Karting on the Gold Coast

For some great Gold Coast motorsport, put your driving skills to the test on a karting circuit with a range of bends and curves from easy to hairpin - more than enough to put some excitement in your day!

There are two kart operators within an easy 30-45 minute drive from Surfers Paradise, all offering Gold Coast motorsport fun and the chance to tear up the tar on their racing circuits.

The length of the circuits varies from 600m up to 1300m, all designed to provide a range of driving challenges and lots of curves and turns. In each case the driver races against the clock, aiming to complete the lap in the fastest possible time.

All laps are electronically timed and depending on how vivid is your imagination, you could well be Michael Schumaker heading down the straight to the roar of 200,000 spectators!

Some operators also hold races, so you can race against your mates.

Safety briefings are provided at all tracks prior to the start of action, and it’s a standard requirement for indemnity waiver forms to be signed.

There’s a mind-boggling range of vehicle options with different speeds, including Rookie/ Formula/ Sprint/ Pro/ and Super Twin Engine karts! Your choice will depend on your age, your height, and your budget!

The karts themselves are easy to drive, with only a steering wheel, and stop-go pedals to worry about; there are no gears to change.

Oh, and there’s also Dual karts that allow an adult driver to take a younger child (aged 5+ years) as a passenger around the circuit.

This Dual vehicle features two steering wheels and creates a simulated driving experience so younger kids don’t miss out on the thrill– and rest assured that only the adult driver’s steering wheel controls the vehicle!

However, it is possible for kids as young as 8 years old to drive their own individual kart – refer to the tour operator table at the end of this article.

So if you’re aged 5 years and over, one of the Gold Coast race circuit options will undoubtedly meet your needs.

Given the range of vehicles and circuits, there’s understandably a large range of pricing packages on offer – too many to be detailed here.

In any case, from time to time the operators have discounts and promotions on offer, so you may wish to call to check latest offers.

And girls … this Gold Coast motorsport is not just for the blokes. It’s easy, it’s right up there on the fun-scale; and it’s an absolute blast when your times blow the guys away!

Internationally, karting is a recognised training ground for many drivers who later graduated to Formula 1 driving.

Both disciplines require similar driving skills and some of the more famous drivers who have successfully made the conversion include Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and the late great Ayrton Senna.

Similarly, in Australia, many of the current and previous great V8 drivers have a background in this activity – including Jamie Whincup, Craig Lowndes, brothers Todd & Rick Kelly, Garth Tander, Mark Skaife, Mark Winterbottom, Russell Ingall, and Marcus Ambrose, just to name a few.

Do you have what it takes to be a Grand Prix or V8 Supercar driver? Could you be a Gold Coast motorsport champion?

If you think so, and you’re looking for some race action, come and test your mettle at one of the speedkarting circuits on & around the Gold Coast.

FAST FACTS

Cost

A large range of packages is offered by kart operators. Prices start from ~$30-$50 per person, which will get you 10-20 minutes of actual racing time on track, and range up to $100 for 60 minutes of track time.

Facilities

Toilets, refreshments. Some operators have BBQ facilities (bookings required).

Wet Weather

May operate in light rain, although speed must be reduced on a slippery track.

Operating Hours

All year round, from 8.30-10am through to 5-5.30pm. Nightime racing is available at Kingston Park raceway from Wed-Sat nights (for drivers aged 14+ years).

Duration

Allow 1-2 hours for safety briefing and your track session.

Handy Hints

- You don't need a motor vehicle driving licence. - Helmets are compulsory, and are included in the hire cost. - Minimum age for drivers varies, as may height requirement. Younger children may ride as a passenger with an adult on a dual vehicle. - Must wear closed-in shoes; thongs & sandals are not permitted. - Kingston Park raceway caters for people with physical challenges. Dual vehicles (for driver & passenger) are available. Also, with 24 hours notice, the raceway will organise for a kart with hand controls.

How To Get There

Refer to map references below.

Further Info

Refer kart operator table at end of article.