Gold Rush Hill Sprint burns rubber in hunt for gold on Mt Morgan Range
Published on 17 July 2025
More than 100 competitors will burn rubber in Mount Morgan this weekend for Australia’s longest motorsport hill sprint, the annual CQ Motor Sports Club’s Gold Rush Hill Sprint.
The Mount Morgan Range is a motor sport lovers’ dream with Competitors travelling from across Australia for the event.
The track spans more than three kilometres, 26 tight corners and a 160-metre change in elevation.
Rockhampton Regional Council provided $10,000 to support the event which has been an exciting fixture on the calendar since 2018.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said it was great to see 118 competitors enter in this year’s event.
“While the winner’s podium will be hotly contested, we know events like this are also gold for our region,” Mayor Williams said.
“The Gold Rush Hill Sprint brings people to Mount Morgan, fills up our hotels and cafes, and give local businesses a real boost. It’s good fun and good for the economy.”
Divisional Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the event was a win, not only for car enthusiasts, but for the Mount Morgan and Rockhampton community, with such a unique event so close to home.
“This event is a win not just for motorsport fans, but for the whole Mount Morgan and Rockhampton community. It’s fantastic to have something so unique and exciting right on our doorstep,” Cr Rutherford said.
“The Gold Rush Hill Sprint brings a real buzz to town. It’s great to see families, visitors, and locals coming together to enjoy the action, support local businesses, and celebrate what makes our region special.”
Central Queensland Motor Sporting Club Vice President Aaron Black said the $10,000 grant received from The Rockhampton Regional Council as their ‘Powered by Sponsor’ was a huge help, allowing the Club to hire equipment and advertise to promote the event.
“We have significant interest from Central Queenslanders and interstate,” Mr Black said.
“We have competitors travelling from as far as Western Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria, all itching to race this unique Mount Morgan Range track.”
“We have Porsches, BMWs, Holdens, Fords, Subaru, Mazdas, Renaults, Toyotos and more, so whatever your car passion is, we will have it on display over the weekend.
“The Northern Territory’s Dylan Cothill won the event last year in a Nissan R35GTR with an outright time of 1:41:82 so all competitors know what they are aiming for.”
Entry is by gold coin donation, with racing action starting at 7am Saturday 19 July and running through to 1pm on Sunday 20 July, followed by presentations at 2pm.
Spectator parking is accessed via Poison Creek Road, off the Burnett Highway, with manned road closures in place.
For more information visit the CQ Crane Hire Gold Rush Hill Sprint Facebook page.
The Community Assistance Program supports non-profit community based organisations with funding for grants and sponsorships towards projects and events that enhance the region’s well-being. For more information and how to apply, contact Council Community Services on 4936 8368 or visit our website.