Australia's Historic Track Events

From century-old wheelraces to Christmas carnivals and generations of family tradition, Australia’s track cycling calendar is steeped in history.

Across the country, velodromes have played host to events that have stood the test of time, bringing generations of riders together and becoming an important part of Australia’s cycling culture.

The 2026–27 AusCycling Track Calendar is a celebration of that history, with a number of long-running events returning alongside national championships, international competition and the next generation of racing talent.

From Victoria to Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, here are some of the historic events continuing to write their stories this season.

Quest Ivanhoe 129th Austral Wheelrace – Victoria

Few events on the Australian cycling calendar can match the history of the Austral Wheelrace.

First held in 1887, the Austral has become one of the most iconic events in Australian track cycling and is recognised by AusCycling as the oldest track event in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2026, the tradition continues with the 129th Austral Wheelrace, forming the centrepiece of five days of racing at Melbourne’s Darebin International Sports Centre from 15–19 December.

The Austral has evolved with the sport while retaining the character that has made it such a fixture on the calendar. This year’s program will feature the Austral Wheelrace alongside UCI C1 Sprint and Keirin racing, UCI C2 Scratch and Points races, junior events and Para Cycling competition.

The 2026 edition will also sit alongside two Australian championship events, with the Omnium National Championships on 18 December and Madison National Championships on 19 December.

Westral Track Carnival – Western Australia

On the other side of the country, another wheelrace with a remarkable history will return to Perth in November.

The Westral Wheelrace dates back to 1893, making it one of Australia’s most significant historic track races. While the event has been held at Perth’s SpeedDome since 1990, its origins stretch back more than 130 years.

The 2026 Westral Track Carnival will take place on 14–15 November, alongside Round 1 of the Australian Junior Track Series. The weekend will include the U17 Omnium National Championships and U15 Elimination Race National Championships, creating a fascinating mix of established tradition and emerging talent.

For young riders, competing at an event with such a long history offers the opportunity to become part of something much bigger than a single race.

Melbourne Cup on Wheels – Victoria

The name might sound like it belongs at the races, but the Melbourne Cup on Wheels is firmly part of Australian track cycling history.

The 2026 edition will be the 89th Melbourne Cup on Wheels, taking place on 7 November and incorporating the Victorian State Scratch Race Championships.

Like many of Australia's great track carnivals, the Melbourne Cup on Wheels has survived by evolving alongside the sport, while retaining its place as a fixture on the Victorian racing calendar.

For riders, it is another opportunity to race on the same boards where generations of cyclists have competed for victory.

TasCarnivals – Tasmania

Few Australian cycling traditions capture the spirit of summer racing quite like Tasmania’s TasCarnivals.

Rather than being a single event, TasCarnivals is a travelling series of track carnivals held across the state during the Christmas and New Year period.

The 2026–27 calendar will take the series from Rosebery on 19 December, to Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, before concluding in St Helens on 16 January.

The format is part of what makes TasCarnivals special. Riders can follow the series from venue to venue, turning racing into a summer road trip and bringing together competitors, families, supporters and cycling communities from across the country.

It is a reminder that Australian track cycling has always been about more than championship titles. Carnivals have traditionally been places where elite riders, juniors, Masters competitors and local communities can share the same track.

Adelaide Track League – South Australia

South Australia has its own long-standing track cycling traditions, with the Adelaide Track League continuing to feature on the summer calendar.

The 2027 edition will take place on 16 January, alongside Round 2 of the Australian Junior Track Series.

The Adelaide Track League is another example of the enduring appeal of regular track racing. While the elite end of the sport often attracts attention for national and international titles, events such as the Track League help maintain the racing ecosystem that produces the next generation of competitors.

Bundaberg Track Spectacular – Queensland

Queensland’s track cycling history is also represented on the 2026–27 calendar by the Bundaberg Track Spectacular.

Taking place on 20–21 November, the event is a summer highlight for Queensland’s track cycling community.

Events like the Bundaberg Track Spectacular demonstrate that Australian track cycling history isn't confined to the major metropolitan velodromes. Across regional Australia, local clubs and communities have helped keep track racing alive, creating events that become annual fixtures for riders and supporters alike.

A season where history meets the future

The beauty of the 2026–27 track calendar is the way these historic events sit alongside the sport’s future.

The season will feature the Australian Junior Track Series, Blackline Track League, state championships and a new generation of riders competing for their first major titles. It will also culminate in the biggest events of the season, including the 2027 Oceania Track Championships from 16–20 February and the 2027 AusCycling Track National Championships from 2–6 March in Queensland.

Then, as the season continues into March and April, Masters and junior riders will take their turn on the national stage, with the Masters Track National Championships from 18–21 March and Junior Track National Championships from 3–6 April.

A junior rider competing at the Westral or Austral today could become a national champion tomorrow. A Masters rider returning to a familiar carnival could be racing alongside a new generation of cyclists. And a spectator watching from the stands could be witnessing the beginning of the career of Australia’s next track cycling star.

Experience the history

The 2026–27 AusCycling Track Calendar features racing from September through April, spanning local, state, national and international competition across Australia.