In short: The Phillip Island MotoGP on 23 to 25 October is the island's last. From November 2027 the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix moves to an Adelaide street circuit under a six-year deal, and local tourism leaders want support for new events to fill the gap.

The engines start at Phillip Island for the last time on 23 October. This year's Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is the island's final MotoGP before the race moves to the streets of Adelaide in 2027.

The last Phillip Island MotoGP weekend

The FIM confirmed the 2026 dates as 23 to 25 October, on the clifftop circuit. Riders, teams and fans will be back on the island for practice, qualifying and racing across the three days.

For many locals, the weekend is more than a race. Business owners told the ABC it is their busiest time of the year. It starts the summer tourist season on an island that, the ABC reported, is Victoria's most tourism-dependent region.

What does the island stand to lose?

Destination Phillip Island, the local tourism board, puts the economic activity linked to MotoGP and the World Superbikes at more than $80 million a year, according to the ABC. The island's MotoGP weekend has traditionally been followed by the World Superbikes round each February.

The ABC also reported Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing accommodation is the island's largest employer, at almost 4 per cent of jobs, with cafes and restaurants third.

Destination Phillip Island and Bass Coast Shire Council are asking for government funding to develop other events, including music and whale festivals, the island's hot springs and a new festival celebrating the island's motoring history. The ABC said candidates for the seat of Bass at November's state election were asked what they would commit, and all stressed the importance of tourism.

Adelaide from 2027

MotoGP, the South Australian Government and the City of Adelaide announced the move on 19 February. According to MotoGP's announcement:

  • the six-year agreement begins in 2027 and runs until 2032 inclusive

  • the first Adelaide race will be held over three days in November 2027

  • the circuit will be about 4.195 kilometres long with 18 corners, and riders are expected to reach more than 340 km/h

  • the layout follows the Adelaide Street Circuit that hosted Formula 1 from 1985 to 1995, with changes for rider safety.

MotoGP describes it as the first MotoGP Grand Prix to be held in a city-centre location. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas called it "a major coup for South Australia" in the announcement.

If you are going this year

Because this is the last Phillip Island MotoGP, expect a bigger crowd than usual and plan your travel. Road access to the island is across the bridge at San Remo, and race weekend traffic can be slow. Check the official event site for tickets, the schedule and transport options before you set out.

Cover photo: Tom Reynolds from Melbourne, Australia via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to fit.

About the author

Rullik

Clear, sourced explainers on Australia and the world

Rullik is the pen name of the founder of Australia Illuminate (Auslume). Rullik writes plain-language explainers on life in Australia, from immigration, study and work to money, sport and screen culture, always linking to the official sources behind each story. Every story is reviewed before publication.

More from Rullik ↗

Sources

Join the conversation