Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit - The mountain the legends

Mount Panorama/Wahluu

The world-renowned Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit was originally planned as a scenic drive during the depression years of the 1930’s. The iconic motor racing track has been challenging drivers and riders for over 80 years. Stretching 6.2 kilometres in length, the track has 23 corners and some of the steepest gradients of any track in the world with a 174 metre vertical difference between the highest and lowest points.

The technical challenges for the track, the picturesque setting and the sense of history and tradition combine in every event to create a truly unique experience for drivers and fans alike. There are five major motor racing events held on the track annually: the epic Bathurst 1000, the Bathurst 12-Hour, the Bathurst 6-Hour, Challenge Bathurst, and the Bathurst International.

The fastest official lap of the racing circuit is Christopher Mie's record at the 2018 Challenge Bathurst, completing the circuit in just under 2 minutes driving a GT3 -pec Audi R8 Ultra. One thing is for certain - the future will see competitors continually pushing new limits and wowing fans at the spiritual home of Australian motor racing.

Mount Panorama/Wahluu is a significant site in Wiradjuri culture, being a place of ceremonies for thousands of years before motor racing began on the mountain. The creation story of Wahluu, is told by the Bathurst Wahluu Elders, is that of two brothers Gaanhabula and Wahluu, who were attracted to the same migay (girl). Gaanhabula suggested a spear throwing competition to impress the girl and see who could win her over. When Wahluu’s throw hit the target, Gundiyarri was so full of rage that it struck Wahluu and his bundhi (club) and Wahluu fell to the ground. This made the Gundiyarri (spirits) angry and they cause lava to erupt out of the ground, forever encasing Wahluu in the earth. The shape of Mount Panorama’s is Wahluu’s body lying on his side. Gaanhabula was banished by the spirits and also turned to stone, becoming the mountain known as Canobolas in the neighbouring city of Orange.

Mount Panorama/Wahluu was officially dual named in 2015 to recognise the site's connection to country, its significance to Wiradjuri culture, and to preserve the knowledge of Wahluu for future generations.

Explore Mount Panorama/Wahluu

Drive the Famous Track

Mount Panorama/Wahluu

The road around Mount Panorama/Wahluu is first and foremost a scenic drive. It's a public road and anyone can take a drive around the track. You don't need any special permission you can take a leisurely drive around the track anytime outside of race periods. Make sure that you first download the free Bathurst Step Beyond App, free on the Apple Store or Google Play, featuring “A Lap with Craig Lownde”s. Let Craig be your personal guide to the history and happenings of this Australian icon.

The Boardwalk Experience

Take in the best views in the region from the top of Mount Panorama/Wahluu as you stroll along the new boardwalk, opened in late 2020. Best experienced by parking at the John Hinxman Vista Lookout. Then proceed on foot to the boardwalk experience which include elements that tell the stories of the long Wiradjuri connection to this place, the story of the development of the landscape and the most recent development of the site into the icon of Australian motor racing.

Panorama Punish

Mount Panorama Punish

The Panorama Punish is one hot lap of the 6.2 kilometre circuit gaining 174 centimetres in elevation as you go, more than double the height of the Sydney Opera House. Start training now as there are strictly enforced runner's cut off times. You need to be fit enough to get through the first three kilometres in half an hour. Entry is limited to 1000 participants, so getting quick to register. All proceeds go to local charities. panoramapunish.com

*Source: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
1 Kendall Ave, Bathurst NSW 2795
(02) 6332 1444
visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au
facebook.com/VisitBathurstNSW
https://www.bathurstregion.com.au/contact-the-visitor-information-centre/