Symmons Plains Raceway
Location:
Perth (near Launceston), Tasmania, Australia, Australia
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Symmons Plains Raceway
|
Tasmania Super 440
Supercars
21 - 24 May
|
Track Info
Symmons Plains Raceway - near Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Short, fast and brutal on brakes - clockwise - 2.411 km with 7 turns, a monster back straight and the ultra-tight hairpin that defines race craft
When was the track built?
Symmons Plains was carved from the Youl family’s farmland and opened in 1960 to give Tasmania a permanent home for circuit racing after years of road events at Longford. It has run essentially the same 2.411 km outline ever since, with a major facilities upgrade in 2004 to modernise pits, safety barriers and the start-finish positioning.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race meeting was held on 13 March 1960, kicking off a tradition that soon drew national headliners. By 1969 Symmons Plains was a fixture of the Australian Touring Car Championship and remains Supercars’ Tasmanian home.
What’s the circuit like?
- Power into patience: A long back straight fires cars into a heavy stop for the left at T6, but the lap’s heartbeat is the ultra-tight hairpin at T4 where banking helps brave late-brakers complete passes.
- Brake torture test: Seven-corner, sub-minute laps mean repeated max-pressure stops and traction fights off low-speed exits. Supercars engineers call it one of the trickiest short laps in Australia.
- Compact sightlines: From many banks you can see multiple corners, including the sprint from Dunlop Corner to the hairpin and the drag to Coates Corner.
- Benchmark pace: Outright 0:48.5598 (S5000); modern Supercars race laps low 51s; front-running TCR laps mid 55s.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- S5000 - race lap (outright): 0:48.5598 - Joey Mawson, Ligier JS F3-S5000, 2022.
- Supercars - race lap: 0:51.2276 - Mark Winterbottom, 2019. Qualifying bests often dip under 51s.
- Supercars - qualifying reference: 0:50.9676 - Jamie Whincup, 2014 pole.
- Porsche Carrera Cup Australia - race lap: 0:52.1160 - Clay Osborne, 2024.
- TCR Australia - qualifying/race pace: mid 55s, with fastest laps around 0:55.7 in 2022.
Why go?
It’s pure elbows-out sprint racing. The field bunches at the hairpin, brake temperatures rocket, and the slipstream to T6 produces decisive lunges. Supercars’ Tasmania Super 440 is one of the island’s biggest sporting weekends, backed by stacked national support cards and excellent spectator banks.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- NED Whisky Hairpin (T4): The signature overtake - deep braking, banking-assisted rotation and switchbacks on exit.
- End of back straight - T6 left: Biggest stop from top speed, side-by-side entries and brave outside passes.
- Coates Corner (T7): Final braking duel and the slingshot to the flag - great for late-race drama.
Not just one series - headline events at Symmons Plains
Supercars Championship: Tasmania Super 440 - long-time national fixture with sub-51s qualifying flyers.
S5000: Australia’s big single-seaters set the outright lap marks in 2021–2022.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Trans Am, TCR Australia: Modern GT and touring classes deliver relentless, close-quarters racing on the seven-corner sprint.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Symmons Plains Raceway - Perth, Tasmania
Best options are driving via the Midland Highway A1 to the signed gates, special event coaches from Launceston on Supercars weekends, and on site parking including Park and View upgrade areas. The circuit is about 25 - 30 km south of Launceston, just beyond Perth township.
Public transport - event coaches or regional bus to Perth then taxi
- Supercars event coaches: On major weekends, operators run Launceston Inveresk → Symmons Plains express services. Check the current event page for the year’s provider and timetable.
- Regional bus + taxi: Outside special shuttles, use Tassielink routes serving Perth township (for example Route 796 corridor), then take a taxi for the short hop to the gates.
- Travel time example: Launceston city to the circuit is roughly 30 km by road. Bus to Perth plus a taxi typically takes 35+ minutes.
There is no regular public bus directly into the venue except event-day shuttles. Plan the last leg by taxi or rideshare.
Driving - Midland Highway A1 to signed entries
- Approach: From Launceston head south on the Midland Highway A1 past Perth. Follow brown - temporary event signs for Symmons Plains Raceway to the vehicle entry gates.
- Gate - lot routing: Event maps show Vehicle Entry Gate 2 for General Admission, plus dedicated bays for accessible, VIP, motorcycle and buses. Always follow marshal direction on race days.
Parking - free GA, Park and View upgrades, accessible bays
- General Admission: Free public parking is provided on site, typically inside Gate 2.
- Park and View: Ticketed upgrade areas allow you to park trackside in marked zones. Book in advance for Supercars weekends.
- Accessible parking: Event maps indicate Accessible bays near spectator areas. Display your permit and follow signage.
Camping - limited self-contained options
- Self-contained vehicles: Motorsports Tasmania publishes information for self-contained motorhomes - caravans at a designated area near the highway. No tent camping on site. Availability varies by event.
Taxis - rideshare - set downs
- Set destination: Symmons Plains Raceway, 14872 Midland Highway, Perth TAS 7300. Staff will route drop off - pick up to active gates.
- From Launceston Airport LST: Allow around 15 - 20 minutes by road to the circuit depending on traffic.
Walking from lots - viewing banks
- From GA parking: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks to main spectator mounds and grandstands depending on your lot. Event maps show signed paths and accessible viewing.
- From Park and View zones: You are parked trackside in marked embankment areas. Follow marshal instructions for foot access to amenities.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Launceston LST → Symmons: nearest airport at Western Junction, typically 15 - 20 minutes by car.
- Devonport DPO - Hobart HBA: alternative gateways with longer drive times. Race FAQ lists the circuit roughly 1 hour from Devonport and 2 hours north of Hobart.
About the venue - quick context
- 2.411 km - 7 turns clockwise: Opened 1960, famous for its long back straight and ultra-tight hairpin. Hosts the Supercars Tasmania Super 440.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: Midland Highway A1 → follow Symmons Plains signs. GA parking free inside Gate 2.
- Without a car: use event coaches from Launceston Inveresk on race weekends or Tassielink to Perth then taxi.
- Park and View: upgrade to park trackside in marked embankments.
- Address for rides: 14872 Midland Highway, Perth TAS 7300.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Symmons Plains Raceway - Perth - Launceston - Northern Tasmania (Australia)
Whether you are here for the Supercars Tasmania SuperSprint, SpeedSeries rounds like TCR - Trans Am - S5000, historics, state racing, drifting or a trackday, this classic short circuit sits just south of Launceston with gorges, caves, wildlife encounters and cool climate vineyards to fill your non race time.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Cataract Gorge Reserve - Launceston: Chairlift, suspension bridge, peacocks and riverside lawns. An easy 1 - 2 hour wander.
- Tasmania Zoo - Riverside: Native wildlife including devils, quolls and wombats, plus farmyard areas.
- Seahorse World & Platypus House - Beauty Point: Close up encounters that are ideal in mixed weather and great with kids.
- Launceston City Park: Playgrounds, conservatory and the famous Japanese macaques enclosure.
- National Automobile Museum of Tasmania: Rotating exhibits of road and race machines right in the city.
- Evandale Sunday Market: Vintage stalls, produce and snacks in a postcard village (check seasonal hours).
Popular family venues may use timed entry or have last entry cutoffs. Book morning slots if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery - QVMAG: Two sites covering Tasmanian history, natural science and art.
- Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre: Hands on mining history that pairs nicely with a Tamar River lunch stop.
- Franklin House - Youngtown: Colonial era house and gardens for a compact heritage visit.
- Penny Royal Adventures - Launceston: Cliff walks, heritage displays and casual dining beside the gorge precinct.
- Longford - Woolmers Estate: World Heritage listed convict sites and rose gardens just west of the circuit.
Eat and drink like a local
- Tamar Valley cellar doors: Cool climate riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir. Many offer kid friendly lawns and platters. Designate a driver.
- Launceston eateries: Strong coffee culture, bakeries and bistros around Charles Street and Seaport.
- Country pubs - Longford - Evandale: Hearty pies, schnitzels and Tassie steaks with fireplaces on cool evenings.
- Iconic Tasmanian bites: Scallop pies, oysters, smoked salmon and raspberries feature widely. Ashgrove Dairy cheese and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm are easy detours if you are road tripping west.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables in Launceston and village pubs book fast on Supercars weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Tamar Island Wetlands: Boardwalks and bird hides for a gentle hour in nature.
- Hollybank Forest Reserve: Tree top zip lines, Segway tours and shaded walking trails 20 - 30 minutes from town.
- Ben Lomond National Park: Alpine views and short summit loops via the famous Jacob's Ladder road when conditions allow.
- Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area: Cliff top lookouts, mountain bike loops and picnic spots near the gorge.
- Low Head coastal walk: Lighthouse views and evening little penguin tours with licensed operators.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair - 2 to 2.5 hours. Boardwalks, wombat spotting and mirror lakes if you add a full day.
- Bay of Fires - St Helens - 2 to 3 hours. White sands, orange lichen boulders and quiet coves on the east coast.
- Mole Creek Karst National Park - 70 to 100 minutes. Marakoopa and King Solomons caves are excellent in any weather.
- Pipers River - Pipers Brook - 45 to 70 minutes. Sparkling wine houses like Jansz and vineyard lunches.
- Narawntapu National Park - 60 to 90 minutes. Wallabies at dusk, wide beaches and birdlife.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Cave tours, penguin tours and some parks require dated tickets, weather checks or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring to autumn carries Supercars and SpeedSeries, with state racing and club days across the warmer months. Launceston hotels and local campsites fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Cool temperate and changeable. Expect bright sun with crisp mornings, sea breezes and quick showers. Pack layers, a warm evening jacket, sunscreen and a light rain shell.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public experiences and karting may pause or switch to special hours on major weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Open spectator mounds with limited natural cover. A compact chair or seat pad and refillable bottles make long days easier.
- Footwear: Grippy shoes for grassy banks and dewy mornings. Paths can be slick after showers.
- Historic detour: The old Longford road racing course sits nearby. Respect local traffic and private property if you drive the route.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, warm layers for evening temperature drops and a small towel for gorge or beach stops.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, tour - cave ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit, park and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Perth (near Launceston), Tasmania, Australia, Australia
Track Info
Symmons Plains Raceway - near Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Short, fast and brutal on brakes - clockwise - 2.411 km with 7 turns, a monster back straight and the ultra-tight hairpin that defines race craft
When was the track built?
Symmons Plains was carved from the Youl family’s farmland and opened in 1960 to give Tasmania a permanent home for circuit racing after years of road events at Longford. It has run essentially the same 2.411 km outline ever since, with a major facilities upgrade in 2004 to modernise pits, safety barriers and the start-finish positioning.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race meeting was held on 13 March 1960, kicking off a tradition that soon drew national headliners. By 1969 Symmons Plains was a fixture of the Australian Touring Car Championship and remains Supercars’ Tasmanian home.
What’s the circuit like?
- Power into patience: A long back straight fires cars into a heavy stop for the left at T6, but the lap’s heartbeat is the ultra-tight hairpin at T4 where banking helps brave late-brakers complete passes.
- Brake torture test: Seven-corner, sub-minute laps mean repeated max-pressure stops and traction fights off low-speed exits. Supercars engineers call it one of the trickiest short laps in Australia.
- Compact sightlines: From many banks you can see multiple corners, including the sprint from Dunlop Corner to the hairpin and the drag to Coates Corner.
- Benchmark pace: Outright 0:48.5598 (S5000); modern Supercars race laps low 51s; front-running TCR laps mid 55s.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- S5000 - race lap (outright): 0:48.5598 - Joey Mawson, Ligier JS F3-S5000, 2022.
- Supercars - race lap: 0:51.2276 - Mark Winterbottom, 2019. Qualifying bests often dip under 51s.
- Supercars - qualifying reference: 0:50.9676 - Jamie Whincup, 2014 pole.
- Porsche Carrera Cup Australia - race lap: 0:52.1160 - Clay Osborne, 2024.
- TCR Australia - qualifying/race pace: mid 55s, with fastest laps around 0:55.7 in 2022.
Why go?
It’s pure elbows-out sprint racing. The field bunches at the hairpin, brake temperatures rocket, and the slipstream to T6 produces decisive lunges. Supercars’ Tasmania Super 440 is one of the island’s biggest sporting weekends, backed by stacked national support cards and excellent spectator banks.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- NED Whisky Hairpin (T4): The signature overtake - deep braking, banking-assisted rotation and switchbacks on exit.
- End of back straight - T6 left: Biggest stop from top speed, side-by-side entries and brave outside passes.
- Coates Corner (T7): Final braking duel and the slingshot to the flag - great for late-race drama.
Not just one series - headline events at Symmons Plains
Supercars Championship: Tasmania Super 440 - long-time national fixture with sub-51s qualifying flyers.
S5000: Australia’s big single-seaters set the outright lap marks in 2021–2022.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Trans Am, TCR Australia: Modern GT and touring classes deliver relentless, close-quarters racing on the seven-corner sprint.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Symmons Plains Raceway - Perth, Tasmania
Best options are driving via the Midland Highway A1 to the signed gates, special event coaches from Launceston on Supercars weekends, and on site parking including Park and View upgrade areas. The circuit is about 25 - 30 km south of Launceston, just beyond Perth township.
Public transport - event coaches or regional bus to Perth then taxi
- Supercars event coaches: On major weekends, operators run Launceston Inveresk → Symmons Plains express services. Check the current event page for the year’s provider and timetable.
- Regional bus + taxi: Outside special shuttles, use Tassielink routes serving Perth township (for example Route 796 corridor), then take a taxi for the short hop to the gates.
- Travel time example: Launceston city to the circuit is roughly 30 km by road. Bus to Perth plus a taxi typically takes 35+ minutes.
There is no regular public bus directly into the venue except event-day shuttles. Plan the last leg by taxi or rideshare.
Driving - Midland Highway A1 to signed entries
- Approach: From Launceston head south on the Midland Highway A1 past Perth. Follow brown - temporary event signs for Symmons Plains Raceway to the vehicle entry gates.
- Gate - lot routing: Event maps show Vehicle Entry Gate 2 for General Admission, plus dedicated bays for accessible, VIP, motorcycle and buses. Always follow marshal direction on race days.
Parking - free GA, Park and View upgrades, accessible bays
- General Admission: Free public parking is provided on site, typically inside Gate 2.
- Park and View: Ticketed upgrade areas allow you to park trackside in marked zones. Book in advance for Supercars weekends.
- Accessible parking: Event maps indicate Accessible bays near spectator areas. Display your permit and follow signage.
Camping - limited self-contained options
- Self-contained vehicles: Motorsports Tasmania publishes information for self-contained motorhomes - caravans at a designated area near the highway. No tent camping on site. Availability varies by event.
Taxis - rideshare - set downs
- Set destination: Symmons Plains Raceway, 14872 Midland Highway, Perth TAS 7300. Staff will route drop off - pick up to active gates.
- From Launceston Airport LST: Allow around 15 - 20 minutes by road to the circuit depending on traffic.
Walking from lots - viewing banks
- From GA parking: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks to main spectator mounds and grandstands depending on your lot. Event maps show signed paths and accessible viewing.
- From Park and View zones: You are parked trackside in marked embankment areas. Follow marshal instructions for foot access to amenities.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Launceston LST → Symmons: nearest airport at Western Junction, typically 15 - 20 minutes by car.
- Devonport DPO - Hobart HBA: alternative gateways with longer drive times. Race FAQ lists the circuit roughly 1 hour from Devonport and 2 hours north of Hobart.
About the venue - quick context
- 2.411 km - 7 turns clockwise: Opened 1960, famous for its long back straight and ultra-tight hairpin. Hosts the Supercars Tasmania Super 440.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: Midland Highway A1 → follow Symmons Plains signs. GA parking free inside Gate 2.
- Without a car: use event coaches from Launceston Inveresk on race weekends or Tassielink to Perth then taxi.
- Park and View: upgrade to park trackside in marked embankments.
- Address for rides: 14872 Midland Highway, Perth TAS 7300.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Symmons Plains Raceway - Perth - Launceston - Northern Tasmania (Australia)
Whether you are here for the Supercars Tasmania SuperSprint, SpeedSeries rounds like TCR - Trans Am - S5000, historics, state racing, drifting or a trackday, this classic short circuit sits just south of Launceston with gorges, caves, wildlife encounters and cool climate vineyards to fill your non race time.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Cataract Gorge Reserve - Launceston: Chairlift, suspension bridge, peacocks and riverside lawns. An easy 1 - 2 hour wander.
- Tasmania Zoo - Riverside: Native wildlife including devils, quolls and wombats, plus farmyard areas.
- Seahorse World & Platypus House - Beauty Point: Close up encounters that are ideal in mixed weather and great with kids.
- Launceston City Park: Playgrounds, conservatory and the famous Japanese macaques enclosure.
- National Automobile Museum of Tasmania: Rotating exhibits of road and race machines right in the city.
- Evandale Sunday Market: Vintage stalls, produce and snacks in a postcard village (check seasonal hours).
Popular family venues may use timed entry or have last entry cutoffs. Book morning slots if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery - QVMAG: Two sites covering Tasmanian history, natural science and art.
- Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre: Hands on mining history that pairs nicely with a Tamar River lunch stop.
- Franklin House - Youngtown: Colonial era house and gardens for a compact heritage visit.
- Penny Royal Adventures - Launceston: Cliff walks, heritage displays and casual dining beside the gorge precinct.
- Longford - Woolmers Estate: World Heritage listed convict sites and rose gardens just west of the circuit.
Eat and drink like a local
- Tamar Valley cellar doors: Cool climate riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir. Many offer kid friendly lawns and platters. Designate a driver.
- Launceston eateries: Strong coffee culture, bakeries and bistros around Charles Street and Seaport.
- Country pubs - Longford - Evandale: Hearty pies, schnitzels and Tassie steaks with fireplaces on cool evenings.
- Iconic Tasmanian bites: Scallop pies, oysters, smoked salmon and raspberries feature widely. Ashgrove Dairy cheese and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm are easy detours if you are road tripping west.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables in Launceston and village pubs book fast on Supercars weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Tamar Island Wetlands: Boardwalks and bird hides for a gentle hour in nature.
- Hollybank Forest Reserve: Tree top zip lines, Segway tours and shaded walking trails 20 - 30 minutes from town.
- Ben Lomond National Park: Alpine views and short summit loops via the famous Jacob's Ladder road when conditions allow.
- Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area: Cliff top lookouts, mountain bike loops and picnic spots near the gorge.
- Low Head coastal walk: Lighthouse views and evening little penguin tours with licensed operators.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair - 2 to 2.5 hours. Boardwalks, wombat spotting and mirror lakes if you add a full day.
- Bay of Fires - St Helens - 2 to 3 hours. White sands, orange lichen boulders and quiet coves on the east coast.
- Mole Creek Karst National Park - 70 to 100 minutes. Marakoopa and King Solomons caves are excellent in any weather.
- Pipers River - Pipers Brook - 45 to 70 minutes. Sparkling wine houses like Jansz and vineyard lunches.
- Narawntapu National Park - 60 to 90 minutes. Wallabies at dusk, wide beaches and birdlife.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Cave tours, penguin tours and some parks require dated tickets, weather checks or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring to autumn carries Supercars and SpeedSeries, with state racing and club days across the warmer months. Launceston hotels and local campsites fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Cool temperate and changeable. Expect bright sun with crisp mornings, sea breezes and quick showers. Pack layers, a warm evening jacket, sunscreen and a light rain shell.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public experiences and karting may pause or switch to special hours on major weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Open spectator mounds with limited natural cover. A compact chair or seat pad and refillable bottles make long days easier.
- Footwear: Grippy shoes for grassy banks and dewy mornings. Paths can be slick after showers.
- Historic detour: The old Longford road racing course sits nearby. Respect local traffic and private property if you drive the route.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, warm layers for evening temperature drops and a small towel for gorge or beach stops.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, tour - cave ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit, park and attraction sites for your exact dates.