Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Location:
Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
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Australian Grand Prix
Moto-3
23 - 25 Oct
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Australian Grand Prix
Moto-2
23 - 25 Oct
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Australian Grand Prix
MotoGP
23 - 25 Oct
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Track Info
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
Permanent road course by the Bass Strait - clockwise - fast, flowing corners with ocean winds and big tyre loads
When was the track built?
Racing began on local roads in 1928. A permanent circuit opened in 1952, fell into disrepair in the late 1970s, then returned in 1988 after a major rebuild. The flowing coastal layout you see today measures 4.448 km with 12 turns and has hosted Australia’s MotoGP since 1989 (with brief gaps), plus decades of WorldSBK and top-level touring car events.
When was its first race?
The Island’s first race was the 100 Miles Road Race in 1928 on the high-speed road circuit, later recognised as the first Australian Grand Prix. Motorcycle racing on the Island dates back to the early 1930s, with MotoGP-era events anchored at the modern circuit from 1989.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Big-radius corners linked by long, loaded arcs mean minimum speed and tyre life matter as much as outright power. The run through Stoner Corner, Hayshed and up over Lukey Heights is a commitment test.
- Wind and weather: The Bass Strait breeze shifts grip and balance corner to corner. Temperatures can swing quickly, making tyre choice and pressure management critical in MotoGP and WorldSBK.
- Heavy lateral loads: Left-handers like the Southern Loop punish the right side of the tyre; MG Hairpin is the primary big stop and passing zone for cars and bikes.
- Benchmark pace: MotoGP all-time lap record 1:26.465 (2025), race lap 1:27.765 (2024). Outright car best 1:24.0607 by a Brabham BT62 shows the circuit’s speed ceiling.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- MotoGP (all-time qualifying): 1:26.465 - Fabio Quartararo, 2025.
- MotoGP (race lap): 1:27.765 - Marc Márquez, 2024 Australian GP.
- WorldSBK (Superpole reference): 1:28.061 - Nicolò Bulega, 2024.
- Outright car (official): 1:24.0607 - Tim Slade, Brabham BT62, 2022.
- Supercars (race lap): 1:30.9508 - Scott McLaughlin, 2019.
Why go?
It’s one of the world’s great rider’s circuits: seabirds wheeling overhead, ocean on the horizon and bikes sweeping through sixth-gear corners inches apart. The atmosphere is relaxed, the vistas are unreal and the on-track product is almost always slipstream-heavy and dramatic.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Doohan Corner to Southern Loop (T1-T2): Starts, restarts and the long, loaded left show tyre management from lap one.
- Stoner Corner (T3): Blisteringly fast right-hander where bravery and aero count.
- Hayshed and Lukey Heights (T8-T9): See bikes crest and change direction at full lean before the plunge to MG.
- MG Hairpin (T10): Heaviest braking zone and best passing opportunity for both bikes and cars.
- Gardner Straight: Drafting trains and photo-finish sprints past the pits.
Not just MotoGP: headline events at the Island
WorldSBK: Season-opener tradition with multiple races and relentless drafting duels.
Australian Superbike & Nationals: Domestic two-wheel showcase that regularly resets class records on the 4.448 km course.
Touring cars and festivals: A long history from the Armstrong 500 to modern Supercars rounds and state series, plus historic meetings that let classics stretch their legs.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - Ventnor, Victoria
Best options are the V/Line coach to Cowes with local event shuttles to the circuit, special Catch-a-Coach services from Melbourne on MotoGP weekend, WorldSBK shuttle buses around Phillip Island and San Remo, and driving to on-site parking via Back Beach Road. Rideshare and taxis work well to the perimeter on Back Beach Rd.
Public transport - rail to coach, then event shuttles
- V/Line to Cowes: Take metro rail to Dandenong then the V/Line coach to Cowes. Services run daily and are the standard public option for Phillip Island. Book ahead, especially on event weekends.
- MotoGP Catch-a-Coach: On race weekend, Catch-a-Coach departs Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne on set morning windows and returns post event from the circuit.
- WorldSBK shuttles: Shuttle buses run between the circuit and points around Phillip Island and San Remo on event days.
Tip: If you are staying in Cowes, local shuttle loops to the circuit operate through the day during major events. Check the current timetable before you go.
Driving - straightforward from Melbourne
- From Melbourne CBD: M1 Monash Fwy → exit to South Gippsland Hwy M420 → Bass Hwy A420 → Philip Island Rd B420 over the San Remo bridge → follow signs to Back Beach Rd and Gate 2. Allow extra time in holiday peaks.
- Parking on-site: Event day parking uses destination based zones between Gates 1 and 7 with entry from Gate 2 on Back Beach Rd. Staff direct you by colour zone for faster exit.
Rideshare and taxis
- Set destination: 381 Back Beach Rd, Ventnor or Gate 2 - Phillip Island Circuit. On big weekends, drivers are routed to signed drop zones near the gates. Local operators include South Coast Taxis.
- Post race tip: Walking a few minutes toward Back Beach Rd before requesting can reduce pickup time when traffic is heaviest.
Walking from shuttles and lots
- From Cowes shuttles: Buses set down at the circuit and signposted footpaths lead to grandstands and spectator hills. Follow marshal directions.
- From on-site parking: Expect 5 - 15 minute signed walks depending on your zone between Gates 1 - 7.
Accessibility
- Accessible travel: V/Line coaches on the Cowes route include wheelchair accessible services on selected trips. Check the timetable symbols and book ahead.
- Accessible parking: Event parking plans at the circuit include accessible bays near main gates. Confirm locations on the event parking page for your ticketed day.
Airports and long distance travel
- Melbourne Airport MEL → circuit: approximately 162 km by road via M2 - M1 - M420 - A420 - B420. Car hire and transfer options are plentiful at MEL.
- Avalon Airport AVV → circuit: around 189 km by road. Useful for some domestic flights but MEL is usually more convenient for Phillip Island.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- V/Line coach users: alight at Cowes Transit Centre and use event shuttles to the circuit.
- MotoGP Catch-a-Coach: board at Southern Cross Coach Terminal and return from the circuit coach stop after racing.
- Drivers: enter via Gate 2 on Back Beach Rd and park in the signed zone between Gates 1 - 7.
- WorldSBK visitors: use the event shuttle between San Remo - Cowes and the circuit on Saturday - Sunday.
Always follow the gate and lot on your e-ticket and check the current MotoGP - WorldSBK transport pages or V/Line for final shuttle times, parking maps and any road changes.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (Phillip Island - Victoria, Australia)
Whether you are here for MotoGP, WorldSBK, the Island Classic, Shannons SpeedSeries or club events, the oceanfront circuit sits minutes from penguins, surf beaches, coastal walks and family attractions - perfect for mornings, evenings and non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Penguin Parade - Summerland: Watch little penguins waddle ashore at dusk from tiered boardwalks. Timed tickets and capacity limits apply on busy nights.
- Koala Conservation Reserve: Tree top boardwalks bring you eye level with dozing koalas amid wallabies and birdlife.
- The Nobbies and Seal Rocks: Cliff top boardwalks, blowholes on wild days and the Antarctic Journey interactive zone inside the Nobbies Centre.
- Churchill Island Heritage Farm: A short bridge away for working farm shows, heritage cottages and easy grass walks with bay views.
- A Maze N Things - Phillip Island: Mazes, optical rooms and mini golf - great rainy day fallback with kids.
- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre: On select non event days find go karting on a scale replica layout, museum displays and guided circuit tours.
Penguin Parade, Koala Reserve and Nobbies are managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks with seasonal schedules and timed entry on peak days.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Phillip Island Chocolate Factory - Newhaven: Interactive exhibits, tasting windows and a short factory walk - an easy hour indoors.
- National Vietnam Veterans Museum: Aircraft, vehicles and local stories in a volunteer led museum near the airfield.
- Island markets and galleries: Rotating weekend markets around Cowes and artisan spots for local produce and art.
- Historic walk - Cowes foreshore: Gentle promenade with heritage panels, jetties and cafés for a weather safe loop.
Eat and drink like a local
- Cowes Esplanade and Thompson Ave: Family friendly pubs, fish and chips, gelato and late dessert stops after qualifying.
- San Remo: Classic fish co ops by the bridge with daily pelican feeding on most days - check times.
- Surf coast cafés - Smiths Beach and Newhaven: Brunch spots and coffee nooks close to popular breaks and walks.
- Winery and distillery detours: Small cellar doors and tasting rooms across the island for a relaxed afternoon if schedules allow.
- Race week tip: Friday and Saturday prime tables across Cowes and San Remo book out quickly - reserve for groups.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Cape Woolamai walks: Choose The Pinnacles track for sea cliffs and shearwater rookeries in season - allow 60 to 120 minutes depending on loop.
- Smiths Beach and YCW: Sheltered coves for swims on calmer days and reliable learner surf schools.
- Kitty Miller Bay - SS Speke wreck: Low tide rock hopping to a dramatic iron shipwreck - check tide charts and conditions.
- Rhyll Inlet and Conservation Hill: Boardwalk bird hides over quiet mangroves - flat and family friendly.
- Bass Coast Rail Trail: Easy grade gravel from Anderson toward Wonthaggi with farm views - hire bikes in town.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Mornington Peninsula - 60 to 90 minutes. Hot springs, farm gates and coastal walks around Sorrento and Portsea.
- Wilsons Promontory - 2 to 2.5 hours. White sand beaches and granite peaks - best as a long full day or overnight.
- Inverloch and Bunurong Coast - 45 to 70 minutes. Cliff top lookouts, dinosaur dig site boardwalks and family beaches.
- Melbourne - About 2 hours. Federation Square, NGV, laneway cafés and sports precinct tours if you are adding city nights.
- French Island National Park - Ferry from Cowes or Stony Point on selected schedules for wild koala spotting and quiet tracks.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Popular parks and hot springs often require dated tickets and have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Summer holidays and major race weeks fill accommodation across Cowes, Newhaven and San Remo from Thursday to Sunday. Book early.
- Weather - Maritime and changeable. Expect strong coastal wind, cool mornings and quick showers even in summer. Pack layers, a windproof shell and sunscreen. Evenings trackside can feel chilly.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Karting, museum and circuit tours may pause or switch to special hours on headline weekends - check the weekly schedule.
- Wildlife and roads: Penguins, wallabies and echidnas cross rural roads at dawn and dusk - drive carefully, especially after sessions.
- Penguin Parade timing: Sunset varies by season. Arrive early for boardwalk seats and bring warm layers and a beanie - sea breeze bites after dark.
- Beaches and safety: Surf beaches can have strong rips. Swim between flags when patrols are active and check conditions before rock platform walks.
- Packing list: Ear protection for children, hat, sunglasses, refillable bottles and a small folding chair or blanket for grassy spectator banks.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, wildlife timings and event week operations can change - check official circuit and Phillip Island Nature Parks sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
Track Info
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
Permanent road course by the Bass Strait - clockwise - fast, flowing corners with ocean winds and big tyre loads
When was the track built?
Racing began on local roads in 1928. A permanent circuit opened in 1952, fell into disrepair in the late 1970s, then returned in 1988 after a major rebuild. The flowing coastal layout you see today measures 4.448 km with 12 turns and has hosted Australia’s MotoGP since 1989 (with brief gaps), plus decades of WorldSBK and top-level touring car events.
When was its first race?
The Island’s first race was the 100 Miles Road Race in 1928 on the high-speed road circuit, later recognised as the first Australian Grand Prix. Motorcycle racing on the Island dates back to the early 1930s, with MotoGP-era events anchored at the modern circuit from 1989.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Big-radius corners linked by long, loaded arcs mean minimum speed and tyre life matter as much as outright power. The run through Stoner Corner, Hayshed and up over Lukey Heights is a commitment test.
- Wind and weather: The Bass Strait breeze shifts grip and balance corner to corner. Temperatures can swing quickly, making tyre choice and pressure management critical in MotoGP and WorldSBK.
- Heavy lateral loads: Left-handers like the Southern Loop punish the right side of the tyre; MG Hairpin is the primary big stop and passing zone for cars and bikes.
- Benchmark pace: MotoGP all-time lap record 1:26.465 (2025), race lap 1:27.765 (2024). Outright car best 1:24.0607 by a Brabham BT62 shows the circuit’s speed ceiling.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- MotoGP (all-time qualifying): 1:26.465 - Fabio Quartararo, 2025.
- MotoGP (race lap): 1:27.765 - Marc Márquez, 2024 Australian GP.
- WorldSBK (Superpole reference): 1:28.061 - Nicolò Bulega, 2024.
- Outright car (official): 1:24.0607 - Tim Slade, Brabham BT62, 2022.
- Supercars (race lap): 1:30.9508 - Scott McLaughlin, 2019.
Why go?
It’s one of the world’s great rider’s circuits: seabirds wheeling overhead, ocean on the horizon and bikes sweeping through sixth-gear corners inches apart. The atmosphere is relaxed, the vistas are unreal and the on-track product is almost always slipstream-heavy and dramatic.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Doohan Corner to Southern Loop (T1-T2): Starts, restarts and the long, loaded left show tyre management from lap one.
- Stoner Corner (T3): Blisteringly fast right-hander where bravery and aero count.
- Hayshed and Lukey Heights (T8-T9): See bikes crest and change direction at full lean before the plunge to MG.
- MG Hairpin (T10): Heaviest braking zone and best passing opportunity for both bikes and cars.
- Gardner Straight: Drafting trains and photo-finish sprints past the pits.
Not just MotoGP: headline events at the Island
WorldSBK: Season-opener tradition with multiple races and relentless drafting duels.
Australian Superbike & Nationals: Domestic two-wheel showcase that regularly resets class records on the 4.448 km course.
Touring cars and festivals: A long history from the Armstrong 500 to modern Supercars rounds and state series, plus historic meetings that let classics stretch their legs.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - Ventnor, Victoria
Best options are the V/Line coach to Cowes with local event shuttles to the circuit, special Catch-a-Coach services from Melbourne on MotoGP weekend, WorldSBK shuttle buses around Phillip Island and San Remo, and driving to on-site parking via Back Beach Road. Rideshare and taxis work well to the perimeter on Back Beach Rd.
Public transport - rail to coach, then event shuttles
- V/Line to Cowes: Take metro rail to Dandenong then the V/Line coach to Cowes. Services run daily and are the standard public option for Phillip Island. Book ahead, especially on event weekends.
- MotoGP Catch-a-Coach: On race weekend, Catch-a-Coach departs Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne on set morning windows and returns post event from the circuit.
- WorldSBK shuttles: Shuttle buses run between the circuit and points around Phillip Island and San Remo on event days.
Tip: If you are staying in Cowes, local shuttle loops to the circuit operate through the day during major events. Check the current timetable before you go.
Driving - straightforward from Melbourne
- From Melbourne CBD: M1 Monash Fwy → exit to South Gippsland Hwy M420 → Bass Hwy A420 → Philip Island Rd B420 over the San Remo bridge → follow signs to Back Beach Rd and Gate 2. Allow extra time in holiday peaks.
- Parking on-site: Event day parking uses destination based zones between Gates 1 and 7 with entry from Gate 2 on Back Beach Rd. Staff direct you by colour zone for faster exit.
Rideshare and taxis
- Set destination: 381 Back Beach Rd, Ventnor or Gate 2 - Phillip Island Circuit. On big weekends, drivers are routed to signed drop zones near the gates. Local operators include South Coast Taxis.
- Post race tip: Walking a few minutes toward Back Beach Rd before requesting can reduce pickup time when traffic is heaviest.
Walking from shuttles and lots
- From Cowes shuttles: Buses set down at the circuit and signposted footpaths lead to grandstands and spectator hills. Follow marshal directions.
- From on-site parking: Expect 5 - 15 minute signed walks depending on your zone between Gates 1 - 7.
Accessibility
- Accessible travel: V/Line coaches on the Cowes route include wheelchair accessible services on selected trips. Check the timetable symbols and book ahead.
- Accessible parking: Event parking plans at the circuit include accessible bays near main gates. Confirm locations on the event parking page for your ticketed day.
Airports and long distance travel
- Melbourne Airport MEL → circuit: approximately 162 km by road via M2 - M1 - M420 - A420 - B420. Car hire and transfer options are plentiful at MEL.
- Avalon Airport AVV → circuit: around 189 km by road. Useful for some domestic flights but MEL is usually more convenient for Phillip Island.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- V/Line coach users: alight at Cowes Transit Centre and use event shuttles to the circuit.
- MotoGP Catch-a-Coach: board at Southern Cross Coach Terminal and return from the circuit coach stop after racing.
- Drivers: enter via Gate 2 on Back Beach Rd and park in the signed zone between Gates 1 - 7.
- WorldSBK visitors: use the event shuttle between San Remo - Cowes and the circuit on Saturday - Sunday.
Always follow the gate and lot on your e-ticket and check the current MotoGP - WorldSBK transport pages or V/Line for final shuttle times, parking maps and any road changes.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (Phillip Island - Victoria, Australia)
Whether you are here for MotoGP, WorldSBK, the Island Classic, Shannons SpeedSeries or club events, the oceanfront circuit sits minutes from penguins, surf beaches, coastal walks and family attractions - perfect for mornings, evenings and non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Penguin Parade - Summerland: Watch little penguins waddle ashore at dusk from tiered boardwalks. Timed tickets and capacity limits apply on busy nights.
- Koala Conservation Reserve: Tree top boardwalks bring you eye level with dozing koalas amid wallabies and birdlife.
- The Nobbies and Seal Rocks: Cliff top boardwalks, blowholes on wild days and the Antarctic Journey interactive zone inside the Nobbies Centre.
- Churchill Island Heritage Farm: A short bridge away for working farm shows, heritage cottages and easy grass walks with bay views.
- A Maze N Things - Phillip Island: Mazes, optical rooms and mini golf - great rainy day fallback with kids.
- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre: On select non event days find go karting on a scale replica layout, museum displays and guided circuit tours.
Penguin Parade, Koala Reserve and Nobbies are managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks with seasonal schedules and timed entry on peak days.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Phillip Island Chocolate Factory - Newhaven: Interactive exhibits, tasting windows and a short factory walk - an easy hour indoors.
- National Vietnam Veterans Museum: Aircraft, vehicles and local stories in a volunteer led museum near the airfield.
- Island markets and galleries: Rotating weekend markets around Cowes and artisan spots for local produce and art.
- Historic walk - Cowes foreshore: Gentle promenade with heritage panels, jetties and cafés for a weather safe loop.
Eat and drink like a local
- Cowes Esplanade and Thompson Ave: Family friendly pubs, fish and chips, gelato and late dessert stops after qualifying.
- San Remo: Classic fish co ops by the bridge with daily pelican feeding on most days - check times.
- Surf coast cafés - Smiths Beach and Newhaven: Brunch spots and coffee nooks close to popular breaks and walks.
- Winery and distillery detours: Small cellar doors and tasting rooms across the island for a relaxed afternoon if schedules allow.
- Race week tip: Friday and Saturday prime tables across Cowes and San Remo book out quickly - reserve for groups.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Cape Woolamai walks: Choose The Pinnacles track for sea cliffs and shearwater rookeries in season - allow 60 to 120 minutes depending on loop.
- Smiths Beach and YCW: Sheltered coves for swims on calmer days and reliable learner surf schools.
- Kitty Miller Bay - SS Speke wreck: Low tide rock hopping to a dramatic iron shipwreck - check tide charts and conditions.
- Rhyll Inlet and Conservation Hill: Boardwalk bird hides over quiet mangroves - flat and family friendly.
- Bass Coast Rail Trail: Easy grade gravel from Anderson toward Wonthaggi with farm views - hire bikes in town.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Mornington Peninsula - 60 to 90 minutes. Hot springs, farm gates and coastal walks around Sorrento and Portsea.
- Wilsons Promontory - 2 to 2.5 hours. White sand beaches and granite peaks - best as a long full day or overnight.
- Inverloch and Bunurong Coast - 45 to 70 minutes. Cliff top lookouts, dinosaur dig site boardwalks and family beaches.
- Melbourne - About 2 hours. Federation Square, NGV, laneway cafés and sports precinct tours if you are adding city nights.
- French Island National Park - Ferry from Cowes or Stony Point on selected schedules for wild koala spotting and quiet tracks.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Popular parks and hot springs often require dated tickets and have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Summer holidays and major race weeks fill accommodation across Cowes, Newhaven and San Remo from Thursday to Sunday. Book early.
- Weather - Maritime and changeable. Expect strong coastal wind, cool mornings and quick showers even in summer. Pack layers, a windproof shell and sunscreen. Evenings trackside can feel chilly.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Karting, museum and circuit tours may pause or switch to special hours on headline weekends - check the weekly schedule.
- Wildlife and roads: Penguins, wallabies and echidnas cross rural roads at dawn and dusk - drive carefully, especially after sessions.
- Penguin Parade timing: Sunset varies by season. Arrive early for boardwalk seats and bring warm layers and a beanie - sea breeze bites after dark.
- Beaches and safety: Surf beaches can have strong rips. Swim between flags when patrols are active and check conditions before rock platform walks.
- Packing list: Ear protection for children, hat, sunglasses, refillable bottles and a small folding chair or blanket for grassy spectator banks.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, wildlife timings and event week operations can change - check official circuit and Phillip Island Nature Parks sites for your exact dates.
