About
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is the home of the Australian MotoGP. Located on Phillip Island, near the Victorian state capital Melbourne, the venue is steeped in the history of Australian motorsport.
Road racing began in the island back in 1928, with the original closed circuit opening in 1956. It was shut down between 1962-1967, and experienced a decline in the 1970s until its sale in 1985. The circuit was completely refurbished and reopened in 1988. The following year, it was added to the MotoGP calendar.
After 1990, the Australian GP was relocated to Eastern Creek, but Phillip Island was reinstated to the calendar in 1997 and has remained a fixture since. Aside from MotoGP, the circuit hosts the World Superbike Championship, the Australian Superbike Championship and many other local motorsport events. The popular Supercars category for touring cars in Australia no longer races at Phillip Island.
The 4.44 kilometer, 13 meter-wide, anti-clockwise circuit has 7 left-handed turns, 5 right-handed turns, and a longest straight of 900 meters. A couple of things make the circuit unique: first is the extreme changes of weather–as the locals say, you may experience four seasons in just one day; second is the track layout itself–fast and flowing, there are really only two slow corners, and riders have to trust their abilities while going through a terrifyingly quick circuit that follows the terrain, natural slopes, highs and lows of the cliff it was built on. This makes it more of a rider circuit than a bike circuit, a test of courage and skill, which only add to its magic and legend. Hailed by many as the purest motorcycling racing circuit in the world, iconic Phillip Island is beloved by riders and fans alike.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming events at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in 2023
- Februrary 24-26: 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship (Australian round)
- October 20-22: 2023 Australia MotoGP
- Check the circuit website for upcoming events.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Phillip Island from Melbourne is by private car, but public transport options do exist.
- Driving: Phillip Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge at the town of San Remo. The 140km journey from downtown Melbourne via the M1 road should take less than 2 hours, though you should leave some extra time for traffic delays on major race weekends.
- Buses: head to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, where regular V/Line buses head to Cowes, the main town on Phillip Island. Click here for timetables and more information.
- Trains & Ferries: click here for more information on how to get to Phillip Island.
Where to stay
Trackside camping is very popular for the Australian MotoGP on Phillip Island
- Click here for more details about trackside camping at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
- Click here to browse all accommodation near the circuit.
- Australia’s second largest city is just under 2 hours drive from the circuit; Click here to browse all accommodation in Melbourne
Guided Tours
Guided tours of Phillip Island Circuit are available all year round.
- About: Guided walking tours of the Phillip Island Circuit include visits to the winners’ podium, Control Tower, Race Control, Media Centre, Pit Lane and Pit Roof. The tours take approximately 1 hour.
- When: Daily at 2pm
- Cost: $27.50 AUD for adults
- More info: Click here
Track Days
The Phillip Island Circuit is opened regularly throughout the year for “practice days” for both cars and motorbikes, and driving experiences are also available.
Click here for more information and upcoming events.
Google Map
Circuit Map
Images
