Australian Superbike Championship: Round 1

The Australian Superbike Championship kicks off its season at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, a venue widely regarded as the most iconic track on the national calendar. The Island boasts one of the highest average top speeds for any track around the world, the combination of fast-flowing sweepers, rolling undulations and tight hairpins this is one circuit that balances out the strength and weakness of various machines and riding styles. It means you’re almost always guaranteed close racing. What makes racing at the Island so exciting, is the race can be won and lost in the run onto the front straight. The best action for spectators can be seen from Turn 1, 2, 7 and 12. Located in Victoria, the circuit has a rich history of hosting premier international and national events. Whether you are a long-time follower of the championship or new to the sport, the atmosphere at the Island offers a classic experience in a purpose-built environment designed specifically for the rhythm of motorcycle riding.

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The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is arguably Australia’s most iconic motorsport venue, perched dramatically on the cliffs of Ventnor overlooking the Bass Strait. Originally opened in 1956, the circuit fell into disrepair during the 1970s before being mid-1980s by billionaire Linfox owner Lindsay Fox and reopened in 1989. Since then, it has cemented its reputation as a world-class facility, famous for its high-speed layout and the unpredictable coastal weather that often plays a decisive role in race strategy. Renowned internationally as a motorcycle racing mecca, the venue serves as the long-standing home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) and the World Superbike Championship. Beyond two-wheeled action, the Phillip Island circuit regularly hosts the Supercars Championship, the Island Classic for historic bikes, and a variety of state-level car racing and track day events. Its fast, flowing nature makes it a favorite among competitors, offering some of the highest average speeds of any permanent track in the world. What truly sets this VIC venue apart is its unique atmosphere and technical challenge. From the terrifyingly fast Gardner Straight to the technical plunge through Lukey Heights and the sweeping turn at Stoner Corner, every section demands precision and bravery. For spectators, the natural amphitheater of the grassy banks provides incredible vantage points where the roar of engines competes with the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean, creating a motorsport experience unlike any other in Australia.

Located approximately 140 kilometers south-east of Melbourne, the most common way to reach the circuit is by car. From Melbourne, drivers should take the Monash Freeway (M1) and exit onto the South Gippsland Highway (M420), following it through to the Bass Highway (A420). After crossing the bridge from San Remo onto the island, follow the signs toward Ventnor and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. During major international events like MotoGP, traffic can be heavy, and spectators are encouraged to allow extra travel time. On-site parking is usually plentiful in the surrounding paddocks for a fee. Many fans choose to stay in the nearby township of Cowes, where dedicated shuttle bus services often operate to transport spectators directly to the venue gates during peak event periods.