Ever wondered when is Bathurst 2026 and whether you should clear your calendar for a motorsport pilgrimage? If you love big crowds, loud engines, and a slice of Australian racing legend, 2026 promises plenty to mark down.
The headline event at Mount Panorama includes the Bathurst 12 Hour, officially set for February 13–15, 2026, which returns as the Intercontinental GT Challenge season opener. Ticket packages and travel deposits are already being promoted for the 2026 Bathurst 1000 experience for fans planning ahead.
Key Dates and Where They Fit
Bathurst 12 Hour: February 13–15, 2026.
Bathurst 1000: Dates for the 2026 Bathurst 1000 event are being promoted for package reservations; official public sale details will follow as promoters finalize schedules.
The Bathurst 12 Hour is confirmed as the IGTC season opener and has moved to a mid-February slot to avoid clashes with other international endurance events. If you plan to attend multiple events at The Mountain, aim to monitor official channels for the Bathurst 1000 public sale and exact calendar placements.
What Makes Bathurst Special
Legendary Track Layout Mount Panorama is a public road outside race weekends, with dramatic elevation changes and blind crests that make for intense racing and spectator viewing.
International Field for the 12 Hour The Bathurst 12 Hour attracts GT3 teams and global stars, serving as a true international endurance test and a showcase for exotic machinery.
Festival Atmosphere Beyond the races, Bathurst weekends are automotive festivals with car displays, manufacturer showcases, and camping traditions that draw communities of fans.
Strategic Calendar Move The Bathurst 12 Hour shifting to mid-February in 2026 was done to avoid a clash with the Asian Le Mans Series finale and to better align with the IGTC calendar.
Travel Packages and Demand Official travel packages and deposit programs are already available, indicating strong demand and encouraging early planning for lodging and tickets.
Did You Know
The Bathurst 12 Hour once served as a proving ground for both GT and production-based cars, evolving into one of the world’s most respected GT endurance races and now regularly draws factory-backed entries and international stars.
How To Plan Your Trip Step by Step
Decide Which Race You Want to Attend Choose between the 12 Hour in February and the Bathurst 1000 (official dates to be confirmed). Each offers a very different vibe: the 12 Hour is international GT endurance, while the 1000 is Australia’s iconic Supercars “Great Race” atmosphere.
Reserve Early Consider deposit programs or official travel packages to secure accommodation and tickets—these programs are already being offered for 2026 Bathurst 1000 packages.
Book Travel and Stay Near The Mountain Bathurst is a small city; book early to avoid long commutes. Camping and on-site options fill fast for the biggest weekends.
Prepare for Weather and Noise February in New South Wales can be hot. Bring sun protection, ear protection for the track, and layers for cooler nights.
Expect Festival Extras Plan to arrive early for car displays and paddock access if available. Food stalls, local vendors, and fan activities are part of the experience.
Mini Q&A
Q: When is Bathurst 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour? A: February 13–15, 2026.
Q: Is the Bathurst 12 Hour part of a larger international series? A: Yes, it’s the season opener for the Intercontinental GT Challenge in 2026.
Q: Can I buy travel packages now for the Bathurst 1000? A: Official travel packages and deposit programs are being promoted, with public sale details to come from promoters and package providers.
Personal Take
I’ve stood on the edge of Mount Panorama once and the combination of crowd energy, the smell of tyres, and cars diving into Forrests Elbow is unforgettable. Booking early for Bathurst 2026 feels less like paperwork and more like reserving a front-row seat to motorsport history. If you’re on the fence, the February 12 Hour is a brilliant way to see exotic GTs in a festival setting without the full-blown Supercars frenzy.
Wrapping up, if you were asking when is Bathurst 2026, the short answer is: the Bathurst 12 Hour runs February 13–15, 2026, and Bathurst 1000 travel packages are already taking deposits as organizers finalize dates and ticket sales. Will you be heading to The Mountain or watching from home—what would you most want to see live?