July 20, 2023
A visit to the Historic Leyburn Sprints is a chance to see so much more than the cars.
Firstly, enjoy a breathtaking scenic drive across the Southern Downs, with wide-open vistas as far as the eye can see, dotted by historic small towns. Show your kids a slice of true Australian countryside. Following the signposted circular Sprints Route from Leyburn is a great way to do this.
At Leyburn, see historic buildings and other sites dating back to the 19th century goldrush. Some properties in Macintyre Street have plaques outside explain their history.
Take a drive a couple of kilometres out of town to the Australian Grand Prix site. There may be little to see physically except a commemorative plaque, but the sense of history as you stand at that place is unmistakable.
While you imagine the races that took place there – Jack Brabham competed in 1953 in his ReDex Special Cooper Bristol - spare a thought also for the thousands of Australian and American airmen of 200 Squadron and Z Special Unit who lived at the base and supported covert missions by Liberator bombers into hot spots north of Australia.
Other helpful information:
- Tickets (on-line or at the gate), adult Day $25, Weekend $35; children under 14 free
- Roadside parking surrounding the event precinct is free and abundant for general admission ticketholders
- Where to stay – last-minute camping is available at four local Hipcamp sites – check the camping tab on our website for details. Also, there are many other options in the region between Toowoomba and Warwick, including motels, classic country pubs, AirBnbs and farm stays. Check Southern Queensland Country for suggestions.
- Directions - Leyburn is on Toowoomba–Karara Road, via scenic routes 195kms west of Brisbane, 66kms south-west of Toowoomba and 61kms north-west of Warwick. See RACQ Trip Planner for directions.
