Bathurst 1000
Welcome to DriveNow's Bathurst information page
About Bathurst and the Bathurst 1000
Bathurst is one of Australia's oldest inland cities, established in 1815 on Wiradjuri country in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. It rose to prominence during the 1850s gold rush and today is a regional hub known for its heritage streetscapes, universities and, above all, its motor racing history.
The city's fame is inseparable from Mount Panorama, the 6.2 km public-road circuit that winds up and over the hill overlooking the town. First used for racing in 1938, the challenging track combines a long flat-out run down Conrod Straight with the steep, twisting climb across the top of the mountain, making it one of the most demanding circuits in the world.
In one of Australia's largest sporting events this year, Mount Panorama will play host to racing fans from around the world coming together to celebrate motor racing at the Bathurst 1000. The 4 days will be marked by a bumper line-up of entertainment both on and off the track and crowds are expected in record numbers. If racing is in your blood, this year is one year not to miss! For those new to the sport, this is a chance in a life time to celebrate one of Australia's leading Motor racing events.
DriveNow enables you to compare vehicles and compare prices from Australia's major campervan rental brands and book online quickly and easily. Sydney is the closest pick up and drop off location around 200km from Bathurst. An alternative option for interstate visitors may be to pick up a campervan in Brisbane, Melbourne or Adelaide and extend your Bathurst trip into an interstate road holiday.
Places to visit in and around Bathurst
With your campervan as a base, there's plenty to explore beyond Mount Panorama. Here are some of the best spots in Bathurst and the surrounding Central Tablelands region.
In Bathurst
- Mount Panorama & the National Motor Racing Museum — drive a lap of the legendary circuit (it's a public road outside race times) and dive into its history at the museum at the foot of the mountain.
- Bathurst Heritage Walk — a self-guided stroll past grand 19th-century buildings, including the Courthouse and Kings Parade.
- Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum — home to a world-class mineral collection and a complete T. rex skeleton cast.
- Bathurst Regional Art Gallery — one of regional NSW's leading galleries.
Nearby and worth the drive
- Abercrombie Caves (~1 hr south) — dramatic limestone caves and bushland picnic spots.
- Mayfield Garden (~40 min at Oberon) — one of the largest privately owned cool-climate gardens in the world.
- Hill End Historic Site (~1 hr) — a preserved gold-mining village frozen in time.
- Jenolan Caves (~1.5 hrs) — some of the world's oldest and most spectacular limestone caves.
- Orange (~1 hr west) — a renowned cool-climate food and wine region, perfect for a day trip.
Bathurst 1000 campervan travel FAQs
How long does it take to drive a campervan from Sydney to Bathurst?
How long does it take to drive a campervan from Sydney to Bathurst?
The drive is roughly 200 km and normally takes about 3 to 3.5 hours via the Great Western Highway through the Blue Mountains. Allow extra time in a campervan, as the winding mountain sections are slower, and expect heavy traffic on Bathurst 1000 race weekend, especially heading into Mount Panorama.
Where can I park and stay overnight in a campervan during the race weekend?
Where can I park and stay overnight in a campervan during the race weekend?
There are several ways to stay overnight in your campervan for the Bathurst 1000:
On-site at Mount Panorama — The circuit precinct has official camping grounds inside and around the track, offering both powered and unpowered sites. These put you within walking distance of the action and the trackside atmosphere, but they are the most sought-after option and typically sell out months in advance. Powered sites in particular are limited, so book as early as bookings open.
Caravan parks around Bathurst — Local caravan and holiday parks offer powered sites with amenities such as showers, toilets and dump points. They're a quieter, more comfortable base and are usually a short drive from the circuit, though they also fill quickly during race week.
Showgrounds and overflow camping — During the event, venues such as the Bathurst Showground and other temporary campgrounds open up to handle the influx of visitors, providing extra powered and unpowered options.
Nearby towns — If Bathurst is fully booked, consider parks in surrounding towns like Oberon, Lithgow or Orange and drive in for the day.
Book your campervan site as far ahead as possible, confirm whether it's powered or unpowered, and note that free camping and roadside overnight parking are not permitted around the event.
Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in NSW to Bathurst?
Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in NSW to Bathurst?
No, a current and valid unrestricted or full car driving license in English or an accredited English translation or an International Driver Permit in addition to their license. Most campervans can be driven on a standard car licence, as they sit under the 4.5 tonne limit. Larger motorhomes may require a light rigid (LR) licence, so check the vehicle's gross vehicle mass and your supplier's terms before booking.
To view the list of campervan providers and their licence requirements, visit Drivers Licences
How long does it take to collect the campervan from the branch?
How long does it take to collect the campervan from the branch?
On the day of pick-up, the check-in process usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes depending upon the vehicle. As Bathurst is the largest pick-up day of the year for the Sydney branch, wait times may have you at the depot for over 2hrs, so your patience will be needed. It is strongly recommended to collect your vehicle at least 2 hours prior to the branch closing time.
The check-in process will involve reading and signing the rental agreement. You may be required to watch the campervan introductory instructional video and then a vehicle walk-around demonstration where a staff member will show you the features, appliances, power outlets and how everything works.
When should I arrive to secure a good campervan spot?
When should I arrive to secure a good campervan spot?
Many fans arrive several days before the Sunday race to claim prime trackside spots and settle in. Arriving early in the week helps you avoid peak traffic, gives you the best pick of powered and unpowered sites, and lets you enjoy the full support-category program across the weekend.
What should I pack for a campervan trip to the Bathurst 1000?
What should I pack for a campervan trip to the Bathurst 1000?
Pack for variable spring weather, which can swing from hot days to cold nights. Bring warm bedding, sun protection, ear protection for the grandstands, camp chairs, and drinking water. Stock up on food and fuel before arriving, as local shops and service stations get very busy during the event.
What does DriveNow offer?
What does DriveNow offer?
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Official Bathurst 1000 schedule — October 2026
The Repco Bathurst 1000 is run over four days at Mount Panorama. The event runs from Thursday 8 October to Sunday 11 October 2026, building through practice and qualifying to the 161-lap Great Race on Sunday. All times are local (AEDT) and indicative only — always confirm against the official Supercars program closer to the event, as session times are subject to change.
Thursday 8 October
Time | Session |
|---|---|
12:00 | Gates open |
12:20 | Supercars — Practice 1 |
15:05 | Supercars — Practice 2 |
16:30 | Support category practice |
Friday 9 October
Time | Session |
|---|---|
10:15 | Supercars — Practice 3 |
13:35 | Supercars — Practice 4 |
16:15 | Supercars — Qualifying |
17:00 | Support category races |
Saturday 10 October
Time | Session |
|---|---|
09:35 | Supercars — Practice 5 (co-drivers) |
11:40 | Supercars — Qualifying (Top 10 Shootout format) |
17:10 | Top 10 Shootout |
18:00 | Support category races |
Sunday 11 October
Time | Session |
|---|---|
08:00 | Gates open / warm-up |
10:00 | Grid walk and pre-race ceremony |
11:15 | Bathurst 1000 — The Great Race (161 laps) |
~18:00 | Podium and presentations |
1-day campervan itinerary: Sydney to Bathurst
A relaxed one-day drive that turns the 200 km run into a proper Blue Mountains road trip before you reach Mount Panorama.
Morning — Depart Sydney
Load up the campervan, grab supplies and hit the road early to beat the race-weekend traffic heading west.
Before you go
- Fill up with fuel and fresh water in Sydney.
- Stock the fridge and pantry for the weekend.
- Check your Mount Panorama campground booking details.
Mid-morning — Blue Mountains
Break up the climb through the Great Western Highway with a stop in the mountains.
Highlights
- Katoomba & the Three Sisters — the classic lookout at Echo Point.
- Leura — cafes and a stretch-your-legs main street.
Midday — Lithgow lunch stop
Descend Victoria Pass toward Lithgow for a lunch break and a final top-up of fuel and groceries before Bathurst.
- Grab lunch or picnic supplies in town.
- Last easy fuel and supermarket stop before the event crowds.
Afternoon — Arrive at Bathurst
Roll into Bathurst and head to your Mount Panorama campervan site to set up before the weekend kicks off.
- Check in and set up camp at your booked site.
- Take a lap of the Mount Panorama precinct on foot.
- Settle in for the support-category action and evening atmosphere.
2-day campervan itinerary: Brisbane to Bathurst
Coming from the north? Split the ~1,000 km drive from Brisbane over two days for a relaxed run down the New England Highway before reaching Mount Panorama.
Day 1, Morning — Depart Brisbane
Stock up the campervan and head south-west out of Brisbane, climbing onto the Darling Downs via the Cunningham Highway.
Before you go
- Fill up with fuel and fresh water in Brisbane.
- Load the fridge and pantry for the trip.
- Confirm your overnight stop and Mount Panorama site bookings.
Day 1, Midday — Warwick & the New England Highway
Join the New England Highway at Warwick and settle in for the scenic run through the Southern Downs and into northern New South Wales.
- Lunch and fuel stop at Warwick or Stanthorpe.
- Enjoy the granite-country scenery through the Granite Belt.
Day 1, Afternoon — Overnight at Armidale or Tamworth
Break the journey with an overnight stay in the New England high country. Armidale and Tamworth both have well-equipped caravan parks with powered sites.
Day 2, Morning — Armidale to Mudgee
Continue south through the New England and Central Tablelands, with plenty of country towns to stretch your legs.
- Coffee and supplies stop en route.
- Consider a detour through the Mudgee wine region for lunch.
Day 2, Afternoon — Arrive at Bathurst
Roll into Bathurst and head to your Mount Panorama campervan site to set up before the weekend gets underway.
- Check in and set up camp at your booked site.
- Take a lap of the Mount Panorama precinct on foot.
- Settle in for the support-category action and evening atmosphere.
2-day campervan itinerary: Melbourne to Bathurst
Travelling up from Victoria? Break the ~900 km drive from Melbourne over two days for an easy run up the Hume Highway before turning off for Mount Panorama.
Day 1, Morning — Depart Melbourne
Stock up the campervan and head north-east out of Melbourne onto the Hume Highway (M31).
Before you go
- Fill up with fuel and fresh water in Melbourne.
- Load the fridge and pantry for the trip.
- Confirm your overnight stop and Mount Panorama site bookings.
Day 1, Midday — Glenrowan & Wangaratta
Roll through Victoria's high-country wine and Ned Kelly country for a lunch and fuel break.
- Lunch and fuel stop at Glenrowan or Wangaratta.
- Optional detour into the King Valley wine region.
Day 1, Afternoon — Overnight at Albury or Gundagai
Cross the Murray River into New South Wales and settle in for the night. Albury and Gundagai both have well-equipped caravan parks with powered sites.
Day 2, Morning — Gundagai to Cowra
Leave the Hume and head north through the South West Slopes and into the Central West.
- Coffee and supplies stop en route at Young or Cowra.
- Cowra's cherry and canola country makes a scenic mid-morning leg.
Day 2, Afternoon — Arrive at Bathurst
Continue north through Blayney and roll into Bathurst to set up at your Mount Panorama campervan site before the weekend gets underway.
- Check in and set up camp at your booked site.
- Take a lap of the Mount Panorama precinct on foot.
- Settle in for the support-category action and evening atmosphere.
3-day campervan itinerary: Adelaide to Bathurst
Coming from South Australia? Spread the ~1,300 km drive from Adelaide over three days for an unhurried run along the Sturt and Mid-Western highways before reaching Mount Panorama.
Day 1, Morning — Depart Adelaide
Stock up the campervan and head east out of Adelaide, climbing through the Adelaide Hills toward the Murray River.
Before you go
- Fill up with fuel and fresh water in Adelaide.
- Load the fridge and pantry for the trip.
- Confirm your overnight stops and Mount Panorama site bookings.
Day 1, Afternoon — Overnight at Mildura
Follow the Sturt Highway through the Riverland and cross into Victoria, settling in for the night at Mildura on the Murray.
- Lunch and fuel stop in the Riverland (Renmark or Berri).
- Mildura has well-equipped riverside caravan parks with powered sites.
Day 2, Morning — Mildura to Hay
Cross into New South Wales and head east across the Hay Plains, one of Australia's flattest and most iconic outback drives.
- Coffee and supplies stop at Balranald or Hay.
- Stretch your legs before the long, straight run across the plains.
Day 2, Afternoon — Overnight at West Wyalong
Continue along the Mid-Western Highway into the Central West wheat belt and settle in for the second night.
- West Wyalong and Forbes both have caravan parks with powered sites.
- Restock fuel and groceries for the final leg.
Day 3, Morning — West Wyalong to Orange
Head east through Parkes and into the Central Tablelands, with the cool-climate town of Orange a perfect mid-morning break.
- Optional stop at the Parkes radio telescope ("The Dish").
- Coffee and lunch in Orange's renowned food and wine region.
Day 3, Afternoon — Arrive at Bathurst
Make the short final hop from Orange into Bathurst and set up at your Mount Panorama campervan site before the weekend gets underway.
- Check in and set up camp at your booked site.
- Take a lap of the Mount Panorama precinct on foot.
- Settle in for the support-category action and evening atmosphere.
Testimonials
Boys Trip Tours - Bathurst Group
Outstanding service and reliability every year! For over 15 years, Boys Trip has trusted DriveNow Campervan Hire to look after our groups heading to Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 1000. From small teams to large convoys of up to 60 motorhomes, DriveNow has consistently delivered exceptional service, flexibility, and expertise. Their professionalism and attention to detail make coordinating our annual pilgrimage effortless. We couldn’t ask for a better partner — DriveNow truly understands group travel and goes above and beyond every time.
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