New South Wales’ Hunter Valley is poised to welcome an expansive motor park dubbed the Black Rock Motor Resort.
Featuring an undulating 5.25-kilometre circuit conceived by German-based Formula 1 track designers at Tilke Group, the resort — situated less than two hours away from Sydney and around 30 minutes from Newcastle — will also include a go-karting track, villas for overnight stays, as well as the obligatory restaurants and cafes.
This ambitious undertaking has essentially been greenlit to repurpose Teralba’s former Rhonda Colliery mine site and give it a second life; having ceased coal mining operations during the 70s and remained largely vacant ever since. Slated to open sometime in 2026, Black Rock Motor Resort represents a broader initiative by the government to “promote new industries and encourage economic diversification.”
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In addition to the resort-style facilities for those keen to delete some rubber over a high-octane weekend, Black Rock Motor Resort could also foster the next generation of Aussie driving talent with its fully-fledged training centre.
Think of it now — tomorrow’s Jack Brabhams, Alan Jones’, Mark Webbers, Daniel Ricciardos, and Oscar Piastris honing their competitive track skills right here.
“Unlike a normal racetrack where the focus is large-scale racing events, Black Rock is more like a golf resort, but rather than 18 holes, we have a 5.25-kilometre circuit as our centrepiece,” said Black Rock CEO Tony Palmer.
“The design of Black Rock is focused on evolving the site from a former coal mine into a beautifully landscaped destination, integrating the circuit and all the facilities within the existing mine footprint and utilising previously cleared land and existing fire trails.”
The resort is projected to contribute quite significantly to the local economy: creating 450 jobs during construction, 229 permanent positions once it’s up and running, plus untold tourist dollars when doors finally open.
It might still be roughly two years away from accepting bookings, but we’re already itching to get around that track ASAP.
