Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst) Track Guide: Layout, Corners & Driving Tips

LapSnaps Editorial Team

3 min read

Mount Panorama Circuit Overview

Mount Panorama, located in Bathurst, New South Wales, is one of the most legendary motorsport circuits in the world. Unlike permanent race tracks, it is a public road for most of the year, only closing for major racing events such as the Bathurst 1000 and Bathurst 12 Hour.

The circuit is famous for its extreme elevation changes, high‑speed straights, and narrow mountain section, making it one of the most challenging circuits for both drivers and cars.

Bathurst rewards precision, bravery, and discipline. Mistakes are heavily punished due to the close proximity of barriers.

Mount Panorama Circuit Layout Explained

Mount Panorama measures approximately 6.213 km (3.86 miles) and combines a high speed public road layout with a tight and technical mountain section.

Key layout characteristics:

Over 170 metres of elevation change
Long high speed straights
Narrow mountain sector with concrete walls
Heavy braking zones at both ends of the lap

The lap can be divided into three main sectors: the pit straight and Hell Corner, the mountain section, and Conrod Straight leading into The Chase.

Key Corners at Mount Panorama

Hell Corner (Turn 1)

A slow left hander that leads onto Mountain Straight. Exit speed is critical, as it affects speed all the way up the hill.

Mountain Straight & Griffins Bend

A fast uphill section followed by a medium speed right hander where positioning and balance are key.

The Cutting

A tight uphill left hand corner with a narrow exit. Precision is essential to avoid losing momentum.

Skyline & The Esses

One of the most technical and intimidating sections in motorsport. The car crests Skyline before dropping steeply downhill through a fast, narrow sequence bordered by walls.

Forrest’s Elbow

A crucial corner leading onto Conrod Straight. A clean exit here is essential for maximum speed down the straight.

Conrod Straight

One of the fastest sections in Australian motorsport. Cars reach extremely high speeds before heavy braking.

The Chase

A high speed chicane requiring stability under heavy braking and precise turn‑in at speed.

Murray’s Corner

The final corner leading back onto the pit straight. A strong exit is vital for lap time.

Driving Tips for Mount Panorama

Mount Panorama requires a calm, disciplined approach.

Key tips:

Build speed gradually, do not attack early
Prioritise precision over aggression
Focus on strong exits onto long straights
Keep steering and throttle inputs smooth

The mountain section rewards rhythm and accuracy, while the straights reward commitment and confidence.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make at Bathurst

Over committing into the Cutting
Turning in too early at Skyline
Rushing Forrest’s Elbow and compromising exit speed
Braking too late into The Chase

At Bathurst, even small mistakes can cost significant time, or worse, end the lap early.

Driving and Events at Mount Panorama

Mount Panorama is primarily used for:

The Bathurst 1000
The Bathurst 12 Hour
Endurance racing events
Historic motorsport festivals

Because it is a public road outside race events, access is limited and controlled. When open to the public, speeds are restricted and the circuit must be treated as a public road, not a racetrack.