not eligible as a record.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- Official circuit record (unrestricted GT3): 1:59.291 - Christopher Mies, Audi R8 LMS, 2018 Challenge Bathurst.
- Fastest exhibition lap: 1:58.67 - Brabham BT62, 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour weekend demo (not an official record).
- GT3 - Bathurst 12 Hour pole: 2:00.8819 - Maro Engel, Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, 2023.
- Supercars - qualifying (all-time): 2:03.373 - Chaz Mostert, 2021 Top 10 Shootout.
- Supercars - fastest race lap: 2:04.7602 - Chaz Mostert, 2019.
- S5000 - fastest race lap: 1:59.8375 - James Golding, 2021.
Why go?
Bathurst is a pilgrimage - the view from McPhillamy, the sunrise mist over the Mountain, and Conrod drafts that decide classics. The Bathurst 1000 in October and the Bathurst 12 Hour in summer are bucket-list weekends with packed campsites, manufacturer displays and non-stop drama.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Griffin's Bend and The Cutting: See commitment on entry and traction fights up the hill.
- McPhillamy Park: Panoramic views across the top - small mistakes turn into big slides.
- Skyline - The Dipper: The most dramatic elevation change on the lap.
- Forrest’s Elbow: Exit matters - it sets top speed all the way down Conrod.
- The Chase grandstands: Prime passing zone into heavy braking then the sprint to Murray’s and the flag.
Not just one race: Bathurst’s calendar
Supercars - Bathurst 1000: Australia’s Great Race - the touring car epic that made the Mountain famous.
Bathurst 12 Hour (GT3): A global endurance showcase - darkness starts, sunrise stints and record-breaking poles.
Supports and specials: Porsche Carrera Cup, S5000, Toyota 86 and historic categories regularly write new chapters on the same 6.213 km strip.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Mount Panorama Circuit - Bathurst, New South Wales
Best options are the Bathurst Buslines event shuttles between town and the circuit, the internal Top of the Mountain shuttle running on major race days, driving to signed public and priority car parks around Harris Park, and rideshare or taxi to the designated drop zones. Rail reaches Bathurst Station with local buses and event shuttles for the last leg.
Campus landmark address
400 Panorama Ave, Mount Panorama NSW 2795
National Motor Racing Museum - good GPS target beside Harris Park and main spectator areas.
Closest rail
NSW TrainLink to Bathurst Station
From Sydney Central to Bathurst, then connect to local buses - event shuttles to the circuit.
Event shuttles
Town to Mountain + internal shuttle
Bathurst Buslines runs town to Mount Panorama routes - plus an internal Top of the Mountain shuttle on headline events.
Parking
Public + Priority car parks
Signed areas around Harris Park and Panorama Ave - maps show public, VIP and accessible bays.
Airports
BHS regional - SYD international
Bathurst Airport is close to town - Sydney Kingsford Smith ~2 h 40 min drive to Bathurst.
Public transport - simple into Bathurst, shuttle for the last leg
- Train to Bathurst Station: NSW TrainLink services run from Sydney Central. From the station, use Bathurst Buslines town routes or the event shuttle to Mount Panorama.
- Event shuttle - town to circuit: During the Bathurst 1000 and Bathurst 12 Hour, Bathurst Buslines publishes special shuttle timetables linking CBD hotels, park and ride points and Mt Panorama Lloyds Rd Bus Zone at the circuit. Pay on board - check the current PDF timetable.
Internal shuttles - moving between bottom and top of the Mountain
- Top of the Mountain shuttle: Runs on major event days between Harris Park - pit straight and McPhillamy Park - Skyline area. Operates continuously in the daytime with a simple fare noted each year.
- 12 Hour weekend: The event guide lists Bus Services and Top of the Mountain Access each year - check times before you go.
Driving and parking - straightforward if you follow the signs
- Approach and wayfinding: Aim for Panorama Ave and the museum address, then follow Event Parking signs and marshals into public or priority lots around Harris Park and Ray Bant Dr.
- Car park types: Maps show Public Parking, Priority Parking, VIP and Accessible Parking with pedestrian routes to gates G1 - G5 and beyond. These fill quickly on race days - arrive early.
- Road closures and diversions: Each event publishes local traffic changes and gate opening times - check the current Getting Around page.
Rideshare and taxis
- Set destination: Use Mount Panorama - Lloyds Rd Bus Zone or 400 Panorama Ave as a landmark, then follow the event s signed drop off - pick up instructions for Uber, taxis and private vehicles.
- Post race tip: Consider a short walk toward Bathurst CBD or the signed rideshare perimeter before requesting to reduce wait times.
Walking from gates and bus zones
- From Harris Park - public parking: Signed footpaths lead to gates G1 - G5 and the pit straight. Use pedestrian bridges and track crossings as listed on the event map.
- From Mt Panorama Lloyds Rd Bus Zone: Short stewarded walk into the spectator areas - follow wayfinding.
- Top of the Mountain: If you are heading to McPhillamy Park - Skyline - The Esses, take the internal shuttle or allow extra time for the uphill walk.
Accessibility - parking and on-site movement
- Accessible parking: Event maps and guides show Accessible Parking areas near Harris Park and selected viewing points. Check the current event page for exact locations.
- Accessible shuttles: Events publish accessible shuttle info and contact details for assistance during race week. Refer to the official guides for the year you are attending.
Airports and long distance travel
- Bathurst Airport BHS → Mount Panorama: short taxi or rideshare to the circuit precinct. Services vary by day - check schedules.
- Sydney SYD → Bathurst: approx 200 km by road via the Great Western Highway - around 2 h 40 min in normal conditions. Rail to Bathurst plus local bus - shuttle is another option.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Town to Mountain shuttle users: set down at Lloyds Rd Bus Zone for short walks to Harris Park and gates G1 - G5.
- Drivers: follow signs to Public Parking or Priority Parking around Harris Park off Panorama Ave - check the current parking map.
- Heading to the top: use the Top of the Mountain shuttle between the base and McPhillamy Park - Skyline.
Always follow the lot and gate on your e-ticket and check the event s Getting Around page for final shuttle times, road closures and parking updates.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Mount Panorama Circuit - Bathurst (New South Wales, Australia)
Whether you are here for the Repco Bathurst 1000, the Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, the Bathurst 6 Hour or a club weekend, the mountain overlooks a historic gold rush city filled with family museums, gardens, river walks and easy day trips for non race days.
Motorsport at Bathurst
Supercars - GT3 - Production
Public roads form the 6.213 km Mount Panorama circuit. Major events convert the loop to a closed race track several times a year.
Typical peak windows
February - April - October
GT3 12 Hour often in Feb, 6 Hour often around Easter, Bathurst 1000 traditionally in October.
Nearby hubs
Bathurst CBD - Orange - Oberon
Blue Mountains towns sit 75 - 110 minutes to the east for bigger tourist days.
Event impact
Road closures on the mountain
Mountain Straight, Skyline and Conrod Straight are public roads when races are not on. During events the loop is closed to normal traffic and access routes change.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- National Motor Racing Museum: At Murray's Corner with Bathurst winners, touring cars and bikes. Compact and perfect between sessions.
- Bathurst Rail Museum: Heritage displays with a large kids play space and model layouts.
- Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum: Home of the Somerville Collection with a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and sparkling mineral galleries.
- Adventure Playground and Machattie Park: Big play area beside shady Victorian era gardens, fountains and ponds.
- Bathurst Aquatic Centre: Indoor and outdoor pools for an easy family reset after a hot day trackside.
- Abercrombie House tours: Scottish baronial manor with gardens and seasonal events that work for mixed ages.
Museums sometimes use timed entry on busy weekends. Book morning slots if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Bathurst Regional Art Gallery - BRAG: Changing exhibitions in a bright, manageable space near the CBD.
- Bathurst Courthouse and historic walk: 1880s landmark and self guided heritage trail through the city center.
- Chifley Home: Former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley's preserved 1940s cottage for a slice of social history.
- Orange Regional Museum and Gallery: Add a short drive for a quality double act indoors on a rainy day.
- Wine and cider tastings under cover: Cellar doors around Orange and Millthorpe offer relaxed, all weather visits.
Eat and drink like a local
- Keppel Street and the CBD: Cafés, bakeries and pubs for easy group meals between sessions.
- Orange cool climate wineries: Restaurants and cellar doors serving pinot noir, chardonnay and shiraz viognier blends.
- Millthorpe village: Heritage streets with cosy bistros, a perfect lunch stop on a winery loop.
- Country classics: Schnitzels, steaks and pies feature widely in Bathurst and surrounding towns.
- Race week tip: Friday and Saturday dinner slots across Bathurst and Orange fill quickly on headline weekends. Reserve early for larger groups.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Mount Panorama lap: Walk or cycle the 6.2 km loop when the road is open to public traffic. There are gradients and blind crests, so stay well off the roadway.
- Macquarie River Walk: Flat riverside paths from Bicentennial Park with birdlife and picnic spots.
- Evans Crown Nature Reserve - Tarana: Short hike to granite tors and big valley views about 45 minutes away.
- Mayfield Garden - Oberon: One of the largest cool climate gardens in the southern hemisphere with seasonal maze and lake walks.
- Lake Canobolas - Orange: Easy loop path, playground and cafés for a relaxed family hour.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Blue Mountains - 1.5 to 2 hours. Echo Point, Three Sisters and Scenic World at Katoomba plus cliff top walks. Expect weekend crowds.
- Jenolan Caves - 1.25 to 1.75 hours. Famous limestone cave tours in a deep valley. Check road advisories and tour availability before you go.
- Hill End and Sofala - 1 to 1.5 hours. Gold rush heritage towns with galleries, lookouts and short creek walks.
- Orange food and wine loop - 40 to 60 minutes. Cellar doors, farm gates and Mount Canobolas lookouts if roads are open.
- Oberon and Kanangra-Boyd National Park - 1.5 hours. Plateau scenery and Kanangra Walls viewpoints if you add an extra half day.
Times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. Caves, gardens and cellar doors often require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - The city is busiest in Feb, around Easter and in October. Accommodation across Bathurst, Kelso and Orange books out from Thursday to Sunday.
- Weather - Inland high country climate. Summer can be hot and dry, winter mornings are cold with frost and occasional snow on the hills. Pack layers, sunscreen and a light rain shell. Evenings at the top of the mountain can feel windy.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Road status: The circuit is a public road outside events with low speed limits, residents and wildlife. During events access is by ticketed gates only and local roads adopt diversions.
- On site experiences: The National Motor Racing Museum and some lookout areas may run special hours on headline weekends.
- Camping: Event camping is in designated zones only and sells out quickly for the 1000 and 12 Hour. Outside event dates camping on the mountain is restricted.
- What to bring: Ear protection for kids, refillable bottles, hat, sunscreen and a small folding chair for the grassy banks. Sturdy shoes help on steep viewing hillsides.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, road advisories and event week operations can change - check official sites for your exact dates.
