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KOWEN FOREST, ACT
🏁 Rally Motorsport · Spectator Event

Kowen Rally Village — Rally of Canberra

⭐⭐⭐⭐½4.9/5 (16 reviews)
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Event
Rally of Canberra (ARC Rd 1)
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Surface
Gravel · pine forest stages
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Stage length
~16 km (Rally Village stage)
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Entry
Free for spectators
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Timing
Annual · check rally.com.au
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Where
Kowen Forest · east of Canberra
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Series
Australian Rally Championship
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Rating
4.9 / 5 (16 reviews)

About the Kowen Rally Village

The Kowen Rally Village is the spectator centrepiece of the Rally of Canberra, a round of the Australian Rally Championship (ARC) held annually in the forests surrounding the national capital. The event uses gravel road stages across two forest systems: Saturday's action runs through the Tidbinbilla forests west of Canberra, while Sunday brings the cars to the Kowen pine forests east of the city, near Queanbeyan, where the iconic Kowen Rally Village stage runs for approximately 16 kilometres. This Sunday Kowen section is the most family-friendly and accessible spectator location — entry is free, access is via Kowen Road, and you get genuinely close-up views of ARC competition cars and crews in a dramatic pine forest setting. A nearby Service Park adds further atmosphere for hardcore fans.

Free spectator entryARC Round 1Gravel forest stagesClose-up rally actionFamily friendly

The event & stages

  • Australian Rally ChampionshipThe Rally of Canberra is typically Round 1 of the ARC, attracting top-level competition crews and factory-supported cars on the national series calendar.
  • Saturday — TidbinbillaSaturday stages run west of Canberra in the Tidbinbilla region, with spectator viewing points off Brindabella Road and Paddy's River Road.
  • Sunday — Kowen ForestSunday's action is in the Kowen pine forests east of the city near Queanbeyan. The main Kowen Rally Village stage is approximately 16 km and is the highlight for spectators, with free entry via Kowen Road.
  • Service ParkLocated close to the forest, the Service Park gives spectators a chance to see the cars up close between stages — a great bonus for motorsport fans.
  • Free entrySpectator access to the Kowen Rally Village is free of charge, with a manageable gravel access road making it accessible for most vehicles.

Good to know

  • Getting thereAccess is via Kowen Road, ACT 2620, east of Canberra toward Queanbeyan. Follow official spectator guide directions — the forest roads can change between events.
  • Event datesThe Rally of Canberra is an annual event, typically held in the first half of the year. Check rally.com.au for the current year's date and event details before you go.
  • Spectator guideDownload the official spectator guide from rally.com.au before attending — it maps stage locations, viewing zones, parking, and safety instructions.
  • What to bringWear layers (Canberra forest mornings can be cold), bring water and snacks, and expect gravel road conditions for the last stretch to viewing areas.
  • SafetyStay within designated spectator zones at all times. Rally stages are closed public roads running at competition speeds — follow all marshal instructions.

FAQ

Is entry free for spectators?
Yes — spectator access to the Kowen Rally Village is free of charge. Check rally.com.au for any changes to ticketing arrangements for the current year's event.
When is the Rally of Canberra held?
The Rally of Canberra is an annual event, typically held in the first half of the calendar year as Round 1 of the Australian Rally Championship. Visit rally.com.au for the current year's exact dates.
What is the Kowen Rally Village stage?
The Kowen Rally Village stage is a gravel road special stage approximately 16 km in length through the Kowen pine forests east of Canberra. It is held on Sunday and is the most spectator-friendly location in the event.
Can I bring the family?
Yes — the Sunday Kowen Forest location is described as the most family-friendly spectator area of the rally, with free entry and accessible viewing zones.
Where else can I watch the rally?
Saturday stages run in the Tidbinbilla forests west of Canberra, with viewing off Brindabella Road and Paddy's River Road. Download the official spectator guide from rally.com.au for full details.
View Event Details

Quick facts

  • EventRally of Canberra (ARC)
  • SurfaceGravel forest roads
  • Stage~16 km (Rally Village)
  • EntryFree for spectators
  • LocationKowen Forest · east of Canberra
  • SeriesAustralian Rally Championship
  • Rating4.9 / 5 (16 reviews)

Contact Information

Website
rally.com.au →
Address
Kowen Rd, Australian Capital Territory 2620

Location