The Mountain. Australia's most iconic racing venue climbs Mount Panorama on public roads with 570 feet of elevation change. The Bathurst 1000 is the nation's greatest race, with the Conrod Straight hitting 186+ mph.
Mount Panorama is a public road for most of the year and a race circuit for a handful of weekends, and it climbs and descends an actual mountain — around 174 metres of elevation change across a lap. The run up through Griffins Bend and The Cutting is steep and narrow; the top section across Skyline and down through The Dipper is fast, blind and lined with concrete; and Conrod Straight, at 1.9 kilometres, sends Supercars towards 300 km/h before The Chase.
Because it is a road, you can drive the circuit yourself outside event weekends at the posted speed limit, which is worth doing to understand how narrow and steep it genuinely is. On race weekends the campsites on the mountain are the heart of the atmosphere, and the shuttle from Harris Park at the bottom to Reid Park at the top saves a serious walk.
The circuit exists because of a piece of Depression-era opportunism. Bathurst's mayor, Martin Griffin, secured federal unemployment-relief funding to build what was presented as a scenic tourist road over Mount Panorama. The Scenic Drive opened on 17 March 1938, and racing followed almost immediately — before the surface had fully cured, the Easter programme ran two days of motorcycle racing followed by two days of cars.
The race the mountain is known for started elsewhere. The Armstrong 500 was first run at Phillip Island in 1960, moved to Bathurst in 1963 over the same 500-mile distance, and became a 1,000-kilometre race in 1973. As the Bathurst 1000 it grew into one of the largest events on the Australian sporting calendar, spoken about in the same terms as the Melbourne Cup.
6 curated properties, sorted by distance from the circuit
HOTEL · $$ · 1.1 km from circuit
The only hotel on the Mount Panorama circuit, overlooking the famous Conrod Straight. Mount Panorama Circuit is right on the doorstep. Facilities include restaurant, bar, and pool.
Visit websiteBOUTIQUE · $ · 3.9 km from circuit
Heritage pub-hotel in central Bathurst, a character-filled base for the Bathurst 1000. Mount Panorama Circuit is a 6-minute drive away. Facilities include restaurant and bar.
Visit websiteHOTEL · 5.0 km from circuit
Visit websiteHOTEL · 5.3 km from circuit
Visit websiteHOTEL · 5.6 km from circuit
Visit websiteHOTEL · 25.9 km from circuit
Visit websiteNearest Airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) — approximately 200 km from the circuit
Bathurst is about 200 km north-west of Sydney, roughly 2.5 hours by road, with NSW TrainLink services to Lithgow and coach connections onward. Bathurst Buslines runs a continual shuttle from Harris Park at the foot of the mountain to Reid Park at the top. General on-site parking is off Panorama Road. Outside event weekends the circuit is a public road you can drive yourself.
Hotels near Mount Panorama Circuit typically sell out 2-4 months before major race weekends, including the race weekend. For the best rates and widest selection, book as soon as race dates are officially confirmed. Early bookers can save 30-50% compared to last-minute rates.
Expect to pay $100-300 per night during race weekends, compared to $60-150 during off-peak periods. Properties within 5km of the circuit command the highest premiums. Consider hotels in Bathurst centre for better value — the slightly longer commute is offset by lower rates, more dining options, and a livelier atmosphere in the evenings.
Flexible cancellation policies are worth the small premium — race weekends can be rescheduled. Many hotels near Mount Panorama Circuit offer free cancellation up to 48-72 hours before check-in during race weekends.
Visiting Mount Panorama Circuit for a race weekend? Here are essential tips to make the most of your trip to Bathurst, New South Wales. The circuit holds up to 57,939 spectators, so plan for large crowds on race day.
Mount Panorama Circuit is located in Bathurst, New South Wales. The nearest airport (SYD) is approximately 200 km away. Most hotels near the circuit are within a 5-30 minute drive.
We recommend browsing all 6 curated properties above to find the best match for your budget, travel style, and race weekend plans. Each property has been selected for its proximity to the circuit and quality of service.
Expect to pay $100-300 per night during major race weekends at Mount Panorama Circuit, compared to $60-150 during off-peak periods. Booking 2-4 months in advance typically secures the best rates.
Yes, Mount Panorama Circuit provides parking facilities for race weekend visitors. Parking fills up quickly on race day — arriving before 8am is recommended. Many visitors prefer to book hotels with parking included.
For the best rates and availability, book your accommodation 2-4 months before the race weekend at Mount Panorama Circuit. Hotels within 10km of the circuit sell out first.