2026 WORLDSBK PHILLIP ISLAND | What’s On

If you’re heading to the Island for the WorldSBK opener, here’s what else is worth factoring into the weekend

As the long-standing curtain raiser of the WorldSBK championship, the Australian round at Phillip Island has always been special. For riders, teams and fans alike, it’s the first proper read on form, momentum and expectation after the off-season, where testing gives way to reality and the competitive picture starts to sharpen. Across three days, the circuit becomes a self-contained village as the year’s story begins to take shape, with spectators moving – usually on bikes – between vantage points, the paddock, the expo and the campground.

And if you can’t make it, or you want to follow every session, WorldSBK and WorldSSP coverage will be shown live via Foxtel, Foxtel Now, Kayo Sports or the WorldSBK VideoPass.

Inside the paddock

For a lot of fans, the paddock is where the Phillip Island WorldSBK experience really comes to life, and access is better than it once was. Anyone holding a three-day general admission ticket or above can enter the paddock without a pass, while single-day ticket holders can upgrade on arrival. Cross the bridge on Gardner Straight and you’re suddenly in the middle of it; you’ll find riders in the zone, teams preparing bikes and intrigued fans soaking up the unique atmosphere that only an international race meeting can bring.

The Paddock Show remains a central feature across the event, bringing podium celebrations, parc ferme access and rider appearances together in one place. Hosted by the likeable Michael Hill, the show blends interviews, team presentations, games and giveaways, and provides one of the best opportunities to see WorldSBK and ASBK riders up close during the season’s opening weekend. The national paddock sits just to the right after the bridge, making it easy to check out the Aussie machinery and grab a chat or an autograph between sessions.

Trackside hospitality

For those who like a bit of structure to their race weekend, Phillip Island’s hospitality options remain a popular way to take in the action. BarSBK locations are spread around the circuit, including Gardner Straight, Lukey Heights and Siberia, offering covered viewing along with food and bar access.

ClubSBK sits at the other end of the spectrum, with a climate-controlled suite positioned above the pit garages. It provides a quieter place to retreat, with indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas and a vantage point directly over pitlane. Shuttle buses operate throughout the day, making it easy to move between hospitality areas.

Both options suit fans who prefer to base themselves in one area for part of the day, before heading back out to explore the Island on foot – or on two wheels.

Finding your spot

Once you’ve stepped back out of the paddock, the scale of Phillip Island means exploration. Many fans treat the weekend as a walking event – especially if there’s some refreshments to be had – meandering the 4.448km circuit to sample different viewing angles and immersing themselves in the atmosphere. From Lukey Heights to Siberia, Doohan Corner to the Hayshed, you’ll be surprised how different the circuit looks on foot compared to what you see on the broadcast.

To stay connected while you roam, SBK Radio broadcasts on 87.6 FM throughout the weekend, providing commentary and updates wherever you happen to be. Superscreens are positioned around the circuit as well, making it easy to keep track of sessions while grabbing food, standing in line at the bar, browsing the many merchandise stands or simply taking in the view across Bass Strait.

After the chequered flag

For many regulars, camping is as much a part of the Phillip Island WorldSBK ritual as the racing itself. The circuit campground once again becomes home base across the long weekend, with a mix of bikes-only areas, vehicle-access sites and a limited number of powered options. While the days of a completely free-for-all are long gone, the campground still offers a social hub once the on-track action dies down, with fans swapping stories and replaying the day’s highlights well into the evening.

All camping arrangements and conditions are outlined via the official WorldSBK Australia channels, and bookings are required. For those committing to the full three days, staying on site removes the pressure of daily travel and keeps the entire event within walking distance. By the way, it doesn’t matter how comfortable you think your riding boots are, it’s a good idea to throw in some walking shoes.

Expo mode

The WorldSBK Expo provides another must-see for bike-mad racing fans. Open from 9am to 5pm Friday through Sunday, the purpose-built hall houses a rotating mix of road and off-road motorcycles, manufacturer displays, merchandise and accessories. While organisers tend to keep any potential model debuts under wraps until late, the expo remains a reliable place to browse new hardware, pick up some team gear, run into a mate you haven’t seen for a decade and just take a breather from the elements.

Located centrally, it’s an easy stop between sessions and a useful fallback when the weather sours, as it so often can at the Island.

Centre of gravity

Tucked beside the main circuit infrastructure, the Phillip Island Visitor Centre really is worth a look during major race weekends. Fully licensed and open early, it offers food, coffee and indoor seating, along with extensive merchandise and access to the circuit’s History of Motorsport Museum.

The museum includes a dedicated Giacomo Agostini display featuring rare MV Agusta machinery, alongside a broader collection that reflects the Island’s place in international racing history. For those with time to spare, the centre also houses the country’s largest slot car track and a 750m replica Phillip Island go-kart circuit, with bookings available on site for event patrons who meet the requirements – and that also means blowing zero.

Rolling free

In a time of ever tightening rules and regulations, it’s wonderful that one of Phillip Island’s long-standing traditions remains: registered and licensed riders can still circulate the outfield and service roads on their own motorcycles throughout the three-day event. Helmets are mandatory, and normal road rules apply, but it’s a uniquely Island experience that allows fans to move efficiently between viewing points while staying on two wheels.

And it’s the one thing that really separates the Australian WorldSBK round from any other domestic or international race event at the picturesque circuit and it’s something regulars hope will never change.

Track schedule

Friday

Saturday

Sunday