Images: Adelaide Rally
Engines will roar, tyres will screech and the Adelaide Hills will come alive this October as the Shannons Adelaide Rally returns for another adrenaline-charged weekend.
Running from Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October, the much-loved event has been thrilling crowds for more than 25 years, with everything from Supercars to hot hatches tearing through fast, twisting roads across the CBD, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Perfectly positioned on the motorsport calendar, the rally lands just after the South Australian round of the Australian Rally Championship and ahead of a major Victorian tarmac event, helping attract an even stronger field of competitors to Adelaide’s iconic stages.
But it’s not just about high-speed competition. The Shannons Adelaide Rally offers something for everyone, with a mix of competitive and non-competitive categories opening the door for seasoned drivers and first-timers alike. From the relaxed Prima Tour, where participants can enjoy closed-road driving without the pressure of racing, to the elite Rally Pro category featuring top-tier machines capable of blistering speeds, the event caters to all levels of experience and ambition.
To enter, each car must have a driver and a navigator, with a maximum of two people per vehicle, and all participants must have a valid Motorsport Australia licence, which can be purchased at entry for some categories.
Above all, it’s the community events and atmosphere that bring this event together. The ever-popular Gouger Street Party is set to return, transforming the bustling street into a hub of cars, music and food. With the entire rally line-up on display, live entertainment, and extended outdoor dining, it’s the perfect chance to get up close to the cars, meet the crews behind them and soak in the energy.
Across the weekend, spectators can catch the action from dedicated viewing zones, including fan-favourite locations like Wairoa and Strathalbyn. From tight technical sections to sweeping hill climbs, these vantage points offer a front-row seat to the spectacle, all while enjoying a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Highlights include the Wairoa Special Stage, where cars launch through Aldgate and wind their way towards Stirling, and the Strathalbyn Town Stage, which weaves through the historic streets before a lively lunch stop packed with local flavour. The Bridgewater Lunch Stop also provides a perfect mid-rally break, giving fans the chance to see the full field gathered in one place.
The weekend wraps up in style at the North Adelaide Finale, where competitors roll in for podium presentations, live music and a final chance for fans to get amongst the cars.
Whether you’re chasing high-speed thrills, a great day out with the family, or even the chance to get behind the wheel yourself, the Shannons Adelaide Rally delivers a full-throttle experience from start to finish.
Shannons Adelaide Rally
Where: Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, and surrounds
When: October 16 – 18
For more details, click here, and for road closure information, click here.
