Thoroughbred Park

Thoroughbred Park stands as one of the Australian Capital Territory's most recognized landmarks for thoroughbred horse racing, corporate functions, and large-scale community events. Located at 1 Randwick Rd in Lyneham, the venue is the proud home of the Canberra Racing Club and hosts 25 dedicated race meetings each year. From the prestigious TAB Melbourne Cup Day in November to the celebrated Canberra Carnival featuring the John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Day and TAB Canberra Cup Day in March, the park delivers a full calendar of premier racing action that draws visitors from across Canberra and beyond.

Set just 15 minutes from the heart of the city and conveniently accessible via the new Light Rail network, Thoroughbred Park combines the excitement of the track with versatile event spaces and hospitality services. The racing surface itself adapts to the seasons, with the Course Proper used during warmer months and the Acton synthetic track ensuring consistent winter racing. Google Maps reviewers have awarded the venue a strong 4.2-star rating from over 460 reviews, with visitors frequently praising the size of the grounds, the well-maintained facilities, and the clean, accessible environment.

Race Days & Major Events at Thoroughbred Park

Thoroughbred Park’s annual racing calendar features 25 meetings that cater to racing enthusiasts, social attendees, and corporate groups alike. Two standout events anchor the schedule each year: the Canberra Carnival in March and TAB Melbourne Cup Day in November. The Canberra Carnival brings together the Black Opal Stakes Day and the TAB Canberra Cup Day, creating a two-day festival of elite thoroughbred competition that attracts national attention. During the winter months, racing transitions to the Acton synthetic track, ensuring a high-quality surface regardless of weather conditions.

Beyond the headline race days, the park hosts specialized events such as the Pegasus Riding for the Disabled Race Day, which combines community support with competitive racing. Upcoming fixtures on the calendar include the June Race Day on Friday 12 June 2026 featuring winter racing on the Acton Track, the Pegasus Riding for the Disabled Race Day on Friday 26 June 2026, and the July Race Day on Wednesday 8 July 2026. Fashions on the Field competitions are held on two major race days, recognized as some of the best in the region and adding a glamorous social element to the sporting program.

Functions & Events Centre at Thoroughbred Park

The Functions & Events Centre at Thoroughbred Park provides a versatile and professional setting for weddings, conferences, corporate functions, and social gatherings. The venue boasts a wide variety of spaces that can be configured to suit intimate parties or large-scale events, with outdoor areas capable of accommodating groups of up to 1,000 guests. This flexibility makes the park a popular choice for Christmas party race days, where small to large groups can enjoy racing action combined with dedicated hospitality packages.

Inside the venue, the Black Opal Room is renowned for its famous carvery luncheon, offering a premium dining experience that complements the racing atmosphere. Guests seeking a more casual setting can relax in the comfort of the Winning Post Bar or take a trackside position at one of the many picnic tables. The functions department works closely with clients to design tailored experiences, whether that involves a full conference package, a wedding reception in one of the flexible function spaces, or a bespoke corporate event that leverages the unique backdrop of a live racecourse.

Customer Reviews & Community Reputation

With a 4.2-star rating from 462 Google Maps reviews, Thoroughbred Park has earned broad approval from visitors across a range of different events and race days. Local Guide JJ, who contributed 81 reviews and 150 photos to the platform, described being “totally impressed by the size of the venue” on a first visit, calling Thoroughbred Park “a fantastic, well-maintained event location with beautiful green views and plenty of space.” The same reviewer emphasized that it is “a real landmark in Canberra: clean, easily accessible, and perfect for high-caliber events.”

Other reviewers have shared their experiences at specific occasions. Vishal Patel, a Local Guide with 124 reviews, attended a Viral Food Festival at the park and noted that “the organization was great” while mentioning that parking became challenging due to the large crowd but a spot was eventually found nearby. Atif Nisar, who attended an open-air event with children, praised the organization as “super” but observed that “there wasn't much to see for adults” and felt that “food prices were overpriced.” These reviews collectively highlight the venue's strengths in maintaining clean grounds and running organized events, while also indicating that visitor experiences can vary depending on the specific event, parking logistics, and on-site food pricing.

Location & Accessibility in Lyneham

Thoroughbred Park is situated at 1 Randwick Rd in Lyneham, Australian Capital Territory, with the postcode 2602. The location is positioned approximately 15 minutes from Canberra’s city center, making it a convenient destination for both local residents and interstate visitors attending race days or private functions. A key accessibility feature is the venue's proximity to the Canberra Light Rail, which provides direct public transport connectivity and reduces reliance on private vehicles, particularly during major events.

The grounds themselves are described by reviewers as spacious and well-maintained, with green vistas that create a pleasant backdrop for outdoor events. While the venue does accommodate large crowds—as evidenced by the Viral Food Festival and open-air event attendance—parking availability can become limited during peak periods. Visitors planning to attend major race days or festivals are advised to consider public transport options or arrive early to secure parking in the surrounding area.

Membership & Canberra Racing Club

Membership to the Canberra Racing Club entitles individuals to a comprehensive range of benefits and savings across the racing calendar and venue facilities. The membership program is prominently promoted throughout the venue’s online presence, with dedicated sections for new members, membership renewal, and related amenities including the Colts & Fillies Club for younger racing enthusiasts. Benefits extend beyond race day access, encompassing a precinct plan that outlines the full scope of member privileges at Thoroughbred Park.

The club also operates a tipping competition for members and provides daily sectional data through the CRC Daily Sectionals service, reflecting a commitment to engaging the racing community with detailed performance information. Equine welfare is a stated priority for the Canberra Racing Club, which positions itself as a leader in supporting thoroughbreds through every stage of life. This commitment is integrated into the club's broader identity alongside its racing and hospitality operations.

Common Questions About Thoroughbred Park

Where is Thoroughbred Park located?

Thoroughbred Park is located at 1 Randwick Rd, Lyneham ACT 2602, approximately 15 minutes from Canberra’s city center and accessible via the Light Rail.

How many race meetings does Thoroughbred Park host each year?

Thoroughbred Park hosts 25 race meetings annually, including the TAB Melbourne Cup Day in November and the Canberra Carnival featuring Black Opal Stakes Day and TAB Canberra Cup Day in March.

Does Thoroughbred Park have facilities for weddings and corporate events?

Yes, the Functions & Events Centre offers a variety of spaces suitable for weddings, conferences, corporate functions, and social events, with outdoor areas that can accommodate groups of up to 1,000 guests.

What is the rating of Thoroughbred Park on Google Maps?

Thoroughbred Park holds a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps based on 462 reviews, with visitors frequently praising the size, cleanliness, and organization of the venue.

How can I become a member of the Canberra Racing Club?

Membership can be obtained through the Thoroughbred Park website, where you can find details on benefits, renewal options, and the membership precinct plan. The Colts & Fillies Club is also available for younger racing enthusiasts.

What racing surfaces are used at Thoroughbred Park?

The venue races on the Course Proper during warmer months and switches to the Acton synthetic track throughout winter to maintain consistent racing conditions.

How can I contact Thoroughbred Park?

You can contact Thoroughbred Park by phone at +61 2 6204 0000 or via the contact form on their website at thoroughbredpark.com.au/contact-us.

Whether you are planning to attend a major race day, book a wedding reception with a unique trackside backdrop, or join the Canberra Racing Club as a member, Thoroughbred Park offers a distinctive venue that combines premier thoroughbred racing with versatile event hosting. For those comparing event venues and racing destinations in the Australian Capital Territory, we encourage you to explore the full range of options and reviews on Ilistify before making your decision.