Mon, 2nd Oct, 2023 Rest Area near Macquarie River, Bathurst to Mt Panorama Volunteer Campground, Bathurst, NSW

Woke at 3am to the rumble of thunder and a short sprinkle of rain.

Sent Kayleigh a happy birthday message.

Only got down to 11 this morning so by the time we rose at 8am it was 14 degrees. The sky is clearer.

Drove to the Accreditation Centre at the TAFE College near the track to pick up our camping and official passes. As volunteers we also receive a short and a long sleeve officials shirt and a lovely warm coat (which we had received in 2015. Steve’s was stolen off the back of his chair in Tassie so it will be good to have a new one). Also a bag and camp. We receive breakfast, morning tea and lunch for the 4 days we are volunteering on the gates and we get 2 free 4 day passes too. Will see if Glen & Shelley need them.

Put our camp pass on the windscreen and drove onto the track and headed up Pit Straight. In Pole Position ready to lead the race - we wish!! Around the 1^st corner and up Mountain Straight then into the campground. Security checked us over then we found out site. We are amazed at how many are already in and set up. The campground above us could come in yesterday. Still plenty of spaces around us at the moment.

Chatted with a couple from Woolongong behind us who are also on gates then went for a wander. Into the paid campground and chatted with a lady who is one of the many that stay at the ‘Bathurst Hilton’. All very friendly with bunk beds in rows inside! Big kitchen area off to the side and lots of fire wood and pits to keep them all warm. One chap makes up all the posters for the winners of each year. The next year they then get the previous winners to come up and sign the poster.

Kept walking up the hill with all the ‘streets’ named after drivers. The wind has blown all the rubbish bins over. The flags are flying well at Ford Corner.

Lots of room for lots of more campers yet.

When we got back we had neighbours. Set the TV up so I can record the broadcast and watch it later as we will miss out on the first bit on race day and the commentary through the race. Timed it well as they were broadcasting highlights of the races so far this year so we settled in and watched that.

Map of the track.

The wind has died down at the sun drops. It got to 32 degrees max today - pretty warm, hence the threat of rain in a couple of days.

Went for another big wander around the campground as more people arrive.