Motor Racing
The motor racing image is of a painting by Dunedin NZ artist Kieran Roberts© called “Mountain Muscle”. It is from the 1970’s and depicts “King of the Mountain”, Peter Brock in the #05 car chasing down Allan Moffatt in the #1 car through “The Esses”, in a classic Holden v Ford battle.
Nestled in the heart of regional New South Wales, Bathurst stands proudly as one of Australia’s most cherished motorsport destinations — a place where history, speed and community passion have intertwined for more than eight decades. At the centre of this story is Mount Panorama / Wahluu, the twisting mountain road that has become both a public scenic drive and a globally revered racing circuit.
Long before it echoed with the roar of engines, Mount Panorama, known to the Indigenous Wiradjuri people as Wahluu, stood as a place of cultural significance, offering sweeping views over the Bathurst plains
Bathurst’s rich racing story began with early motorcycle contests on public roads in 1905, setting the pace for organised competition. The landmark 1914 Australian Tourist Trophy brought national attention, its challenging course foreshadowing today’s legendary Mount Panorama Circuit. In the 1920s and 30s, both cars and motorcycles thrilled crowds at the nearby Vale Circuit, a purpose-built venue that nurtured Australia’s growing motorsport culture. Together, these early events laid the foundations for Bathurst’s enduring reputation as a heartland of speed, innovation, and community celebration long before the modern Mount Panorama era
The track’s modern story began in 1938, when local visionaries constructed a scenic road that was uniquely suited to motor racing. That year, motorcycle and car races were held on the unsealed course, including the Australian Grand Prix, marking the start of Bathurst’s deep bond with competition.
Since then, the breathtaking 6.213‑kilometre circuit with its dramatic elevation changes, long straights and unforgiving corners has
challenged drivers and enthralled fans. As a public road outside of events,
visitors can still drive or walk the same asphalt where legends carved their
names..
A Global Stage: Bathurst 12 Hour and More
Mount Panorama’s influence extends beyond touring cars. The Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, first run in 1991 and revived in 2007, brings an international flavour, attracting GT and production sports cars from around the world. This race, held in February, blends local heritage with global motorsport culture, showcasing engineering marvels and driving prowess through a marathon test of speed and strategy.
The Great Race: Bathurst 1000
Mount Panorama’s most enduring legacy is the Bathurst 1000, a pinnacle of Australian motorsport and a highlight of the Supercars Championship. First held in 1963 as a touring car endurance race, it evolved from 500 miles to 1000 kilometres and quickly earned its reputation as “Australia’s Great Race,” a defining test of speed, strategy, durability and teamwork.
Through the decades, the event forged sporting folklore — drivers like Peter Brock, Allan Moffat and Craig Lowndes became household names, their victories on the mountain turning them into national icons. The festival atmosphere that envelops Bathurst each October draws tens of thousands of fans from across the country and beyond, uniting them in a shared love of competition.
Preserving the Passion: National Motor Racing Museum
Amid this world of high octane drama lies the National Motor Racing Museum, an essential stop for visitors keen to delve into Australia’s motorsport heritage. Positioned at the base of Mount Panorama at Murray’s Corner, the Museum celebrates the rich tapestry of racing from the 1920s to the present day, with original trophy displays, racing suits, historic footage and iconic cars and motorcycles in its collection.
Ever‑changing exhibitions and immersive experiences bring the spirit of the mountain to life, sharing not just technical achievement but the human stories behind some of the most memorable moments in racing. From humble beginnings as a small display in the late 1980s, the Museum has become a vibrant testament to the people and machines that define Bathurst’s place in motorsport lore.
Mount Panorama and its racing culture are far more than a series of events — they are a living heritage, a tribute to skill, endurance and community identity. Whether you’re a motorsport fan or a curious traveller, Bathurst’s legacy promises an unforgettable journey.