Rally Australia

Rally Australia is a major automobile rally event held in Australia, most recently based in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. Traditionally staged in September or October, it has served as a round of the World Rally Championship and the Australian Rally Championship since its inception in 1988.

• First held in 1988 in Perth, Western Australia
• Famous for the Bunnings Jumps stage
• Part of the World Rally Championship from 1989 to 2006 and 2009–2018
• Moved to Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, in 2011
• Praised for its unique gravel road surfaces

What it is

Rally Australia is a celebrated motorsport event that brings together top rally drivers and teams to compete on challenging Australian roads. The event has been a significant fixture in the international rally calendar, drawing fans and competitors from around the world. Known for its unique road surfaces and dramatic stages, Rally Australia has played host to both the World Rally Championship and national competitions. For many motorsport enthusiasts, it represents a highlight of the racing year and a showcase of skill, endurance, and the rugged beauty of the Australian landscape.

Where it comes from

The event began in 1988 in Perth, Western Australia, initially as part of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. It quickly gained prominence, joining the World Rally Championship in 1989 and earning accolades for its distinctive gravel roads and innovative stages. Over the years, Rally Australia has moved locations, from Perth to the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, and finally to Coffs Harbour. Its history reflects both the passion for motorsport in Australia and the event’s adaptability to changing circumstances and communities.

How it is celebrated

Rally Australia is marked by high-speed racing across diverse terrains, from forest tracks to coastal roads. Spectators gather at special stages, such as the famous Bunnings Jumps, to witness cars soar and drivers push their limits. The event often includes super-special stages in urban settings, bringing the excitement close to fans. While the focus is on the competition, the rally also features service parks where teams work on their cars, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Local communities often join in with festivities, food stalls, and opportunities to meet drivers, making it a lively and immersive experience.

Joining in

Visitors can expect a mix of thrilling rally action and a welcoming atmosphere, especially in host towns like Coffs Harbour. Special spectator areas are set up along the stages, offering safe and exciting vantage points. The service park is a hub of activity, where fans can see the cars up close and interact with teams. Whether you’re a motorsport devotee or a newcomer, attending Rally Australia offers a unique chance to experience world-class rallying amid the scenery of regional Australia.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Rally Australia, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Rally Australia on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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