Strap yourself in and discover the secrets you didn’t know about The Bend
Looking for a wild weekend of high-octane action – or a family-friendly getaway where you can relax and let the kids run free? How about a date night with fantastic food, a birthday celebration to remember or a corporate event to impress? What if we told you there’s a place where you can do all this – and so much more – right in the heart of one of South Australia’s premier tourism regions?
Just outside Tailem Bend, in the spectacular Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region, you’ll find the world-famous The Bend Motorsport Park. It’s Australia’s (and one of the world’s) premier racetracks and home to big-ticket racing events from the Supercars and Superbikes through to national-level rally and motor racing, drifting, karting and more.
But you might not know that The Bend offers so much more than racing. From fine dining to comfy accommodation, family fun and memorable events to incredible unique experiences – there’s so much to do, you’ll want to make time to explore it all.
Edge-of-your-seat events to remember
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to get the full experience at The Bend is to immerse yourself in the party atmosphere of one of their action-packed events.
Whether you love the adrenaline rush of Supercar racing, the thrills and spills of Superbikes, or enjoy seeing classic cars put through their paces, Australia’s premier racing circuit has something for everyone. In fact, if it’s got wheels, you can bet it’ll make an appearance on The Bend’s bumper event calendar – even pushbikes and vintage tractors get a gig!
The OTR Supersprint Repco Supercars event is undoubtedly the 2022 headline act. With three massive days of racing and trackside entertainment locked in for 29-31 July, it’s a must for true racing fans. For more high-level racing, there’s also the ASBK Australian Superbikes grand finale, returning to The Bend for a second consecutive year in December.
Like some variety in your racing? Check out the huge range of national level events including Superkarts, Hi-Tec Drift, the Australian Motor Racing Series, a celebration of Japanese auto industry culture with the JDM Speed day, Adelaide Classic Motoring Festival, Motorsport Australia Festival and the Australian Rally Championships.
For something completely different, get a team of cycling mates together and ride The Bend’s super-smooth 4.95km international circuit in Revolve 24 – a 24-hour bike race for teams and solo riders in March 2022.
Experiences for everyone – and every milestone
Got a milestone birthday, anniversary or celebration coming up? Or are you looking for something fun – or hair-raising – to do? For a truly memorable gift, you can’t go past The Bend’s incredible range of experiences – and you don’t need to be a hard-core racing fan to have the time of your life.
Those who love thrills and high speeds will get a real kick out of The Bend’s signature Hot Lap experiences. Choose from their V8 Mustang, Holden V8 race car, rally car, Porsche GT3 or Formula 3 vehicles – or go all in and experience all of them! Rather be behind the wheel? There are drive options too!
Go-karting is our pick for an experience that’s fun for all ages. Choose from their adult or tandem karts (where your child can ride with you) and hit the track. You can even grab up to 10 of your mates and book your own private race session.
For a real challenge, there’s the 4WD Adventure Park – bring your own 4WD and test it out at your own pace over a carefully designed course full of obstacles to suit all abilities.
Or if you have your own vehicle, try a casual cruise with The Bend’s regular events including Breakfast and Bends or Lunch and Laps, or their Speed Off the Street, Open Track Days, Performance Test Days and Champion Ride Days. You can even Cycle The Bend on your bike with friends or family at your own pace.
Can’t decide? For the ultimate surprise, The Bend has packages for all tastes and budgets with a range of experiences, including add-ons with accommodation and dining – or grab a gift voucher and let the lucky person choose their own adventure!
The Bend also caters for corporate, conference, school and special interest groups. For a professional event with an edge, Rydges Pit Lane accommodates almost any corporate or conference group – and bundling it with experiences on offer at The Bend will ensure your event is a stand out success.
The BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park is also ideal for school and special interest groups, with quality accommodation and plenty of great amenities to keep young travellers entertained.
Wine, dine, stay and play
All that action is bound to work up an appetite – and the 4-star excellence of the Rydges Pit Lane Hotel has you covered.
The Apex Bar x Dining offers a tasty menu of delicious meal options, alongside an impressive selection of locally produced wines, spirits and beers that you can enjoy with a first-class view of the action on pit straight. There’s also a children’s menu – so the whole family is catered for.
Need a quick bite or coffee? Relax in the Apex Lounge while you enjoy the view of the classic and Supercars on display.
For something truly special, book a private dining experience and let the Rydges Pit Lane chefs create a unique culinary experience showcasing some of the region’s finest produce.
Make the most of your time at The Bend by staying overnight. The Ridges Pit Lane Hotel offers ultimate comfort in their range of rooms – including several with a track view. For casual comfort, check out BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park’s cabins, camping and caravan sites. There’s even an onsite pool, adventure playground, jumping pillow and commercial-grade camp kitchen, making it an ideal spot for families. And soon, you’ll have access to even more fun when developments for a BMX track, mini golf, basketball court and nature trails are complete.
Discover more while you’re here
Turn your visit to The Bend into a getaway to remember by exploring some of the other incredible sights and stops we have to offer here in the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region.
Taking a road trip from the eastern states or South East? Break up the drive and stay in style at the newly revamped Motel on Becker – their rooms are a little slice of luxury and just what you need after a long trip. When you’re back on the road look out for a delicious local secret – authentic, freshly made waffles at Waffles & Jaffles in Coonalpyn, right across from the giant silo artwork.
If an outdoors adventure is more to your liking, explore SA’s spectacular Coorong and Lower Lakes with Coorong Wildside Tours at Meningie – they offer everything from birdwatching to fishing and seal-spotting tours.
Hayley Pearson (@Adelady) and Coorong Wildside Tours
Coming from Adelaide? Make time to explore your wild side at Monarto Safari Park – check out their incredible range of experiences to get up close with the animals or let the kids run free along the extensive trail network and spot the wildlife along the way.
Monarto Safari Park
Refuel and indulge your tastebuds in a gourmet adventure with a hearty meal at the stunning new Bridgeport Hotel (also an incredible place to stay, with spectacular views over the Murray River). Or head to the acclaimed Langhorne Creek Wine Region and discover cellar door favourites Bremerton Wines and Kimbolton Wines for wine tasting, regional produce platters and so much more.
Bridgeport Hotel dining room