Spring Nationals at The Bend Oct. 18-20
Hailed as the car racing version of big music festival's, this event is world-class. Servicing the regional area south of metropolitan Adelaide, it includes camping from $40 a night.
This isn't a weekend out for young children; it's for teens and adults. It is loud and fun, a world-class event that promises an exciting atmosphere. With accommodation options for van lifers and campers alike, your weekend will be filled with energy and excitement.
First Things
The first thing to consider is booking your tickets to get in and then accommodation. Tickets range from a reasonable $30 to an eyewatering $7,000.00. The $7K tickets are usually for high rollers that want to obtain a deal, either business or a film or similar. It's important to be aware of these options to make an informed decision.
The tickets, including the full range of options, are conveniently available on The Bend Motorsport Park website, making the booking process a breeze.
Accommodation
Rydges Pit Lane Hotel has various rooms and services, including dining options.
BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park is a budget-friendly option, with prices starting at about $40 for camping. This modern facility is welcoming of Van Lifers, campers and those needing some bunk rooms for family and friends.
Murray Bridge is pretty close if you want to mix your weekend with some river life, houseboats, or further accommodation needs. Murray Bridge is a smaller outside metropolitan town that does have an ALDI and K-Mart for supplies and offers a range of camping and houseboat experiences on the River Murray. I have spent a few summers on the River with my family, and if you are travelling around Australia, adding this to your itinerary with the Motorsport weekend would be a fantastic week indeed.
Food and Drinks
There's a wide range of food and drink options available, including a BP OTR that serves The Bend and the highway to Melbourne. However, this area can get very busy during events, so it's best not to wait until the last minute when the group is hungry and the lines are long.
Planning ahead can make your time at the event more enjoyable and less stressful. Remember to allow some extra time for refueling when you're ready to leave.
Make A Plan
With busy events like this, it is an excellent idea to have a spot to meet up in case you get separated. Keep your phones charged up and make sure everyone has all the phone numbers they need saved in their phones. Additionally, consider a backup plan in case of phone battery failure, such as a physical meeting point or a designated time to check in at a specific location.
The foyer of The Bend, conveniently located and easily accessible, is an excellent area to meet up if your group does get separated.
Having a plan in place will not only take stress out of your weekend but also make you feel more confident and prepared, ensuring a more enjoyable time.