Collingrove Hillclimb Season Finale

Experience the raw precision of solo competition as drivers take on the track one by one at the Collingrove Hillclimb Season Finale. Pitting competitor and machine purely against the stopwatch, this time trial showdown delivers non-stop action as racers launch from a standing start and push for every hundredth of a second up the winding asphalt. Set in the Barossa Valley at Mount McKenzie, South Australia, the Collingrove Hillclimb offers an authentic grassroots motorsport setting with history stretching back to 1952. The challenging ribbon of track winds upward between native gums, presenting sharp corners, dips, and climbs that test car setup and driver nerve alike. Because cars run individually across a wide variety of classes, you get a close-up appreciation of completely different driving styles and engineering solutions on the exact same stretch of hill. Taking place on 22 November 2026, the Season Finale provides great viewing across natural vantage points and picnic spots along the course. It is an ideal day out to relax on the hillside, watch drivers hunt for their personal best times, and enjoy the community spirit that defines South Australian hillclimbing.

Established in 1952 by the Sporting Car Club of South Australia, Collingrove Hillclimb stands as one of the most revered and storied hillclimb courses in Australasia. Located near Angaston in the famous Barossa Valley wine region, the course is set against rolling pastoral terrain and lined by mature native red gum trees. For over seven decades, it has served as a central pillar of Australian hillclimbing, hosting multiple Australian Hillclimb Championships and drawing legendary drivers such as Eldred Norman, Norm Beechey, and Peter Hollinger. The asphalt course provides a demanding test of precision and vehicle dynamics, winding upward with tight turns, rapid dips, and dramatic changes in grade. Originally measuring around 750 metres with roughly 70 metres of vertical elevation rise, the facility underwent extensive track extension work to expand the competition length to approximately 1,000 metres. The layout tests everything from vintage racers and lightweight open-wheel specials to high-performance modern sports cars and modern electric vehicles. Collingrove maintains a welcoming grass-roots club atmosphere where competitors and families gather on grassy knolls and under the gum trees to watch the action against the clock. The venue regularly hosts the Collingrove Challenge Trophy Series, the Winter Cup, come-and-try days, and multi-club sprint competitions. Beyond motorsport, its scenic setting also accommodates club gatherings, private track days, and open-air regional exhibitions.

Collingrove Hillclimb is located roughly 90 kilometres northeast of Adelaide in the Barossa Valley region. From Adelaide, travel northeast along the Sturt Highway (A20) or through the Adelaide Hills towards the Barossa region. Head to Angaston, then follow the Angaston to Mount Pleasant Road south for roughly 7 kilometres before turning onto Hill Climb Road. On-site parking is available on dedicated grassy spectator areas and paddock clearings. Spectators should follow the signs and directions of club marshals upon entry, especially during major championship rounds and busy weekend meetings.