NSW Police will conduct a high-visibility operation during Australia's ultimate supercar endurance event at Bathurst's iconic Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit this weekend.
The 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000 begins with practise laps from Thursday 8 October 2026, with the main event starting at 11.45am on Sunday (11 October 2026).
Around 200,000 people, including competitors, officials and spectators are expected to descend on Mount Panorama across the four-day event, with Operation Bathurst 2026 ensuring the event is safe and secure for all.
The police operation commences today (Tuesday 6 October 2026) and will continue until Monday 12 October 2026, to ensure the safety and security of competitors, officials, the local community and thousands of spectators attending the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000.
General Duties police attached to Chifley Police District, Western Region and Sydney Metropolitan Regions will be assisted by specialist officers from the Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, State Operations and Emergency Management Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed across the weekend to target speeding, drink-driving, fatigue and dangerous driver behaviour.
Operation Bathurst 2026 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Greg Moore APM, said racegoers will notice a highly visible police presence throughout the Mount Panorama footprint for the operation.
"Police will be out and about ensuring that all racegoers behave responsibly and are considerate of those around them," Assistant Commissioner Moore said.
"This is a family event, first and foremost.
"Random drug and alcohol testing will be in place in and around Bathurst, and we're urging people to take precautions to make sure you arrive safely and get home from the event in one piece.
"Our messaging is simple – if you are drinking, do not drive. We want to see you make it to and from your destinations safely.
"The community should also be aware that we will have licensing police in and around licensed venues in support of community safety and targeting alcohol-related crime and anti-social related behaviour."
Assistant Commissioner Moore said driving to the road conditions will be paramount this year, as it is for every Bathurst 1000.
"If you are heading to Mount Panorama from Sydney, give ample consideration to the detours in place," Assistant Commissioner Moore said.
"Drive to the conditions, and demonstrate patience and courtesy to your fellow road users."
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said racegoers should plan their journey to and from Bathurst well ahead of time.
"Travellers should allow plenty of extra travel time for the detour via Chifley Road and Darling Causeway, following the closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway," Mr Collins said.
"Delays are expected on the Monday after the big race, just like in previous years, in Bathurst, Cowra, Blayney, Lithgow and Blackheath. Delays are also expected on Tuesday 13 October as some attendees are expected to stay an extra night in Bathurst.
"Depending on their destination, motorists may want to consider alternative routes like the Golden Highway or the Hume Highway, or take advantage of additional public transport services."
Mr Collins also shared a reminder that Tuesday 13 October is the first day of Term 4 and the first day of exams for HSC students, meaning school zones will be in effect from 8am to 9.30am.
"Families and students should allow plenty of extra travel tome and Bathurst 1000 attendees might want to delay their departure from Bathurst until after the school traffic has cleared," Mr Collins said.
Bathurst Mayor, Cr Ben Fry, said the Repco Bathurst 1000 is one of the great weeks on the Australian sporting calendar and puts a deserving spotlight on everything the Bathurst Region has to offer.
"The Bathurst 1000 is one of the most anticipated events on the Australian and international motorsport calendar. We are always proud to welcome the Great Race back to Mount Panorama, and there is simply nothing quite like watching the Mountain roar into life," Mayor Fry said.
"Each October, it is not only the circuit that comes alive. Our CBD fills with visitors enjoying the race, our hospitality and the off-track events that make Race Week such a special experience.
"For me, that is what makes the Bathurst 1000 such an extraordinary asset for our city. Beyond the race itself, it delivers a much broader benefit for local businesses, visitors and the wider Central West community.
"A week of this scale also takes an enormous amount of work behind the scenes, and I want to particularly thank our local NSW Police command for the role they play in keeping Race Week safe, both on and off the Mountain.
"Council is fortunate to work closely with NSW Police and Supercars to make sure everything from camping and traffic movements to street festivals, driver parades and the race itself runs safely and successfully."
Supercars Chief Events Officer Nicole Dickinson said the support of NSW Police Force is a vital part of what makes the Bathurst 1000 possible each year.
"Their work behind the scenes to help keep our venue, competitors, officials and fans safe is incredibly important and deeply appreciated," Ms Dickinson said.
"We thank NSW Police for their continued support and partnership. Their efforts through Operation Bathurst 1000 help create an environment where everyone can enjoy Australia's Great Race with confidence and peace of mind."
Further information about the event, including venue maps, track schedules and parking availability, can be found at: http://www.supercars.com/bathurst1000
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, travellers are urged to visit www.livetraffic.com before departing.
