Adrenaline-fuelled racing and tasting experiences at The Bend
Need a group getaway that will get your heart racing, deliver laugh-out-loud fun and a taste of the good life?
For extraordinary experiences that take you out of your comfort zone – and then pamper you afterwards – you’ve got to take a look at The Bend Motorsport Park.
While The Bend has a fierce reputation as the best place in Australia (and, in our opinion, the best in world) to get up close to edge-of-your-seat motor racing action, it also offers so much more. You can literally be whipping around the track in high performance cars, at speeds over 200kmph – before stepping off pit lane and into a fine dining restaurant and luxurious accommodation. All on the same site!
So if you’re looking for something completely unique (and have a penchant for thrill-seeking) The Bend should be at the top of your holiday or mini-break wishlist.
The Bend has experiences to suit everyone. Whether you have your own car that you want to test out on the track, a preference to be in the passenger-seat with an expert driver, want to take on a Formula F3 hot lap or even to try your hand in some of the world’s fastest go-karts – it’s all available.
Take a read of what sort of experience might suit your heart-rate…
Unique group getaways
Plan your next great escape with friends at The Bend and Rydges Pit Lane.
Above: If you’re looking to get in as much track time as possible, Rydges Pit Lane luxury suites will tick all your boxes with their rooms that overlook the main pit straight.
Not only can you play together during the day, but you can stay together overnight to really immerse yourself in the experience. The Bend has accommodation ranging from luxury suites at Rydges Pit Lane (with some of the comfiest beds we’ve ever slept in) to casual comfort at the BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park – with the biggest cabin sleeping up to 10 people – perfect for weekends away with the crew.
There’s a comprehensive calendar of events to base your stay around – including days when you can bring your own wheels (or hire theirs) and test out the racetrack. The recently launched the Speed off the Street track day, which allows people to bring their own cars to test on the world’s best facilities. These days have a maximum speed of 160kmph, so those who might be a little intimidated by the pros, can have a play at their own pace.
Above: From the track-facing balcony you can watch all the action unfold right under you.
Otherwise, get everyone together for turns at an unforgettable driver experience or hot lap, or hit the track together with a super-competitive (and hilarious) karting experience.
When you’re ready to unwind, Rydges Pit Lane has you covered. Think gourmet meals to suit all tastes – or maybe cocktails overlooking the racetrack? Wine and dine in the Apex Bar x Dining, where the head chef Paul has created a menu showcasing the best of local premium ingredients – or grab a coffee and snack in the more laid-back Apex Lounge.
Otherwise, for something next level, you can really wow your friends with a celebration in one of the Private Dining Suites.
The Bend and Rydges Pit Lane regularly cater for groups from 20 – 200+, so they’re also the go-to team to make those special occasions memorable.
Racing and tasting
You might not think fine dining and motor racing go hand in hand – but The Bend is also the spot to take your tastebuds for a ride.
Above: The food – where do we start!? Amazingly crafted dishes are always plated up in the dining room.
Wine-lovers especially can’t go past the Rydges Pit Lane Hotel’s Langhorne Creek Self Drive + Staycation Package. Discover one of Australia’s top red wine and alternative variety producing regions down at nearby Langhorne Creek on a self-drive tour to explore top wineries Lake Breeze, Bleasdale, Bremerton, The Winehouse and Kimbolton Wines across a day of tastings. Why not also throw in a long lunch, wine and cheese flight? And at the end of the day, relax in four-star comfort overlooking Pit Lane, or slow down over a two-course dinner onsite at the Apex Bar x Dining.
Above: The modern stylish Apex Bar x Dining area is made to impress.
Just want to enjoy a good meal in great company? The Apex Bar x Dining has you covered with their Dinner Date Night – or you can choose to dine solo, bring the family or get everyone together for a celebration. It’s the perfect place to taste the best produce the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong have to offer, all while you overlook one of the world’s best sporting facilities – the view is like nothing else you can find in South Australia.
All about the cars
Live out your racing car dreams here.
There’s something for every wish list here – whether it’s Formula F3, V8 Supercars, Superbikes, off-roading in 4WD, rally racing, luxury porsches or go-karting – with new driver experiences just added to the line-up.
Above: Even if it’s you’re first time on the track, you’ll look the part and have fun getting to know how the vehicles perform.
With The Bend’s experiences, you can choose to drive yourself, or be the passenger – just work with the team at The Bend to customise your own driver experience package and test some of racing’s most impressive machines.
Above: It’s a car lovers heaven out at The Bend. Get behind the wheel and experience how their extravagant range of cars take the track.
Obsessed with your racing? You can literally do it all with the new Platinum Experience – get behind the wheel of seven – yes, SEVEN adrenaline-spiking racing vehicles over a heart-starting nine hours. You’ll get to refuel with a gourmet meal, pit lane walk with wine – and unwind with a gin-tasting session (plus stay overnight in the uber-fancy Executive Track View King suite).
HINT: Need a gift for your Dad, your other half or a mad-keen racing fan? The Bend experiences make great presents with their gift vouchers – and you can buy online so you can add to cart now, and get all the credit for your amazing present choice later.
Believe it or not, we love families!
Bring the family together for an adventure they’ll never forget. With its range of accommodation options, The Bend is the ideal spot for a family holiday. Short stays and longer holidays are both accommodated here – and it’s a great base from which to explore the incredible Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region.
The BIG4 Holiday Park has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay – ranging from powered and unpowered sites to RV sites and cabins. It’s virtually a destination in itself, thanks to the playground, bouncy pillow and onsite pool that will keep the kids busy all summer.
Above: The BIG4 Holiday Park at The Bend has many accommodation options to suit your type of stay.
Karting is also perfect for kids (and adults) with a need for speed, and there are options available for little ones from 5+ years. We can just about guarantee it’ll bring some serious smiles to the faces of even the most surly teens – and it’ll probably make Mum and Dad laugh more than they have in years.
Once you’ve had your track experience, hit the road for some day trips to bring even more adventure to your family holiday. Get up close to the animals at Monarto Safari Park (are you brave enough to feed the lions?) or a nocturnal animal tour and some stargazing at Big Bend By Night.
Check out the attractions at Tailem Bend – step back in time at the Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village, get out and explore at Dickson Reserve and Cosi’s big Rhino (also the starting point for the Lower Murray Canoe Trail, so you can explore via the mighty Murray too). Otherwise, grab a coffee from the amazing Little Local Co café or lunch from the tasty range at the Tailem Bend Bakery and check out the main street playground (complete with historic train engine) and nearby Tailem Bend Visitor Information Outlet and Rail Museum.