MotoGP Grand Prix of Australia

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Australia 2026 is set to bring three days of world-class motorcycle racing to the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria from 23 to 25 October 2026. The event is one of the major motorsport attractions accessible from Melbourne and offers fans an action-packed weekend featuring MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and Australian Superbike Championship racing.

A Major Motorsport Event Near Melbourne

Although the race venue is located on Phillip Island rather than within metropolitan Melbourne, Melbourne is the principal major-city gateway for visitors travelling to the event. The official Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix travel information provides driving routes from Melbourne through CityLink or EastLink, the Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Highway or Koo Wee Rup Road, Bass Highway and Phillip Island Road before reaching Back Beach Road.

The event takes place at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, a renowned coastal racing venue at 381 Back Beach Road, Phillip Island, Victoria 3922. The circuit is approximately 4.445 kilometres long and features 12 corners, providing a fast and technically demanding setting for motorcycle racing.

Three Days of Racing Action

The 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix begins on Friday, 23 October, with practice sessions for Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP. The official Friday schedule starts with Moto3 Free Practice at 9:00 and continues through the MotoGP practice session in the afternoon. These sessions give teams and riders an opportunity to work on bike setup and understand the track conditions before qualifying and racing.

Saturday, 24 October, continues with further practice and qualifying sessions before the MotoGP Tissot Sprint. Fans can expect a full day of competitive action across the three championship classes, with riders fighting for qualifying positions and sprint-race points.

Sunday, 25 October, is the main race day. MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 provide the centrepiece of the weekend, with the premier MotoGP class taking on the challenging Phillip Island circuit in front of spectators from Australia and around the world. The weekend also includes Australian Superbike Championship competition, adding further motorcycle racing to the programme.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Phillip Island is particularly associated with motorcycle racing because of its fast layout and spectacular coastal setting. The circuit includes well-known sections and corners such as Gardner Straight, Lukey Heights, Siberia, Stoner Corner and Doohan Corner. Its combination of high-speed sections and technical corners creates a distinctive racing environment.

The official event information notes that MotoGP motorcycles at Phillip Island can regularly exceed 330 km/h, demonstrating the high-speed character of the circuit.

Fan Experience

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is designed as more than a series of races. Visitors can access different areas around the circuit, including fan entertainment and motorsport-focused precincts. The Island Straight precinct, located near Gardner Straight and opposite Pit Lane, features a Fan Forum Stage, merchandise, food and beverage options, the GP Expo and other activities.

Ticket options for 2026 include general Island Pass access, grandstand seating and hospitality packages. The official event website lists three-day Island Pass tickets, grandstand options and hospitality experiences.

Families are also catered for through the 2026 Kids Go Free programme. According to the official event FAQ, children aged 14 and under can receive free Island Pass general admission when accompanied by an eligible adult Island Pass ticket.

Getting to the Event from Melbourne

Visitors travelling from Melbourne can reach Phillip Island by road, coach, bus and other transport options. The official event organisers provide dedicated Grand Prix shuttle services operating between the circuit and locations including Cowes Central, Cowes West, Ventnor, San Remo, Cape Woolamai, Rhyll and Silverleaves. V/Line also operates regional bus services between Dandenong Station and Cowes.

Because the event attracts substantial crowds, visitors travelling from Melbourne are encouraged to plan their journey in advance. Parking at the circuit is limited, while park-and-ride options are available from Cowes and San Remo with shuttle services connecting visitors to the circuit.

A Weekend for Motorsport Fans

The 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix offers an opportunity to experience MotoGP racing in one of Australia's most distinctive motorsport environments. From Friday practice through Saturday qualifying and sprint competition to Sunday's main races, visitors can experience multiple championship classes across a single weekend.

The event is also an important attraction for visitors exploring Phillip Island and regional Victoria. The combination of international motorcycle racing, coastal scenery, fan activities and the circuit's long motorsport history makes the weekend suitable for dedicated MotoGP followers, motorcycle enthusiasts, families and visitors looking for a major sporting event near Melbourne.

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Australia 2026 runs from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Visitors planning to attend should check the official event schedule before travelling because session times and event information can be updated.