Oakbank Racecourse in South Australia is one of the oldest and most famous racing venues in Australia due its status as a unique venue for jumps racing.
Located near Onkaparinga in the Adelaide Hills 30km west of the Adelaide CBD, was established in the early 1870s and became famous for its Easter racing carnival.
The Oakbank course had its origins when the proprietors of the Oakbank Brewery decided to lay a track alongside the brewery for their own entertainment on Easter Monday from 1873. The Onkaparinga Race Club conducted racing at Oakbank for more than 100 years until it underwent a name change to the Oakbank Racing Club late last century.
Oakbank Racing Club’s most famous race is the Great Eastern Steeplechase, first run on Easter Monday in 1876. The Great Eastern Steeplechase is run over 4950m and 24 obstacles, making it the second longest race in Australia behind Warrnambool’s Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m).
“ We’re building on 144 years of history to create a new tradition at Oakbank that reflects modern consumer demand while staying true to the fundamentals that have made the Easter Racing Carnival one of the biggest events on the South Australian racing and social calendar.”
HAHNDORF
Step back in time and soak up the German heritage of the quaint town of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. We can guarantee you that this town’s charm and unique character will have you wanting to stay for longer than just the weekend of the Oakbank Easter Carnival. Where to stay? The Australian Jumps Racing Association has had a longstanding relationship with the Haus Group. We highly recommend their accomodation for your weekend away at Oakbank.