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Police Launch Major Safety Operation Ahead of Bathurst 1000 - Bathurst, NSW
Smart summary
Around 200,000 people expected as police target speeding, drink-driving and dangerous behaviour
NSW Police have launched a major high-visibility operation in Bathurst ahead of this weekend’s 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000, with around 200,000 competitors, officials and spectators expected to travel to Mount Panorama over the four-day event. Operation Bathurst 2026 began on Tuesday, 6 October and will continue through Monday, 12 October, covering the race precinct and surrounding areas.
Police said the operation is designed to keep racegoers, competitors, officials and the local community safe during one of Australia’s biggest motorsport events. General Duties officers from the Chifley Police District, Western Region and Sydney Metropolitan Regions will be supported by specialist police, including the Operations Support Group, Dog Unit, Pol Air, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Public Order and Riot Squad, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, State Operations and Emergency Management Command, and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
A major focus will be road safety. Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed throughout the weekend to target speeding, drink-driving, fatigue and dangerous driving behaviour. Police have also warned motorists that random drug and alcohol testing will operate in and around Bathurst during the event.
Authorities are urging visitors not to drive after consuming alcohol and are asking motorists to plan their journeys carefully. Police have also warned drivers to adjust their speed and behaviour to road conditions, particularly because significant traffic congestion is expected around the Bathurst region during the event.
Transport for NSW has advised that motorists travelling from Sydney should allow additional time because of detours associated with the closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway. Traffic delays are expected around Bathurst, Cowra, Blayney, Lithgow and Blackheath following the main race, with further congestion possible as visitors leave the region.
The 2026 Bathurst 1000 practice sessions are scheduled to begin on Thursday, 8 October, while the main race is scheduled to start at 11:45am on Sunday, 11 October. Police said the increased presence is intended to make the event safe while also addressing alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour around licensed venues.
Bathurst authorities are also encouraging visitors to plan their return journeys in advance and remain patient as traffic volumes increase. Police and transport agencies expect the biggest delays to occur after the race when large numbers of spectators leave Mount Panorama at the same time.
The operation comes as Bathurst prepares for one of the busiest periods of the year, with local businesses, residents and visitors expected to experience a significant increase in activity across the city and surrounding Central West region.
BathurstPoliceAroundOperationTraffic
NSW Police have launched a major high-visibility operation in Bathurst ahead of this weekend’s 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000, with around 200,000 competitors, officials and spectators expected to travel to Mount Panorama over the four-day event. Operation Bathurst 2026 began on Tuesday, 6 October and will continue through Monday, 12 October, covering the race precinct and surrounding areas.
Police said the operation is designed to keep racegoers, competitors, officials and the local community safe during one of Australia’s biggest motorsport events. General Duties officers from the Chifley Police District, Western Region and Sydney Metropolitan Regions will be supported by specialist police, including the Operations Support Group, Dog Unit, Pol Air, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Public Order and Riot Squad, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, State Operations and Emergency Management Command, and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
A major focus will be road safety. Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed throughout the weekend to target speeding, drink-driving, fatigue and dangerous driving behaviour. Police have also warned motorists that random drug and alcohol testing will operate in and around Bathurst during the event.
Authorities are urging visitors not to drive after consuming alcohol and are asking motorists to plan their journeys carefully. Police have also warned drivers to adjust their speed and behaviour to road conditions, particularly because significant traffic congestion is expected around the Bathurst region during the event.
Transport for NSW has advised that motorists travelling from Sydney should allow additional time because of detours associated with the closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway. Traffic delays are expected around Bathurst, Cowra, Blayney, Lithgow and Blackheath following the main race, with further congestion possible as visitors leave the region.
The 2026 Bathurst 1000 practice sessions are scheduled to begin on Thursday, 8 October, while the main race is scheduled to start at 11:45am on Sunday, 11 October. Police said the increased presence is intended to make the event safe while also addressing alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour around licensed venues.
Bathurst authorities are also encouraging visitors to plan their return journeys in advance and remain patient as traffic volumes increase. Police and transport agencies expect the biggest delays to occur after the race when large numbers of spectators leave Mount Panorama at the same time.
The operation comes as Bathurst prepares for one of the busiest periods of the year, with local businesses, residents and visitors expected to experience a significant increase in activity across the city and surrounding Central West region.
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