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Bathurst 1000 Campervan Guide

Park trackside. Camp in comfort. Experience Australia’s greatest race up close.

Make the Bathurst 1000 your ultimate motorsport weekend. Stay in a self-contained van at Mount Panorama and wake up inside the circuit.

Event overview

The Bathurst 1000 is the crown jewel of Australian motorsport. It is a 1,000 kilometre Supercars endurance race on the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit. Thousands of fans camp on the mountain each year. For many, it is a rite of passage.

Location
Mount Panorama, Bathurst NSW
Typical dates
Early to mid October
Format
Four day weekend Thu to Sun
Event
Supercars Championship
Distance
1,000 km
Vibe
Trackside camping culture

Why stay in a campervan at Bathurst?

Camping is part of the Bathurst story. Trackside and hilltop sites buzz with BBQs, radios and that long weekend energy. A campervan puts you in the middle of it with a private retreat when you need a breather.

  • Real bed and solid shelter in any weather
  • Keep food cold and cook when you like
  • Power and hot water if your van is equipped
  • Your own space away from the crowd
  • No traffic grind. Wake up inside the circuit

Recommended campervan features

Bathurst weather can swing quickly. Pick a van set up for comfort and light off-grid use.

  • Insulation and roof fan or cross-flow vents
  • 12V fridge or cooler
  • Solar or extra batteries for unpowered sites
  • Fresh and grey water tanks
  • Kitchenette or camp stove
  • Durable flooring that cleans easily
  • Nice to have
  • Rooftop viewing deck
  • Awning or portable shade
  • Internal toilet and outdoor shower

Camping at Mount Panorama

All Bathurst 1000 campsites sit on or around the circuit. Options range from powered van sites to basic tent areas.

McPhillamy Park
High on the mountain with big views. Huge community vibe. Mostly unpowered. Sells out early.
Reid and Sulman
Near pit straight and paddock. Some powered van sites. Quieter than the mountain zone.
Enduro (centre of track)
Flat and accessible. Van friendly with nearby amenities. Great for families.

Each person needs a Campground Entry Pass as well as race tickets. Powered sites are limited and must be pre-booked.

Campervan pickup locations

Many fans road trip in from the big cities. Pick up locally or make the drive part of the fun.

Sydney
about 3 hr
Canberra
about 4 hr
Melbourne
about 10 to 11 hr

Collect your van 1 to 2 days before the event for provisioning and an easy setup.

What to bring

Think classic Aussie motorsport: BBQs, mates and trackside hangs.

  • Esky or 12V fridge
  • Camp table, chairs and shade
  • BBQ or gas stove
  • Refillable water containers
  • Warm layers and wet-weather gear
  • Radio or scanner for commentary
  • Bin bags and clean up supplies
  • Solar or generator if off-grid

Search and book campervans

Bathurst weekend sells out fast. Sydney pickups and powered sites go first, so get in early.

  • Self-contained vans set for race weekend
  • Flexible pickup from Sydney, Canberra and beyond
  • Popular add ons: BBQ kits, shade tents, power packs
  • Options for solo travellers, friends and families

FAQs

Do I need a camping pass for my campervan?

Yes. Every camper needs a Campground Entry Pass for Mount Panorama. This is separate from race tickets.

Are powered sites available?

Some zones offer power, for example paddock and Reid or Sulman. Book early, or bring a self-contained setup.

Can I drive in and out each day?

No. Once parked, vehicles stay in the campground for the event. Entry windows and rules are provided with your confirmation.