Formula 1 Travel Guide

Racing at Albert Park, Melbourne

Melbourne hosts the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. With its vibrant city life, coastal charm, and buzzing atmosphere, it’s one of the most popular stops on the F1 calendar.

Circuit Layout & Stats

Official track layout for the Melbourne Grand Prix.

Albert Park Circuit Stats

• First GP: 1996
• Track Length: 5.278 km
• Laps: 58
• Race Distance: 306 km
• Fastest Lap: 1:15.915 – Max Verstappen (2024)
• Lap Record Avg Speed: 250 km/h

Race Dates & History

Melbourne Australia is known as Round 1 in the FIA Formula one World Championship Race Calendar. In 2025 the race was held on 13-16 March and will be held from 05-08 March 2026 always on the Albert Park Circuit track. The Albert Park Circuit track was first built in 1993 and hosted its first Grand Prix race in 1996 when the race moved from Adelaide to Melbourne. It is known as one of the fastest tracks on the Formula 1 calendar with a record set by Max Verstappen in 2024 with an average pole lap set at 250km/h. This track is a fast parkland circuit around the lake known for its tight corners and unforgiving walls. It is a relatively flat and smooth track with high speed chicanes.

Accessibility

The Albert Park Track is easily accessible from the Melbourne CBD located in the suburb of Albert Park in Melbourne. The easiest way to get to the track from the city centre is to use a free tram.

Accommodation

A variety of accommodation is easily accessible for all different budget options. It is important to book early as the cost of accommodation increases drastically over the Formula 1 weekend.

City & Circuit Highlights

• Street circuit around Albert Park Lake with high-speed straights and chicanes.
• Laneway cafés, rooftop bars, and multicultural food culture.
• St Kilda Beach and nearby Great Ocean Road for sightseeing.
• Lively fan festivals throughout the city.

Indicative Travel Costs (from Adelaide, full race weekend Wed–Mon)