Catalina Park Raceway Katoomba
History

Catalina Park Raceway beholds a fascinating part of history in Australian motorsport. Catalina Park, located in South Katoomba, is a disused raceway from the 1960s and 1970s. It was originally used for top-level motorsport in Katoomba, including touring car, open wheeler, motorcycle and sidecar racing. It became less popular as a motorsport location due to delays caused by Katoomba fog, the track’s narrow nature and the opening of other circuits around Sydney.

Cycle Or Walk The Gully /
Catalina Park Raceway Katoomba

Today, Catalina Park Raceway Katoomba is a wonderful spot for locals to walk and cycle. It is a short 2.1 km loop track that contains hidden clues about its interesting history.

Who Is The Gully / Catalina Park Raceway Suited For?

The Gully / Catalina Park Raceway is suitable for most people, providing they do not mind walking a few hills. For children, it is probably more suitable for older or more experienced bike riders or walkers due to the sometimes rough and wet terrain and the hilly nature of the track.

Younger children will enjoy experiencing Catalina Park Raceway from the comfort of the pram. They may like to get out to explore along the way at times. The boardwalk is particularly fun for children to run along and to point out what is down below.

How To Find The Gully / Catalina Park Raceway Katoomba

If you have never been here before, it can be a little tricky to find, as there is no sign pointing you in the right direction. You can access The Gully / Catalina Park Raceway from the Gates Avenue carpark.

You will need to walk around to the other side of The Gully lake. It is a quick walk and pram accessible.

Walk along this lovely tree-lined path until you reach the old raceway. It is only about a 2 minute stroll. You can see the wooden beams of the raceway in the picture below.

You may enjoy riding the Catalina Park clockwise by heading left from the Gates Avenue carpark, if you would like to conclude your ride with an exhilarating downhill finish. The picture below leads up the hill. It is not too difficult but young children may struggle with the walk or ride up.

You may also start your walk or ride around The Gully / Catalina Park Raceway from a small entrance at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre carpark.

What To Expect at The Gully / Catalina Park Raceway

The path at the old raceway is in the shape of a fidget spinner from an aerial view. Therefore, it is winding and undulating, as any good racetrack should be!

The path is narrow in some parts and really wide in other parts. There is a part of the raceway that leads to a little boardwalk and sealed bushwalk inside of the track. There are parts of the raceway where it can feel a little isolated so you may enjoy walking with a partner or friend.

Within the Catalina Park Raceway circuit, you will find nice meeting places to sit and rest or enjoy lunch and a drink.

Clues about
Catalina Park Raceway Katoomba’s History

Look for clues around the track which give a nod to Catalina Park’s motorsport history. You might spot old wooden barriers that define the edge of the circuit, the original BP sign and metal barriers around the circuit.

The Gully lake now sits where the pitt garages used to be. It is a lovely spot to sit and relax.

Read more about Catalina Park Katoomba’s motorsport and Aboriginal history here.

If you would like to find a park to visit after your bike ride or walk around Catalina Park Katoomba, see our top picks for parks and playgrounds in the Blue Mountains here.

Blue Mountains Mums

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Catalina Park Raceway Katoomba: The Gully Is A Popular Bike Track with an Exciting History since 1962

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Catalina Park Raceway Katoomba: The Gully Is A Popular Bike Track with an Exciting History since 1962

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