Carnell Raceway

⚠️ Please check before travelling

Carnell Raceway has been reported as temporarily closed by the Southern Downs Regional Council, with the local car club's 2026 events relocated to Morgan Park Raceway at Warwick. Confirm the venue's current status and any event dates with the club before planning a visit.

About Carnell Raceway

Carnell Raceway sits a few kilometres outside Stanthorpe in Queensland's Granite Belt, and is one of the country's long-running club road-racing circuits — the Stanthorpe & District Sporting Car Club held its first meeting here in 1969. It is a compact, fully fenced bitumen circuit of roughly 960 metres, with a short drag strip, control tower, competitor paddock and spectator viewing areas. The tight, hilly layout means spectators can take in most of the track from a single vantage point, and the rural Granite Belt setting with on-site camping makes it a favourite for a full race weekend. Events have spanned circuit sprints, drifting, and races for sedans, open-wheelers and motorcycles — an authentic slice of grassroots Australian club motorsport, when the venue is operating.

The track & what's on

• ~960m bitumen circuitA compact, fully fenced sealed road circuit, originally around 800m and extended in the early 1990s, with a smooth asphalt surface replacing the old clay.
• Short drag stripA short drag strip was added alongside the circuit during the 1990s upgrades.
• EventsWhen operating, the calendar has covered circuit sprints, drifting and races for sedans, open-wheelers and motorcycles.
• SpectatingThe compact, undulating layout lets spectators see most of the track from one spot — a big part of its appeal.
• FacilitiesControl tower, competitor paddock, spectator areas, toilets and on-site camping in the grounds for race weekends.

Good to know

• Public accessThis is a competitor and spectator venue rather than a drive-it-yourself experience; track time is through club events and entries, not arrive-and-drive.
• Getting thereAbout 2.5km from the Stanthorpe town centre on Rifle Range Road, in the Granite Belt wine and produce region of south-east Queensland.
• Stay a weekendOn-site camping makes it well suited to a full race weekend, with Stanthorpe's cellar doors and cafes close by.
• Current statusAs above, the circuit has been reported temporarily closed for 2026 — always confirm dates and access with the club before travelling.

FAQ

Quick facts

• ExperienceClub road circuit
• Track~960m bitumen
• AlsoShort drag strip
• CampingOn site
• StatusTemporarily closed
• AreaStanthorpe, QLD
• Rating4.8 / 5 (35)

Contact Information

Location