Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is a permanent road-racing track on the south coast of Phillip Island, near Ventnor, Victoria, Australia. It is renowned for its fast, flowing layout and dramatic clifftop setting overlooking Bass Strait, making it one of world motorsport’s most picturesque and challenging venues.

Key facts

• Location: Back Beach Road, Ventnor, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

• Opened: 1956 (modern circuit; racing on the island since the 1920s)

• Track length / turns: Approx. 4.45 km (2.76 mi), 12 turns

• Signature events: Australian MotoGP, World Superbike, Supercars Championship

• Record crowd: About 92,000 (1989 500cc World Motorcycle Championship)

History

Motor racing on Phillip Island began on public roads in the 1920s, but surface damage ended that era in 1935. The dedicated Grand Prix circuit near Ventnor was constructed in the 1950s and opened in 1956. After closure for repairs in the 1960s and 1970s, it was extensively redeveloped in the late 1980s to host world-level motorcycle racing again, including the 500cc World Championship (now MotoGP).

Layout and characteristics

The circuit is known for its high-speed corners, elevation changes, and exposure to coastal winds. Long, sweeping turns such as Stoner Corner and Lukey Heights test rider and driver commitment, while the main straight drops slightly downhill toward Turn 1, encouraging slipstreaming and close racing. Its smooth, flowing nature makes it especially popular with motorcycle racers.

Events and usage

Phillip Island hosts the Australian round of MotoGP (historically in October), plus the FIM Superbike World Championship, Australian Superbike events, and rounds of the Supercars Championship. Outside major race weekends the venue runs track days, driver training, and manufacturer or corporate events, taking advantage of its resort-style tourist setting on Phillip Island.