If you're planning to attend the Bathurst 1000 and you’re not camping on the mountain you’re missing half the experience. Mount Panorama becomes Australia’s most passionate, beer-fuelled, engine-roaring campground for race week. And the best way to do it? In a campervan.
Do Bathurst properly: your own bed, your own kitchen, your own base right on the mountain.
What Is the Bathurst 1000?
For the uninitiated, the Bathurst 1000 is the grand final of V8 Supercars. A 161-lap, 1,000-kilometre endurance epic around the legendary Mount Panorama Circuit in NSW. It’s fast, it’s intense, and it’s dripping with drama.
But the real magic is the culture: thousands of fans camp on the mountain, turning it into a temporary city of utes, barbies, fire pits, flags and classic Aussie banter. It's loud. It's dusty. It's unforgettable.
Why a Campervan Makes It Better
Tents will do — until the wind, rain, or 3 am singalongs roll in. A campervan gives you comfort and control.
- Real sleep on a real mattress
- Shelter from wind, rain and sun
- Power and storage for gear, food and drinks
- Your own kitchen for brekkie or midnight snacks
- A quiet(ish) retreat when it’s time to recharge
Staying multiple nights? You’ll thank yourself for the space — not full of dust, wet clothes, or broken tent poles.
Hire a Campervan for Bathurst
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Where You Can Camp (and Park Your Van)
All the classic Bathurst campgrounds sit within the track zone each with its own vibe:
- McPhillamy Park: On top of the mountain, wild atmosphere and epic views. Sells out fast, book early.
- Reid & Sulman: Closer to pits and grandstands. Slightly more civilised; good for families.
- Enduro Campground: Infield, flatter and van-friendly. A balanced mix of convenience and atmosphere.
All campgrounds require a camping pass. Powered sites go quickly. Dry camping in a self-contained van is common — just come prepared.
What to Pack for the Weekend
Even with a well-equipped campervan, a few extras will level up your mountain setup:
- Folding chairs & table, BBQ or gas stove (check regs)
- Cooler or 12V fridge, extra water and spare gas
- Headlamps/solar lights, bin bags, basic toolkit
- Radio for race commentary; download maps/passes offline
- Warm layers nights can bite on the mountain
- Aussie flag, Holden/Ford sticker
Tips for First-Time Bathurst Campers
- Arrive early: Many fans turn up days ahead to claim the best spots.
- Respect neighbours: It’s rowdy, but there’s a shared code on the mountain.
- Expect noise: Engines, music, and yarning late. That’s the charm.
- Know the rules: Each campground has specific dos and don’ts which are enforced.
Tip: Roll in with tanks full and waste empty. Pack windbreaks and wet-weather gear — Bathurst can throw anything at you.
From Mountain to Memory
If you want to do the Bathurst 1000 properly, get a campervan, lock in your campground pass, and build your trackside setup. It’s more than watching a race; it’s joining an Aussie motorsport tradition.
