The weekend of August 19th and 20th 2023 will see the showcase of one of the most significant motoring events in Queensland and one of the State’s biggest regional events staged, when the 28th anniversary of the Historic Leyburn Sprints takes place in the small rural community of Leyburn, on the Southern Darling Downs.
2024 will celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Historic Leyburn Sprints concept and the 74th anniversary of the Australian Grand prix in 1949. A record 15,000 plus people descend on this scarcely populated rural domain annually for two days of action.
About Leyburn, Queensland
Only a 90 minute drive from Brisbane, Leyburn is a picturesque village brimming with talent and friendliness. When visiting any other time outside the Sprints weekend, allow plenty of time to explore the delights of this country-chic town.
Spend some time walking around Leyburn's historic buildings. These include Queensland's oldest continually licensed hotel (c.1863) and a shingle-roofed church dating back to 1871. The Leyburn State School is the seventh oldest State Primary School still open in 2020. With these several other buildings dating back to the 1850's still in use today, no wonder Leyburn is known as the town of living history.
Visit the art and craft shops, chat with the local artisans, purchase a unique handcrafted gift, and feel yourself slip back in time. Bring your camera to capture some of the old world beauty of Leyburn to take home with you.
Motor Racing History
Motor racing in Australia came of age in 1928 with the inaugural AGP. A short 21 years later, the plan was to strengthen the national significance of the event and the door was left open for Queensland to snare its own slice of motoring history.
Champions
An impressive variety of drivers and cars, from a Formula 5000 to a genuine Ford GT40 to a locally-developed sports car, have won the coveted Col Furness Memorial Trophy for outright fastest time at the Historic Leyburn Sprints.
Southern Downs
There is so much to see and do on the Southern Downs, so make sure you plan your escape to explore our region today! Swap the city hustle for a country getaway and let us show you how to live the good life in our backyard, just 90 minutes from Brisbane.
Old Leyburn
Gold fever, Cobb & Co., wartime spy flights, Queensland’s oldest licensed premises, a famous footballer and, of course, a grand prix motor race: for such a small district, Leyburn packs an extraordinary history.
Funding
Support from State and local governments and other organisations continues to enable the Historic Leyburn Sprints to hit the track. The Historic Leyburn Sprints is grateful to receive assistance from the Queensland Events Development Program.
Accommodation
There is a range of camping and caravan sites available to book at the Historic Leyburn Sprints grounds as well as other accommodation options in nearby towns such as Warwick.
