100th Anniversary of the First Australian Grand Prix

Planning has commenced in Goulburn to commemorate the centenary of the first official Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix which occurred on 23 June 1924. The celebration will be held exactly 100 years on.

The highlight of the celebration will be an escorted, re-enactment ride along the original 80-kilometre course. The original event, which was sanctioned as an official Grand Prix by the Auto Cycle Union of NSW, and organised by the Goulburn Motorcycle Club, took place over a 43 and a half mile testing course that ran from the outskirts of Goulburn, to Windellama, across to Bungonia, and back along Mountain Ash Road to the start finish line.

Amazingly, the original course exists almost entirely and can be ridden today. The Senior Grand Prix was won by Dave Brewster riding an Indian Chief, with T Benstead and R Preston coming in second and third respectively riding Harley Davidsons.

The centenary festivities promises to be a historic celebration of speed, heritage, and camaraderie which will pay homage to the pioneers of Australian motorcycle racing while creating memories for generations to come. Goulburn is the true birthplace of Grand Prix racing in Australia, hosting not only the first Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1924, but also the first Car Grand Prix in 1927, and, the first Australian Motorcycle TT (Tourist Trophy) in 1914.