$150 Million Investment Accelerates Black Rock Motor Resort, Australia’s First Resort for Motoring Enthusiasts

Taking inspiration from private race tracks such as The Thermal Club outside of Los Angeles, Black Rock Motor Resort in Lake Macquarie has been green-lit as Australia’s first recreation resort park for motoring enthusiasts. Now, it’s secured funding to accelerate the development of the $150 million facility, and that’s good exciting news for car enthusiasts.

“Securing the support of a highly credentialed capital firm is not just a vote of confidence for our plans, but also the progress we have made to date,” said Tony Palmer, CEO and Founder of Black Rock Motor Resort. “Black Rock Motor Resort is an ambitious project, but our funding partner got the vision, understood the long-term potential and realised that what we were proposing wasn’t just another racetrack, but a lifestyle, a sanctuary for those who live and breathe exceptional high-performance and luxury experiences.”

The 5.4-kilometre FIA Grade 2 circuit has been designed by German-based Tilke Group, responsible for F1 tracks in Las Vegas, Jeddah Corniche, Circuit of The Americas, Yas Marina, and more. It has taken over the Rhondda Colliery site (hence the name) and includes:

• 165 metres of elevation changes
• 23 challenging turns
• 800-metre-long main straight

When you’ve had enough of racing around your brand new Porsche, learning the ropes from the professionals as part of the Black Rock Driving Academy, there’s a handling centre with an integrated skid pan, widened go-kart track, an off-road arena, and state-of-the-art simulators.

Then, when the dust settles on the track activities, there’s a Members Lodge featuring a 25-metre heated infinity pool overlooking the circuit, wellness services, a modern gym, sauna, steam room and ice bath, and all of the fine dining and casual eateries you could possibly want at a racetrack, including a high-end bistro and the Stables Café. Of course, luxury accommodations (king-size rooms) in the 40-room hotel will provide spectacular trackside views for those not interested in heading back to Sydney for the 90 minute commute.

Originally projected to cost up to $95 million, Black Rock Motor Resort will inject more than 450 jobs into the community during construction and then more than 200 jobs into the LGA to manage the operations of the resort.

While Black Rock has not provided a exact open date, the project will be completed in two stages. Stage 1 is set for completion in mid-2026 and Stage 2 in mid-2027.

“With hundreds of new jobs and tens of millions of dollars of economic activity, this project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos, at the announcement back in April 2024.

“Mining has long been a source of economic prosperity for NSW. As mines close, the government is committed to ensuring sites are rehabilitated safely, and the land put to new and productive use for the local community.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley added: “We know motorsport lovers will travel and spend their money when they know they’re getting the best.”

“It’s fantastic to see Lake Macquarie step up and offer locals and visitors from across the country and overseas the best in motorsport and tourism. We hear constantly about the need for tourism opportunities and the adaptive reuse of rehabilitated mines. This is a smart, exciting example of both.”

Black Rock Motor Resort is already attracting the eyes of local and overseas visitors, and those interested should get in quickly.

Pricing has not been publicised, but the Founding Club Membership, which is limited to just 100 members, provides frequent access throughout the week to the resort’s motorsport and leisure offerings. Those interested should also consider ownership of one of the 64 luxury Trackside Villas, which are meticulously designed private residences with daily access directly onto the circuit.

We’ll attend a track day or two in the future with the first stage poised to open towards the middle of 2026 and the entire facility scheduled to open in mid-2027. For now, you can watch Tody Price set the first official lap record in a Can-Am off-roader on YouTube.