The final MotoGP race on Phillip Island was cancelled on Sunday due to rain and poor visibility, after fans waited through delays all day. The event had been held on the Victorian island since 1989. Fans travelled from across the country for the farewell, and local businesses were busy after a quiet winter. Rosa Scarlato, the race's number one ticketholder, said the loss would be felt by the whole island. Riders and fans still shared one last roar before the circuit's final weekend ended.
Persistent rain at Phillip Island forced organisers to cancel Sunday's MotoGP race, ending the circuit's 30-year run as host of the Australian round. Race director Graham Webber said the medical helicopter needed clear weather at both the circuit and Melbourne, because the hospital is more than 45 minutes away by road. Organisers announced the cancellation of the Moto2 and Moto3 races as well. Riders completed a farewell parade lap behind the safety car, stopping on the main straight to greet fans. Jack Miller, who had hoped for a podium finish in his final event there, did not get one.
The final MotoGP race at Phillip Island was cancelled on Sunday because heavy rain and poor visibility made it impossible to run. It was to be the last race at the island circuit, which will move to Adelaide in 2027 after three decades on the Bass Coast. Earlier, the Moto2, Moto3 and Australian Superbikes races were also cancelled. Organisers said limited visibility led to the decision, which was announced at 3:30pm after fans had waited in the rain for hours. The official morning warm-up and trackside entertainment, including a legends lap, were also cancelled.
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Fans at Phillip Island enjoyed Saturday's MotoGP racing and a closing performance by Jimmy Barnes, despite overcast skies, occasional showers and cool conditions. The day's action on the track, in the air and on stage left a lasting impression on those attending. Sunday's weather brought heavy rain, delays and disappointment, so the Saturday program stood out as the highlight of the event.
MotoGP organisers have delayed track action at Phillip Island until at least 1pm on Sunday, October 25. Reduced visibility is affecting the medical helicopter's ability to fly, and the warm-up session has been cancelled. Organisers say another update will be published at 12:30pm local time. The delay follows a record crowd of 45,000 on Saturday, when Marc Marquez won the sprint race and title rival Jorge Martin crashed out with a broken arm.
MotoGP organisers have delayed track action at Phillip Island until at least 1pm on Sunday, October 25. Reduced visibility is affecting the medical helicopter's ability to fly, and the warm-up session has been cancelled. Organisers say another update will be published at 12:30pm local time. The delay follows a record crowd of 45,000 on Saturday, when Marc Marquez won the sprint race and title rival Jorge Martin crashed out with a broken arm.
Rain arrived at Cowes on Friday night as crowds gathered for MotoGP at the Thompson Avenue Mall, which had been closed to cars since Thursday. Earlier, the temperature was still 30 degrees, and visitors enjoyed drinks, food and live music. Local singer Imogen Price was performing when clouds gathered over the bay and showers and lightning sent people scattering before the Laing Brothers were due on stage. Within minutes the temperature fell 13 degrees, and the cooler weather became the new normal for the weekend.
The final Homecoming Ride for the 2026 Red Bull Australian MotoGP was held in San Remo on Thursday under fine weather. Schoolchildren from San Remo Primary School cheered riders including Alex Rins, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales, who signed autographs and posed for photos. Riders also spoke about past race moments on stage. Fans from Adelaide and northern New South Wales were among those in the crowd. The race weekend at Phillip Island opens with Friday practice sessions and runs through Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, starting at 2pm.
Police have urged fans heading to the final Phillip Island MotoGP to ride safely and stay sober. Sergeant Peter Pearce expressed sympathy after a fatal collision on Monday night, in which a car driver died after crossing onto the wrong side of Back Beach Road in Ventnor and hitting a bus. Officers warned riders about speed, protective gear and wildlife such as geese and wallabies. Police said alcohol was overrepresented in motorcycle fatalities and that booze buses would be testing for drugs and alcohol.
Bass Coast Shire Council has unanimously refused McDonald's a planning permit for a restaurant in Cowes, on Phillip Island. Councillors said the application was inconsistent with the local planning scheme, despite a recommendation from council officers to approve it. More than 5,800 people signed a petition opposing the plan, citing traffic concerns and the threat to small businesses. McDonald's can appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. McDonald's Australia has been contacted for comment.
Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner will ride a Legends Lap together before the final Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island on Sunday, October 25. The race is the 30th and last Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the circuit, which moves to an Adelaide street circuit from 2027. American world champion Kevin Schwantz will also take part. Stoner said the Island would always hold a special place in his heart. Doohan's 1998 title-winning motorcycle will be on display in the Expo, and Jimmy Barnes headlines on Saturday night.
A car and a bus caught fire after a fatal crash on Phillip Island last night. Police said the car crossed onto the wrong side of Back Beach Road in Ventnor just after 9pm and collided head-on with the eastbound bus. The bus was carrying 25 people, including the driver. The sole occupant of the car died at the scene, and has yet to be formally identified. Four bus passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police are investigating.
A car driver has died after a head-on collision with a bus on Back Beach Road in Ventnor, Phillip Island. Police are investigating the crash, which happened just after 9pm on Monday, October 19. Both vehicles became engulfed in flames after the impact. The bus had 25 people on board, including the driver, and four were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Phillip Island Community Hospital has officially opened in Cowes, with patients already receiving some services that once required travel off the island. Dialysis and day surgery are now available locally, reducing travel for patients who previously had to leave the island several times a week. The hospital also offers diagnostic imaging, pathology and specialist outpatient appointments. A 24-hour Urgent Care Centre has expanded capacity, and a pain clinic will open soon. Oncology and chemotherapy services are expected to begin towards the end of this year or early next year.
Bass Coast Shire Council will decide on a planning application for a McDonald's restaurant in Cowes at its meeting on Wednesday, October 21. An officer's report recommends that the project go ahead. The recommended motion is to issue a notice of decision to grant a planning permit, subject to conditions. Councillors could still propose an amendment to refuse the application.
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Labor and the Coalition have both backed a new Phillip Island Festival of Motoring, with the first three-day event planned for March 12 to 14 next year. The Coalition committed $100,000 to the festival if it wins the November 28 state election. The state government confirmed a five-year deal to bring Supercars back to Phillip Island from 2027 and also supported the festival. Organisers plan to grow the event into a ten-day celebration of classic cars, historic track racing and club car displays.
Supercars will return to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit each year from 2027 to 2031 under a five-year deal announced by the Victorian government. It will be the first Supercars race on the island since 2019. The announcement comes weeks after the circuit lost the Australian motorcycle grand prix to Adelaide from next year. Destination Phillip Island says more than $80 million in annual economic activity linked to the two motorcycle events was at risk. The full 2027 calendar has yet to be released.
Supercars will return to Phillip Island from next year under a five-year deal announced by Victorian Major Events Minister Anthony Carbines. It will be the island's first Supercars event since 2019. The island's final MotoGP round is scheduled for October 23 to 25, after the event moved to South Australia. Local tourism body Destination Phillip Island says racing is worth $80 million to the local economy. Opposition spokesperson David Southwick says the Coalition would fund a Festival of Motoring there in March if it wins November's state election.
The Island Whale Festival is a finalist in the Festivals and Events category of the Victorian Tourism Awards, after winning gold in the same category last year. Winners of the 40th awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on Thursday November 26. The festival, led by Destination Phillip Island, marks the time when humpback and southern right whales visit waters around Phillip Island. It combines marine conservation, education, arts and community experiences. The 2027 festival will run from Friday July 2 to Sunday July 4.
Phillip Island businesses and residents are preparing to host the final MotoGP at the island's cliff-side track later this month. The race moves to Adelaide from 2027, and many locals say the loss has hit them emotionally and financially. Destination Phillip Island says more than $80 million in annual economic activity is linked to the World Superbikes and MotoGP. Tourism leaders say the island must develop new events, and candidates for the Bass seat at the November state election stressed tourism's importance.
