Rally Tasmania confirms multiple changes for 2026

Organisers for the Subaru Wilderness Rally Tasmania have confirmed a number of significant changes for 2026 with new stages and a new Galvaniize Insurance Rally Central location part of the new-look event.

Serving as the fourth round of the 2026 EROAD Australian Rally Championship, the Subaru Wilderness Rally Tasmania will provide plenty of new challenges for teams and drivers as they tackle a revised route.

Headlining the list of changes is the introduction of two night stages, which will be held on the Saturday evening and encompassing the Haywards Rally Village Powered by Walsh Towing.

Saturday will also see the championship’s longest stage for the year take place with the popular 42-kilometre Mawbana stage shifted from Sunday – the added caveat compared to previous years being that it will be run in reverse.

A brand new spectator stage at the North West Car Club in Highclere will be introduced at this year’s event and will see crews tackle two laps of the purpose built rally track on both Saturday and Sunday.

And the final confirmed change for the Burnie-based event will be the location for Galvaniize Insurance Rally Central and event HQ, which is now located at the Burnie Bowls Club, who have also joined the event as a partner.

Since the event moved to the north-west coastal Tasmanian town, Galvaniize Insurance Rally Central has predominantly run from Wivenhoe Recreation Ground, however the new location will allow for easier accessibility for crews and fans alike.

Subaru Wilderness Rally Tasmania Event Manager Adrian Coppin was excited about what the new changes will add to the event.

“We were looking for ways to change up the event and introduce some fresh ideas to make it more exciting for teams and drivers compared to previous editions of the rally,” Coppin said.

“Night stages are always hugely popular amongst all parties, with crews enjoying the challenge of running under the stars, while fans get a thrilling view of these cars in full flight through the forests.

“The reversed Mawbana stage and the brand new spectator stage at the North West Car Club will also add plenty of variety to the event, while providing fresh challenges that will test crews in different ways throughout the weekend.

“A big thanks to the Burnie Council and North West Car Club for their continued support this year – we believe the changes will make a better experience for competitors, officials and spectators, while also allowing us to further showcase the championship to the local community.”

Entries for the event have officially opened, with interested crews able to register their place via WOLF SPORTS.

The Subaru Wilderness Rally Tasmania takes place in and around the forests of Burnie, Tasmania on 14-16 August.