Blockbuster line-up for special Bathurst Monday event

Bathurst Regional Council is pleased to announce the program for the CBD activation on Monday 12 October, the closing event for this year’s Bathurst 1000 week of festivities.

Mayor Ben Fry remarked Council is grateful to have $185,000 in funding support from the NSW Government for this event, with staff working incredibly hard to put together an exceptional program to encourage some race fans to stay another day and travel home later in the week.

“The Bathurst 1000 is one of the great weeks on the Australian sporting calendar, and this year we’re adding one more lap," Cr Fry said.

“Lap 162 is about giving visitors a genuine reason to stay in Bathurst for another day, spend some more time in our CBD and then head home outside the traditional post-race departure peak.

“It’s a relatively simple idea, but one that can deliver a number of benefits at once; a better experience for race fans, more trade for local businesses and a more spread-out departure from Bathurst while the Great Western Highway remains under pressure.

“The CBD will be buzzing with activations throughout the day on Monday. Come along to the Race Winners media call in the morning and be in the background of the Sunrise live crosses, plus join some of the most influential players in the history of Australia's Automotive Icon HDT as they take the stage live for a special Q and A hosted by Supercars’ Richard Craill. Enjoy a local lunch in the afternoon from our great array of pubs and cafes in town and make your way back to Kings Parade for the all-exciting, all ages wrap-up concert at 3:45pm.

"It’s a pleasure to be able to open the stage to two brilliant local performers: Set Fire To This Town - Cold Chisel Tribute Band, plus And Metallica For All - Metallica Tribute Band who will commence Monday afternoon’s concert. Following these great support acts, Council is thrilled to announce classic Australian rock bands The Choirboys and The Angels will be taking to the stage."

The program on Monday 12 October will create a strong post-race experience, helping spread the departure peak and reduce congestion on the Great Western Highway by encouraging some race fans to extend their stay in town.

To support this, Supercars has extended the campground departure time to provide campers with the option to remain onsite until 10am Tuesday morning. Council has similarly extended stays at our Council-managed CBD camping sites for those wanting the flexibility to remain in Bathurst for the Monday activation.

Supercars Executive Chairman and interim CEO Barclay Nettlefold stated that Lap 162 is a tremendous initiative that makes Great Race festivities even greater in 2026.

“The Repco Bathurst 1000 already provides a week of special festivities in and around Bathurst, and we are pleased to see the Lap 162 program extend festivities into Monday following this year’s Great Race," Nettlefold said.

“Given the circumstances, it’s fantastic to see Bathurst Regional Council and the NSW Government establish this all-new initiative, which will both relieve traffic pressures and give locals and racegoers even more reasons to spend time in the Bathurst Region next month.

“We look forward to celebrating a successful 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000 with Lap 162 in Bathurst CBD in just a few weeks’ time."

Additionally, Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said: “The Bathurst 1000 weekend is always a great boost for the Central West, and the Minns Labor Government is pleased to be supporting this event through our commitment of $185,000 in funding.

“Encouraging race fans to stay an extra day will help support local businesses, while also spreading departures and easing traffic on the detour routes, due to the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.

“Lap 162 gives visitors another reason to enjoy Bathurst, with a full day of entertainment, live music and local experiences - and it’s great to see some local acts taking part.

“We’re happy to be working with Bathurst Regional Council and Supercars to make it easier for visitors to stay longer and enjoy the region before heading home."

Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper further noted: “The chequered flag on Sunday doesn’t have to signal the end of the weekend. By supporting an additional day of celebrations, we’re encouraging fans to stay longer, enjoy more of Bathurst and help ease congestion on the roads.

“Bathurst has a well-earned reputation for putting on a great event, and this gives the city another opportunity to welcome visitors and show them what it has to offer.

“We want people to make the most of their time in the Central West and discover everything the region has beyond the racetrack."

HDT has also come on board as a major sponsor of Lap 162: The Great Race Cool Down, backing the event with a strong on-ground presence, fan activations and merchandise across the Monday program.

“HDT and Bathurst have unfinished business. Contributing to this event seemed like a pretty good place to start," a HDT spokesperson said.

The full schedule of events can be found below. Note, this is an all ages, alcohol-free event.

Morning

Mid-Morning

Lunch

Afternoon

Line-up

Getting There

Regular Route 528 bus services will continue to operate on Monday 12 October, providing transport between Mount Panorama and Bathurst CBD. Additional services are also being explored, with further details to be provided closer to the event.