Summernats 2026 — The Southern Hemisphere's Biggest Horsepower Festival
Since 1987, Summernats in Canberra has been the unmissable summer pilgrimage for Australian street machine enthusiasts. American muscle dominates the entry list alongside HQ Holden, Falcon GT and Charger — but it's the US imports that own the burnout pad. Four days, 100 000+ spectators, 2 500 entered cars, and noise levels that put suburban Canberra into shock until Sunday night.
Canberra · January · since 1987
2026 dates
Summernats 2026 runs Thursday 1 January to Sunday 4 January (New Year's weekend). Gates open 09:00 Thursday.
Location and access
Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Flemington Road, Mitchell ACT. 12 km north of Canberra CBD via Federal Highway. Shuttle buses from Civic and Canberra Airport every 15 minutes Thursday–Sunday.
Tickets
Four-day pass: AUD 220 (adult), AUD 110 (child 12–17, under 12 free). Single day: AUD 75 (adult). Pre-booking essential. VIP packages with paddock access AUD 590+.
Bringing your American car
Entered cars must be pre-registered online by 30 November. Entry fee AUD 360 per vehicle, includes show pass + paddock parking. Eligibility: street-registered or club-permit, no minimum age, no maximum age — but you'd better have a story.
Highlights
Burnout Masters competition (the global benchmark for burnout judging), Grand Champion Top 60 competition, Skid Pad demonstrations, Show 'n' Shine across all categories, live music three nights, swap meet across Hall 1.
Accommodation
Camping on-site Thursday–Sunday: AUD 65/night with power, AUD 35/night without. Canberra hotels (Hyatt, Hotel Realm, Crowne Plaza): AUD 220–450/night, book by August for January rates.
Which American imports excel here
Big-block Camaros (1967–1972 SS396 and Z/28), pro-touring Chevelles, blown small-blocks in F-100 pickups, Charger R/T 440, Plymouth Road Runner. The Aussie crowd respects pro-built engines: a stock 350 won't get attention, a 600+hp build will.
Planning to enter a US classic at Summernats 2026 or a future edition? Our team handles US sourcing, asbestos testing, RoRo to Port Botany, SEVS compliance and ACT or NSW rego — fixed-fee from buy to plates.
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