Aussie race tracks you might not know about

When it comes to options for track days, us Aussies are pretty blessed for choice in terms of options. However, some highway kays might need to be crushed to and from the circuit. There a range of purpose-built venues and driver training centres around the country, in various states and territories, to whet the appetite of any enthusiast.

However, apart from the bigger location around the country like Sydney Motorsport Park, Queensland Raceway, Winton Raceway and Phillip Island for example, there are a host of other options you might not have heard about. Some allow for racing, but if test and tune events or just pure lap times is your jam, then check out these options.

MORGAN PARK – QUEENSLAND

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To those in Queensland this facility isn’t new. Located near Warwick, it’s been around since 1968 with the initial layout just 730 metres long. However, fast forward to modern times and Morgan Park Raceway now offers four track layouts, including the 3.0km ‘Circuit K’ which runs in a clockwise direction and was completed in 2010.

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Operated by the Warwick District Sporting Car Club, Morgan Park has hosted the Shannons Nationals as well as other Queensland-based categories. A full pit building and garages are available, with viewing areas for spectators, too. The main track comprises 11 corners, while Circuit B is 1.2km, Circuit D is 1.5km and Circuit E is 2.1km.

Carnell Raceway is also worth checking out for an even smaller venue.

BASKERVILLE RACEWAY – TASMANIA

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While Symmons Plains gains all the attention because of its Supercars involvement, Baskerville is ideally located in the Hobart suburb of Old Beach and offers just as much of a challenge. Set in a natural amphitheatre, the 2.01km track offers elevation changes, a range of cambered corners and a fast straight to stretch the legs. In 2015 Pepsi Max came on as the naming rights sponsor and in 2017 the track was completely resurfaced.

Opening in 1958, the venue is now operated by Motorsports Tasmania and hosts everything from two- and four-wheel action, including defensive and advanced driver training and off-road courses. Both TCR and S500 raced here in early 2021, but track day events are also available to regular punters. Its close proximity to Hobart also makes accommodation easy.

COLLIE MOTORPLEX – WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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More a motorsport complex than just a race track, the venue consists of a 2.55km ‘long’ track, an eighth-mile drag strip and a purpose-built burnout pad. Situated 200km south east of Perth, it offers those in WA a second option to Wanneroo Raceway, which gains all the limelight because of its Supercars involvement.

Driver training is also offered, while the 2.55km layout includes 13 corners with a cut-through section in the middle to create the short 1.6km layout. Apart from being a regional hub for motorsport, it is located 15 minutes east of Collie, the track’s other claim to fame is being the longest bitumen race track in WA. The more widely known Wanneroo comes in at 2.4km.

LUDDENHAM RACEWAY – NSW

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Luddenham is the newest track on this list, opening in November 2018, and is located in Sydney’s west. The main attraction is the condensed 1.4km track layout that runs in a clockwise direction and stretches to 10 metres wide. There is even more than 20 metres of elevation through the eight corners.

It’s a tight and technical track with plenty of challenging aspect to get right. However, if simply attending a track day is not enough, there is also a go-kart track and a paintball centre. Both cars and bikes use the 1.4km layout, while live timing is included. A 95db noise limit applies.

Another option for Sydneysiders is Pheasant Wood Circuit, which is 1.5 hours south of the state capital in Marulan. Regular open practice track days are available for both tarmac and dirt lovers alike.

BRYANT PARK – VICTORIA

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Known to most, especially MOTOR, as Haunted Hills, Bryant Park is a hill climb venue and not a venue for racing. However, the super challenging, undulating layout isn’t for the faint-hearted and offers an opportunity to test your wares against the stop watch. Run by the Gippsland Car Club, the facility offers multiple layouts run in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

Other options within Victoria centre on Broadford Track, which is a motorcycle venue that can be used for car testing. The other is located at the Wodonga TAFE and it offers a 1.6km long, 11m wide driver training track.

Two notable mentions within Aus are Mallala Motorsport Park in South Australia (yes, the one that used to hold V8 Supercar events) and Wakefield Park in Goulburn, NSW.