Get Ready to Rev it Up for the NTI Townsville 500
Get Ready to Rev it Up for the NTI Townsville 500
02 July 2026
Start Your Engines
The countdown is on. The engines are warming up. And Townsville North Queensland is getting ready to bring the Thrill to the Ville.
For one adrenaline-fuelled week, the city shifts into top gear as the NTI Townsville 500 and Australian Kart Championship race into town. From the country's best Supercars drivers to the next generation of motorsport stars, there's no shortage of high-speed action on and off the track.
But the excitement doesn't stop at the circuit.
Between sessions, pit stops and podium celebrations, visitors can fuel up at local favourites and discover why Townsville North Queensland is the events capital of the North.
Here's your guide to making the most of every lap.
The Warm-Up Lap
Before the Supercars thunder around Reid Park, the Australian Kart Championship is rolling into Townsville for the very first time.
Hosting Round 3 of the national championship, Townsville will welcome some of Australia's most talented young drivers.
Think of it as the perfect curtain-raiser to a huge week of motorsport.
The Main Event
The streets of Reid Park are about to get loud. Really loud.
The NTI Townsville 500 is bringing three days of roaring engines, wheel-to-wheel action and edge-of-your-seat moments as Australia's best drivers battle it out around one of the country's most iconic street circuits. Don’t have your tickets yet? Don’t worry, there are still some available here.
From the Track to Town Parade to post-race celebrations, the city comes alive when Supercars roll into town.
Fuel Up
Every race car needs fuel, and so do race fans.
Whether you're chasing a pre-track breakfast, a quick pit stop coffee or somewhere to celebrate after the chequered flag falls, Townsville North Queensland has plenty of options to keep your tank full.
Start your day with waterfront views along The Strand. Pull up a seat at Cbar, Watermark or The Beach Hotel before heading trackside, or take a leisurely stroll along the foreshore and soak up the tropical winter sunshine.
When the racing wraps up, head to Palmer Street where you'll find some of Townsville's best dining experiences, from long lunches to celebratory dinners. Looking for something a little more laid back? Tiny Mountain Brewery is the perfect place to grab a locally brewed beer and relive the day's biggest moments.
And if you're in town on Thursday night, don't miss the Track to Town Parade. Palmer Street transforms into a festival atmosphere as Supercars roll into the city, with entertainment, activities and plenty of excitement helping kick off a huge weekend of motorsport.
Join the Hunt
Think you've explored Townsville?
This year, Supercars is encouraging visitors to get off the racing line and discover more of the city through a region-wide treasure hunt. Follow the clues, uncover hidden gems and tick off some of Townsville North Queensland's must-see attractions along the way.
It's the perfect excuse to swap your track map for a treasure map and see where the adventure takes you.
Escape the Fast Lane
Not every thrill needs four wheels.
When you're ready to step away from the circuit, Townsville North Queensland has plenty more adrenaline on offer. Jump aboard a jetski adventure with Poseidon Adventure and explore the coastline at full throttle, or come face-to-face with the largest captive crocodile in Queensland at Billabong Sanctuary.
For a different perspective, lace up your shoes and tackle the walk to the top of Castle Hill. The iconic pink granite monolith towers above the city and rewards visitors with panoramic views across Townsville, Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay. Time it right and you might even catch a glimpse of the Reid Park circuit from above.
From wildlife encounters to water-based adventures, there's no shortage of ways to keep the excitement rolling between race sessions.
Saturday Night Under the Lights
When the engines cool down, swap horsepower for bull power.
Following the success of last year's partnership, the Professional Bull Riders Australia Monster Energy Tour returns as an official event partner of the NTI Townsville 500, bringing another adrenaline-fuelled night of action to Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Expect bucking bulls and big rides as some of Australia's toughest cowboys battle it out under the lights.
Shift Down a Gear
After a week spent in the fast lane, it's time to slow things down.
Stay a little longer and discover why so many visitors turn a motorsport weekend into a tropical North Queensland holiday. Just 20 minutes offshore, Magnetic Island offers secluded bays, walking trails, wildlife encounters and some of the region's most spectacular sunsets.
For the ultimate reset, step aboard a sunset sailing experience with Pilgrim Magnetic Island and watch the sky transform into shades of orange, pink and gold as the island coastline drifts by. It's the perfect way to bring your heart rate back down after a week of roaring engines, fierce competition and non-stop excitement.
Not quite ready to leave the city? Head skyward to Ardo Rooftop, where handcrafted cocktails, sweeping ocean views and a front-row seat to a North Queensland sunset provide the perfect end to an adrenaline-fuelled week.
Trust us, you'll be glad you stayed that extra day.
The Final Lap
Whether you're chasing the roar of Supercars, discovering future stars at the Australian Karting Championships, cheering on the cowboys at PBR, hunting down hidden gems across the city or unwinding on Magnetic Island, one thing is certain, Townsville North Queensland is shifting into top gear this July.
Start your engines. We'll see you at the finish line.
