Experience the thrill of motorsport up close with a stay at the Winton Motor Raceway Campground, located adjacent to Australia’s renowned “Nation’s Action Track” near Benalla in Victoria’s High Country. Primarily catering to spectators and participants during race meetings and track events, the campground offers convenient and atmospheric accommodation right amongst the action. Wake up to the sounds of engines and enjoy easy access to the circuit, making it the perfect base for motorsport enthusiasts. While facilities are geared towards event camping, it provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the racing environment. Outside of major events, the area offers proximity to the attractions of Benalla, the Winton Wetlands, and the broader North East Victorian region, known for its wineries, gourmet food, and scenic landscapes.
Camping at Winton Motor Raceway is typically focused around designated areas within the raceway complex, often large, open grassed fields. It primarily accommodates self-sufficient campers with tents, caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers, especially during major events like V8 Supercars or Superbikes. Powered sites are usually limited and highly sought after during peak times, with the majority being unpowered. Amenities blocks with toilets and showers are available, strategically located for campers. Communal BBQs or catering outlets might operate during large events. It’s essential to check the specific camping arrangements and booking requirements for the event you plan to attend, as availability and facility levels can vary significantly. Some events may allow contained campfires, while others prohibit them entirely. Generators are often permitted during specified daytime hours but check rules for noise restrictions. Being prepared for varying weather conditions and bringing essentials like chairs, shade, and potentially extra water is advisable.
While the raceway is the main attraction, the surrounding area offers plenty to explore. The town of Benalla (approx. 15-20 minutes drive) features cafes, restaurants, pubs, supermarkets, and the renowned Benalla Art Gallery situated by Lake Benalla. The nearby Winton Wetlands provide a vast natural landscape for birdwatching, walking, cycling (including an art trail), and kayaking. For a change of pace, explore the Ned Kelly Touring Route through towns like Glenrowan, or venture into the King Valley or Rutherglen wine regions, both within a reasonable driving distance. Fishing opportunities exist in local rivers like the Broken River or Lake Nillahcootie further afield. Short walks can be enjoyed around the raceway precinct (when accessible) or more formally at the Winton Wetlands or Lake Benalla.
Winton Motor Raceway Campground – VIC Location Map
Winton Motor Raceway Campground
- Address: 41 Fox St, Winton VIC 3673 (General Raceway Address – Camping areas accessed via specific gates, often off Wattle Creek Rd during events)
Note: The Wattle Creek Rd address often points to specific camping access points during events. 41 Fox St is the main raceway office address. - Website: wintonraceway.com.au (Check specific event pages for camping details and bookings)
- GPS Coordinates: -36.5171, 146.09239 (Approximate centre of raceway precinct; specific camping areas vary)
Site Details
- Location: Within the Winton Motor Raceway complex, near Benalla.
- Site Suitable For: Primarily tents, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, swags during events. General public camping outside major events might be limited or unavailable (check directly with raceway).
- Road Access: Sealed highway access (Hume Fwy) to Benalla/Winton area. Access roads to camping areas within the complex are typically gravel or dirt tracks.
- Site Surface: Mostly grassed paddocks or fields. Can become muddy in wet weather.
Facilities and Features (Primarily during events)
- Picnic Tables: Limited, mainly in designated public viewing areas rather than specific campsites.
- Potable Water: Available at amenities blocks, but bringing own supply recommended, especially for unpowered sites.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good for Telstra. Coverage for other carriers may be less reliable, especially during large crowd events.
- TV Reception: Variable, likely requires a good antenna, potentially satellite for reliability.
- BBQ’s: Communal BBQs may be available, but portable BBQs (gas) often permitted. Check event rules.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, permanent and temporary amenities blocks with toilets and showers are provided, especially during events.
- Ullage (Dump Point): Often available onsite during major events for portable toilet cassettes. Check event map/information. A public dump point is also available in Benalla.
- Drive Through Sites: Generally not formally designated; sites are often allocated space in open areas.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, extensive bins provided during events.
- Open Fires: Usually prohibited during major events and over summer fire restriction periods. Some smaller events might permit contained fires off the ground (check specific event rules strictly).
- Generator Use: Often permitted during specific daytime hours (e.g., 8 am – 10 pm). Check event rules for noise restrictions.
- Essentials to Bring: Event tickets, camping gear, chairs, shade structure, Esky/fridge, water containers, sun protection, wet weather gear, earplugs (it’s a race track!), portable lighting.
- Pet Friendly: Generally NO, pets are usually prohibited at motorsport events for safety reasons. Check specific event rules, but assume pets are not allowed.
- Fishing: Not applicable onsite. Possible in nearby rivers (Broken River) or lakes (Lake Benalla, Lake Nillahcootie).
- Short Walks: Around the raceway precinct viewing areas (subject to event access). Winton Wetlands and Lake Benalla offer nearby walking tracks.
Local Amenities (Nearest town: Benalla, approx. 15-20 min drive)
Pubs
- North Eastern Hotel (Benalla): (Approx. 15 km) – Classic pub on the main street.
- Commercial Hotel (Benalla): (Approx. 15 km) – Another central pub option.
- Royal Hotel (Benalla): (Approx. 15 km) – Offers meals and drinks.
Places to Eat
- Pubs in Benalla: (Approx. 15 km) – Offer bistro meals.
- Main Street Cafes (Benalla): (Approx. 15 km) – Various options like Rustik Cafe, Main Street Cafe, Zeus Coffee Co.
- Fast Food Chains (Benalla): (Approx. 15 km) – McDonald’s, KFC, Subway etc.
- Restaurants (Benalla): (Approx. 15 km) – Options including Indian, Chinese, Pizza, etc.
- Event Catering: Food vendors usually operate onsite during major race meetings.
Local Attractions
- Winton Motor Raceway: (Onsite) – The primary attraction!
- Winton Wetlands: (Approx. 5-10 km) – Vast wetlands reserve, walking/cycling trails, art trail, birdwatching, cafe.
- Benalla Art Gallery: (Approx. 15 km) – Regional gallery located beautifully by Lake Benalla.
- Lake Benalla Walking Track: (Approx. 15 km) – Scenic walk around the lake in town.
- Ned Kelly Touring Route Sites (Glenrowan): (Approx. 25 km) – Historic Kelly Gang sites, museum, Big Ned Kelly statue.
Nearest Caravan Parks
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- Benalla Tourist Park: (Approx. 15 km) – Located in Benalla town.
- BPACC/Benalla Showgrounds Camping: (Approx. 15 km) – Often offers basic camping/RV parking, especially during events (check availability).
Nearest Free Camps
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- Casey Weir (Broken River): (Approx. 20 km South West) – Basic riverside reserve, popular spot (check local restrictions).
- Rest Areas along Hume Freeway: (Varies) – Designated stops, some may allow overnight stays (check signage).
Nearest Dump Points
- Onsite: Often provided during major events (check details).
- Benalla Public Dump Point: (Approx. 15 km) – Located at Benalla Showgrounds or Visitor Information Centre vicinity.
- Glenrowan Public Dump Point: (Approx. 25 km) – Near the service centres/rest area.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Service Stations at Winton Hume Freeway Interchange: (Approx. 5 km) – Major servos (BP, Shell etc.) located where the raceway access road meets the freeway.
- Multiple S