If you love the smell of hot rubber and the thunder of a V8, Queensland Raceway should already be on your radar. Located in Willowbank in the City of Ipswich, this purpose-built circuit has been at the centre of Australian motorsport since it opened in 1999 — drawing Supercars championship rounds, national motorcycle championships, drifting events, and everything in between. Whether you’re planning your first race day visit or you’re a seasoned trackside regular, this guide covers everything you need to know about Queensland Raceway — the track layout, the events calendar, the on-site experiences, and where to stay when the lights come on and the engines roar.

What Is Queensland Raceway?

A Quick Overview of the Circuit

Queensland Raceway — officially located at 133 Champions Way, Willowbank QLD 4306 — is a permanent road racing circuit that has served as Queensland’s primary motorsport venue since its opening in 1999. Designed by Tony Slattery with input from car and motorcycle racing authorities, including CAMS circuit expert Professor Rod Troutbeck, the circuit was built around a clear philosophy: maximise straight-line length to create deep braking zones and genuine overtaking opportunities.

The National Circuit runs 3.126 km and features six corners — a layout simple enough to earn the affectionate nickname “The Paperclip” among racing enthusiasts. Don’t let the name fool you, though. The straightforward shape belies a technically demanding track that challenges drivers at every level. Changing surface temperatures throughout the day affect tyre grip and vehicle set-up, while the long straights punish any weakness in braking confidence.

Originally managed by Motorsport Queensland from 1999 to 2003, the circuit passed to private ownership under John Tetley in 2004, before being purchased by motorsport enthusiast Tony Quinn in October 2021. Under Quinn’s ownership, significant investment and modernisation has been brought to the facility, reinforcing its position as Queensland’s premier permanent road racing circuit.

Location and Getting There

Queensland Raceway is located in Willowbank, approximately 15–20 minutes southwest of the Ipswich CBD via the Cunningham Highway — making it one of the most accessible major motorsport venues in Australia. The circuit sits within the broader Ipswich Motorsport Precinct at Champions Way, Willowbank QLD 4306.

From Brisbane, the venue is roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car via the Ipswich Motorway (M2) and Cunningham Highway (A15). The circuit is well-signposted from the highway once you reach the Willowbank area.

Getting there:

• From Ipswich CBD — travel southwest via the Cunningham Highway, approximately 15–20 minutes
• From Brisbane CBD — take the Ipswich Motorway west, then the Cunningham Highway, approximately 45–60 minutes depending on traffic
• Public transport — While TransLink Bus 515 runs from Ipswich Station to the outer Willowbank residential area, it does not service the motorsport precinct. A car, taxi, or rideshare is highly recommended for event days.

For interstate visitors flying into Brisbane, the drive from Brisbane Airport takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via the airport link and Ipswich Motorway.

Why stay in Ipswich rather than Brisbane?

It’s a straightforward decision for most visitors. Ipswich puts you just 15–20 minutes from the circuit, compared to 45–60 minutes from Brisbane — and on big event days, that difference becomes even more significant when traffic backs up on the Cunningham Highway. Staying in Ipswich also means you’re close to the city’s restaurants, shops, and services, without the added cost of Brisbane accommodation. You can explore Ipswich CBD the evening before a race, get a good night’s sleep, and be trackside without the early morning stress.

The History of Queensland Raceway

Development of the Venue

The story of Queensland Raceway begins in the mid-1990s, when the Queensland motorsport community recognised a serious shortage of suitable permanent circuits. The aging Lakeside Raceway had served the state well, but a purpose-built modern facility was needed to support both national championship rounds and grassroots club racing.

Ipswich City Council selected the Willowbank site within the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct — an area already home to the Willowbank Raceway drag strip — for its available land, terrain divided by a natural creek, and convenient location off the Cunningham Highway. Construction moved forward with the aim of building a circuit that could satisfy FIA Grade 3 requirements and accommodate both car and motorcycle racing.

Queensland Raceway officially opened in 1999 under the management of Motorsport Queensland, quickly superseding Lakeside as Queensland’s most-used motorsport facility. The circuit was designed with spectator experience in mind from the outset — the flat layout and well-positioned spectator mounds give fans clear sightlines to virtually the entire circuit, something many hillier Australian tracks cannot offer.

After extensive renovations in 2022 under Tony Quinn’s ownership, the venue emerged with modernised facilities, upgraded infrastructure, and a renewed commitment to its role as a community motorsport hub.

Major Championships and Racing Heritage

Over its history, Queensland Raceway has hosted some of the most significant events in Australian motorsport:

• Supercars Championship — The circuit hosted Supercars rounds from 1999, including the Queensland 500 in its early years and the Ipswich Super 440. Supercars made a massive return to the circuit in 2025, cementing the venue’s place on the modern championship calendar. Champions including Scott McLaughlin, Shane van Gisbergen, Jamie Whincup, and Craig Lowndes have all turned laps at The Paperclip.
• Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) — The circuit has hosted rounds of Australia’s premier motorcycle road racing series, with ASBK events running at Queensland Raceway from 2000 through 2014 and returning in 2022.
• GT World Challenge Australia — Sportscar endurance racing has featured at the venue across multiple seasons, including events in 2022 and beyond.
• Club and State Championship Racing — Across its history, the circuit has been a proving ground for Queensland’s emerging motorsport talent, with drivers and riders graduating from club events and state championships to national competition.

The venue has also built a strong reputation in the drift and roll racing communities, with events like Drift Matsuri attracting internationally recognised drivers including performers from Hoonigan and visiting Japanese drift teams.

Queensland Raceway’s Place in the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct

Queensland Raceway sits at the heart of the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct — one of the most comprehensive motorsport facilities in the southern hemisphere. The broader precinct includes:

• Willowbank Raceway — Australia’s home of drag racing and host of the famous Winternationals, one of the biggest drag racing events outside the United States
• Ipswich Sprint Racing Circuit — A dedicated kart racing facility
• Willowbank Motor Sport Complex — A short circuit dirt racetrack
• Queensland Raceway — The bitumen road racing circuit

One significant advantage the precinct enjoys is its proximity to RAAF Base Amberley, which means the circuit operates without the strict noise restrictions that constrain many other Australian motorsport venues. The roar of an F/A-18F Super Hornet overhead is just part of the local soundtrack.

Taken together, the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct offers a breadth of motorsport activity that few regions in Australia can match — and it’s all within easy reach of Ipswich accommodation.

Track Layout and Circuit Features

Understanding the Circuit Design

The National Circuit at Queensland Raceway runs 3.126 km clockwise and features six corners with a total track width of 12 metres. The design philosophy was straightforward: long straights leading into tight, technically demanding corners. The result is a circuit that rewards clean braking technique, precise turn-in, and strong straight-line speed.

The flat topography gives the track its distinctive Paperclip appearance, but it also creates practical benefits for spectators — standing at the right position on the spectator mounds, you can see nearly the entire circuit from a single vantage point. For fans who want to watch the full race develop rather than follow a car in and out of view, Queensland Raceway is genuinely one of Australia’s best spectator circuits.

For competitors, the circuit’s apparent simplicity is deceptive. As the day progresses and surface temperatures shift, grip levels change significantly — meaning set-up decisions made at dawn can look very different by the afternoon session. The long braking zones into the tight corners are where races are won and lost.

A 2024 addition to the circuit — the Switchback — created a new layout variation incorporating a new section connecting the interior straights, adding more configuration options to the venue’s already flexible offering.

Different Circuit Configurations

Queensland Raceway operates five circuit configurations, catering to a wide range of events and disciplines:

The Clubman Circuit sees semi-regular use across club and community events, while the Sprint Circuit is used for shorter format competition. The Sportsman Circuit, originally optimised for truck racing, is used for specific events. The newly created Switchback configuration adds a variation to the Clubman layout using an additional connecting section.

Why Drivers and Fans Love Racing Here

For drivers, the challenge is real despite the circuit’s reputation for simplicity. The long braking zones demand confidence and consistency — small errors compound quickly, and the circuit separates drivers who know their braking markers from those who are guessing. The variety of corner profiles across the six turns means no two corners ask the same question, and the technical difficulty increases on a warm, slippery afternoon compared to a cool morning session.

For fans, the spectator experience at Queensland Raceway is genuinely excellent. The flat layout and positioned mounds mean you can follow the entire race from a single spot — no chasing cars between viewing areas or missing action at the far end of the circuit. The proximity of the pits and the compact nature of the venue create an accessible, energetic atmosphere that rewards the whole family coming along for the day.

Events Held at Queensland Raceway

Major Motorsport Events

Queensland Raceway runs a diverse calendar of motorsport throughout the year, covering multiple disciplines and competition levels:

• Touring Car Racing — Including Supercars Championship rounds and state-level touring car series, the circuit has a long and storied connection to Australian tin-top racing
• Motorcycle Racing — ASBK rounds and Moto Ride Days bring two-wheel action to the circuit across the calendar year
• Drift Competitions — Events like Drift Matsuri have established Queensland Raceway as a destination for both competitors and spectators in the drifting world
• Roll Racing — A crowd-pleasing format where pairs of cars race side by side from a rolling start; well-suited to the Paperclip’s long main straight
• GT and Sportscar Racing — GT World Challenge Australia and similar series have brought endurance-format competition to the venue
• Historic and Heritage Racing — Events like the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships bring together heritage touring cars, historic sports cars, and regularity trial competitors for multi-day festivals

Community and Club Motorsport

Not all racing at Queensland Raceway is at the national championship level. One of the circuit’s most important roles is as a home for grassroots and club-level motorsport across Queensland.

Club events run throughout the year, offering competitors at every experience level a chance to get on track in a structured, well-managed environment. Whether you’re campaigning a seasoned race car or taking your first steps in competition, club days at Queensland Raceway represent one of the most accessible pathways into motorsport in South East Queensland.

The Queensland Racing Drivers Club (QRDC) runs regular general practice days and club events at the venue, offering competitors a structured program across the year.

Seasonal Event Calendar

Queensland Raceway’s event calendar covers the full year, with major event weekends — particularly those tied to national championship rounds — typically drawing the largest crowds and booking out nearby accommodation fastest.

Always check the official Queensland Raceway website at qldraceways.com.au for current event schedules before booking travel. Event dates, formats, and ticket pricing are subject to change, and the official calendar is the most reliable source.

Planning a race weekend away? Book your accommodation early for major event dates — rooms near the circuit fill up quickly, especially for Supercars rounds and major festival weekends.

Experiences Beyond Watching the Racing

Drive Experiences

You don’t have to be a licensed racing driver to get behind the wheel at Queensland Raceway. The circuit offers a range of drive experiences for visitors who want to feel what it’s like to push a performance car on a proper racing circuit:

• V8 Drive Experiences — Get behind the wheel of a race-prepared Mustang or Camaro and drive the National Circuit under guided instruction, with speeds pushing past 200 km/h on the main straights. Packages typically start from five laps, with additional lap options available.
• Passenger (Hot Lap) Experiences — Ride along with a professional driver for a full-noise lap of the circuit. It’s an accessible entry point for anyone curious about track driving without the responsibility of being at the wheel.
• Performance Driver Training — Third-party operators including Paul Stokell’s Driving Events and The Drive Team run advanced driver training days at Queensland Raceway, offering structured coaching, data analysis, and progressive skill development for road car drivers and competition licence holders alike.

Ride Days and Track Days

For motorcycle enthusiasts, Queensland Raceway runs regular Moto Ride Days — controlled sessions that allow riders to experience the circuit on their own motorcycle in a managed, safety-focused environment.

For car owners, track days at the circuit run in various formats, from general practice open lapping sessions to structured days with in-car instruction. These events cater for beginners through to experienced drivers, with session groupings typically based on experience level to keep things orderly and enjoyable.

Track day participation usually requires a roadworthy vehicle in sound condition, appropriate safety gear, and in some cases a current Motorsport Australia licence. Check with the specific event organiser for entry requirements before registering.

Driver Development Opportunities

Queensland Raceway has supported the development of racing talent at every level throughout its history. For those looking to progress in the sport:

• Performance Coaching — One-on-one driver coaching is available through multiple operators at the circuit, covering braking technique, cornering lines, consistency, and data interpretation
• Licence Testing — Motorsport Australia observed licence testing, including theory and on-track assessment, is available through selected operators at the venue
• Advanced Car Control Training — Skid pan and car control training programs teach real-world hazard management and vehicle dynamics in a controlled environment

For younger or developing drivers, the club racing pathway at Queensland Raceway provides a structured competitive environment with proper circuit infrastructure — a significant advantage compared to makeshift or temporary venues.

Visitor Information for Race Day

Tickets and Entry

Ticket pricing varies significantly between events. Major Supercars rounds, national championship events, and multi-day festivals will have different pricing structures to club days or general practice sessions.

General guidance:

• Book tickets online in advance for all major events — gate sales are available at many events, but popular rounds can sell out and online booking typically offers the best pricing
• Weekend passes often represent better value than individual day tickets for multi-day events
• Check the official event page for detailed access categories — some events include pit lane access as part of premium ticket packages

Always verify ticket pricing and availability directly through the Queensland Raceway website or the relevant event’s official ticketing page.

Parking and Transport

Queensland Raceway is primarily a drive-to venue. Parking is available on-site at the circuit, with parking areas typically managed by event staff on major event days.

Practical tips:

• Arrive early on major event days — parking areas fill progressively, and early arrival typically secures a more convenient spot
• Allow extra travel time from Ipswich or Brisbane on Supercars and festival weekends when traffic on the Cunningham Highway can extend travel times
• Carpooling is worth considering for large groups, both for cost and convenience
• TransLink Bus 515 provides a connection from Ipswich Station to the general Willowbank area, but drops passengers several kilometres short of the actual track gates. Save yourself the walk and opt for a taxi, rideshare, or drive yourself.

Food, Amenities and Facilities

Queensland Raceway has undergone significant upgrades since 2022, improving both the spectator and competitor experience. On-site facilities include:

• Café and food services — The circuit has café facilities on-site, and major event days typically bring additional food vendors and catering options
• Corporate suites — Available for hire for business entertainment or group events
• Family-friendly spectator areas — The flat, open layout of the venue is accessible and manageable with kids in tow
• Pit lane and paddock access — Available at selected events, providing a closer look at the machinery and teams

What to Bring for a Comfortable Visit

Make your day at Queensland Raceway easier with a bit of preparation:

• Sun protection — The spectator areas at Queensland Raceway are largely open to the elements; sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential for a Queensland summer day
• Ear protection — Especially important if you’re bringing children. Racing engines at full noise are genuinely loud and extended exposure without protection is not comfortable
• Water bottle — Staying hydrated across a full race day in Queensland weather is non-negotiable; fill a refillable bottle to bring in
• Comfortable shoes — You’ll cover more ground than you expect walking between spectator areas, the paddock, and food outlets
• Portable seating — A lightweight fold-up chair or blanket for the spectator mounds makes a long day significantly more comfortable; check the event’s entry conditions for permitted items

Things to Do Near Queensland Raceway

Explore Ipswich Before or After the Event

Staying in Ipswich rather than driving straight to or from the circuit means you can make a proper weekend of the visit. The City of Ipswich has more going on than most interstate visitors expect:

• Local dining — Ipswich has a solid mix of cafés, pubs, and restaurants in and around the CBD, with options ranging from relaxed pub meals to sit-down dining suitable for a pre-race dinner or post-race celebration
• Queens Park — A heritage-listed botanic garden and park offering a peaceful contrast to the noise and energy of a race day. Suitable for a morning walk before heading to the track.
• The Workshops Rail Museum — One of Queensland’s best regional museums, housed in the former North Ipswich Railway Workshops. A worthwhile half-day for history enthusiasts, particularly with kids.
• Ipswich CBD shopping — The Ipswich CBD has retail options, a weekend market scene, and the kind of local businesses that make for a more interesting visit than a generic shopping centre run

Extend Your Motorsport Adventure

If you’re a motorsport fan, the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct gives you good reason to spend more than a single day in the area:

• Willowbank Raceway — Australia’s premier drag racing facility sits within the same precinct. If there’s a drag event running — particularly the famous Winternationals — it’s worth extending your visit
• Ipswich Motor Museum — A collection of historic Australian racing and road cars worth visiting for enthusiasts with time to spare
• Family alternatives — For non-racing members of your group, Ipswich’s parks, dining precinct, and the Workshops Rail Museum provide solid alternatives for anyone who has had enough revs for one day

Where to Stay Near Queensland Raceway

Why Stay in Ipswich?

The case for staying in Ipswich rather than Brisbane or further afield is straightforward:

• Short travel time — Approximately 15–20 minutes to Queensland Raceway from the Ipswich CBD via the Cunningham Highway
• Less event-day stress — No long drive through post-event traffic. Get back to your room quickly, get cleaned up, and get dinner
• Access to restaurants and services — Ipswich has the shops, cafés, restaurants, and amenities you need for a comfortable race weekend stay, without Brisbane prices

For groups travelling together for a major event, Ipswich accommodation makes the logistics considerably simpler — you’re not managing a long convoy through peak-hour traffic on a Sunday afternoon when you’d rather be replaying the race.

Accommodation Considerations for Race Weekends

When booking accommodation for a Queensland Raceway event weekend, a few things are worth factoring in:

• Parking — If you’re driving to the circuit, make sure your accommodation has on-site parking available. This avoids any morning scramble finding a spot before an early race start.
• Early departures — Gates at Queensland Raceway typically open at 7:30 am, with track action from 8:00 am. If you’re catching qualifying or morning sessions, you’ll want accommodation where a 6:30 am departure is manageable.
• Comfortable rooms — A full race day is tiring. A comfortable bed and a good night’s sleep between Saturday and Sunday makes a genuine difference.
• Group travel — If you’re coming with a crew, look for accommodation that can cater for multiple rooms together. It makes the logistics cleaner and keeps the group together for the social side of a race weekend.

Stay at Central Motel Ipswich

For race visitors, families, couples, and groups heading to Queensland Raceway, Central Motel Ipswich offers a practical and comfortable base in the heart of Ipswich.

The motel is run by owners who are genuine car enthusiasts — they understand the rhythm of a race weekend and what visitors actually need. Queensland Raceway is a short drive away via the Cunningham Highway, putting you close enough to be trackside early without any of the stress of a long commute.

Accommodation options are comfortable and well-priced, suited to visitors who want somewhere solid to return to after a long day at the circuit. On-site parking is available — important when you’re loading a car boot with gear, chairs, and racing paraphernalia. Pet-friendly options are also available (pets must be checked in at reception on arrival), so the whole family — four-legged members included — can be along for the weekend.

Rooms book out quickly for major event weekends, particularly Supercars rounds and heritage racing festivals. Booking early is strongly recommended.

Book your stay early for major Queensland Raceway events — check availability at Central Motel Ipswich and secure your room before they fill up.

Travelling as a group? We can help with group accommodation arrangements — get in touch to discuss what you need.

Ready to Head to The Paperclip?

Queensland Raceway has earned its place at the centre of Queensland motorsport over more than two decades. From national Supercars rounds and ASBK championship events to Drift Matsuri weekends and grassroots club racing days, the circuit in Willowbank delivers a consistent, accessible motorsport experience that works equally well for hardcore competitors, casual fans, and first-time visitors.

The combination of a genuinely spectator-friendly layout, a diverse event calendar, hands-on drive and ride experiences, and its position within the broader Ipswich Motorsport Precinct makes Queensland Raceway one of the most complete motorsport destinations in Australia. And with Ipswich just 15–20 minutes away, you have a proper base — with accommodation, dining, and things to do — rather than just a car park at the end of the highway.

Whatever brings you to The Paperclip — a championship round, a ride day, a heritage festival, or just your first time at a live motorsport event — Central Motel Ipswich is the obvious place to stay.

Book your room at Central Motel Ipswich today — and we’ll see you at the track.