Perched above the dramatic coastline of southern Phillip Island, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is one of the world’s most spectacular motorsport venues. Combining breathtaking ocean views with one of the fastest and most flowing layouts in international racing, it has become a favourite among riders, drivers and spectators alike.
Since opening in its modern form during the 1950s, the circuit has established an international reputation through MotoGP, World Superbike, endurance racing and Australian national championships. Its combination of sweeping corners, rapid elevation changes and unpredictable coastal weather creates a challenge unlike any other circuit.
For many competitors, Phillip Island represents pure driving and riding pleasure.
In Brief
- Motorsport has been held on Phillip Island since the 1920s.
- The permanent circuit first opened in 1956 and was extensively redeveloped before reopening in 1988.
- Phillip Island has hosted the Australian MotoGP since 1989.
- Strong coastal winds frequently influence racing strategy and machine setup.
- The circuit is famous for its exceptionally high average corner speeds.
- Many MotoGP riders consider Phillip Island among the greatest motorcycle circuits in the world.
History
Motorsport on Phillip Island dates back to the 1920s, when races were held on public roads around the island. The permanent circuit opened in 1956 before financial difficulties led to its closure in the late 1960s.
Following extensive redevelopment during the 1980s, the circuit reopened in 1988 with modern facilities while preserving the flowing character that had already earned widespread admiration.
The venue joined the Australian motorcycle Grand Prix calendar in 1989 and has since become one of MotoGP’s most celebrated events. It also serves as the traditional opening round of the Australian Round, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s premier motorcycle circuits.
Today Phillip Island remains Australia’s spiritual home of international motorcycle racing.
Circuit Design
The Grand Prix circuit measures 4.445 kilometres and features 12 corners arranged in a clockwise direction.
Unlike many modern circuits, Phillip Island relies on momentum rather than heavy braking. Fast sweepers dominate the lap, allowing riders and drivers to maintain exceptionally high average speeds while continuously transitioning between flowing corners.
The circuit follows the island’s natural coastal terrain, with gentle elevation changes enhancing both the technical challenge and spectacular viewing opportunities. Wide corners encourage multiple racing lines, while the circuit’s exposure to Bass Strait means strong winds frequently influence braking points and machine stability.
The result is a layout that rewards confidence, precision and uninterrupted flow.
LENGTH
4.448
kilometres
WIDTH
10–12
metres
DIRECTION
CCW
counter-clockwise
TURNS
12
7 left – 5 right
SURFACE
Asphalt
LONGEST STRAIGHT
788
metres
ELEVATION CHANGE
26
metres
OPENED
1928
98 years ago
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is defined by high speed, flowing corner sequences and substantial elevation changes, creating a lap where maintaining momentum is considerably more important than repeated heavy braking. The opening section establishes this character immediately through Doohan Corner before the circuit descends towards the tight Southern Loop and begins its climb through the following sections.
The middle and later parts of the lap contain some of Phillip Island’s defining challenges. Siberia leads into a fast sequence towards the dramatic Lukey Heights, where the circuit crests before dropping steeply into MG. From there, riders and drivers accelerate towards the long final left-hander, where carrying speed is essential for the run onto the Gardner Straight.
Phillip Island’s defining challenge comes from combining commitment with smoothness across a circuit that rarely allows its rhythm to be interrupted. High-speed corners, gradients and exposure to changing coastal winds reward confidence and chassis stability, while preserving tyre performance becomes particularly important through its long, sustained turns.
| Corner |
|---|
| T1 · Doohan Corner 078° · Right · 272 m |
| T2 · Southern Loop 189° · Left · 341 m |
| T3 · Stoner Corner 054° · Left · 351 m |
| T4 · Miller Corner 158° · Right · 88 m |
| T5 016° · Right · 71 m |
| T6 · Siberia 156° · Left · 162 m |
| T7 022° · Left · 71 m |
| T8 046° · Right · 136 m |
| T9 · Lukey Heights 128° · Left · 342 m |
| T10 133° · Right · 73 m |
| T11 120° · Left · 209 m |
| T12 105° · Left · 366 m |
Phillip Island occupies a central position in Australian motorsport, with competition on the island dating back to public-road racing in the 1920s before the permanent circuit opened in 1956. Across successive periods of operation and redevelopment, the venue became one of Australia’s most internationally recognised racing circuits.
Its strongest global identity is associated with Grand Prix motorcycle racing and World Superbike, where the fast, flowing layout has produced generations of memorable races. The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has made Phillip Island a major gathering point for riders and enthusiasts, while the circuit’s character has earned particular respect within international motorcycle competition.
Automobile racing remains an important part of its heritage through touring cars, endurance competition and major Australian championships. Together with its motorcycle legacy and extraordinary coastal setting, this gives Phillip Island a distinctive position where Australian motorsport history, international racing and natural-terrain circuit design remain closely connected.
Visitor Experience
Few circuits combine world-class motorsport with such remarkable natural beauty.
Spectators enjoy uninterrupted views across Bass Strait while watching motorcycles race through sweeping coastal corners. Beyond the circuit, visitors can experience Phillip Island’s famous penguin parade, rugged beaches, wildlife parks and scenic coastal drives, making it one of Australia’s most complete motorsport destinations.
The combination of racing, wildlife and spectacular landscapes gives Phillip Island a character unmatched by any other Grand Prix venue.
Climate
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rainfall mm | Rainy days | Daylight h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23° | 16° | 50 | 7 | 14.5 |
| February | 23° | 16° | 44 | 6 | 13.5 |
| March | 21° | 15° | 45 | 8 | 12.3 |
| April | 19° | 13° | 57 | 10 | 11.1 |
| May | 16° | 12° | 73 | 13 | 10.0 |
| June | 13° | 10° | 79 | 14 | 9.5 |
| July | 13° | 9° | 76 | 15 | 9.8 |
| August | 13° | 9° | 86 | 15 | 10.7 |
| September | 15° | 10° | 83 | 15 | 11.9 |
| October | 17° | 11° | 72 | 12 | 13.1 |
| November | 19° | 13° | 64 | 10 | 14.2 |
| December | 21° | 14° | 59 | 9 | 14.8 |
Monthly averages for Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, 1991–2020.
Generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information 2026 (CC BY 4.0).
Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Location
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is located near Cowes on Phillip Island, approximately 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne.
Connected to the mainland by bridge, the island offers easy access while retaining its distinctive coastal atmosphere.
Address
381 Back Beach Road
3922 Ventnor
Bass Coast Shire, Victoria
Australia