Rather like swimming pools, many racecourses have been completely modernised or rebuilt in recent years, but in a lot of places at least one building, or even the grandstand survives. Ever since I read Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock as a kid, I’ve been intrigued by the stories that come up from a day at the races. Sometimes, the stories might involve the horses, sometimes it’s just a family day out, or sometimes there is skulduggery involved. There are lots of racecourses in Victoria, from the famous Flemington to the smallest country course in the back of beyond. If the racecourse near you has kept some of its vintage heritage, and you have a story to tell that is linked to the races, I’d love to hear from you.
Avoca Racecourse Grandstand
It is thanks to the WW2 Dambusters crew that Avoca races take place at all these days. This simple grandstand, built in 1927, has looked down on almost 100 years of meets now.
Wodonga Racecourse Grandstand
Wodonga Racecourse has witnessed bushfires, hurricanes and army occupation during WW2, as well as drama on the track itself. The vintage grandstand has a few stories to tell, too.
Warrnambool Racecourse Grandstand
There's been racing at Warrnambool since the mid 1850s, though the two vintage grandstands on the course today date from early to mid 20th century. Lots of drama here over the years.
Terang Racecourse
You can still watch racing at the 'Flemington of the Bush' from the 1886 grandstand, which has graced Terang racecourse for well over 100 years now
Coleraine Racecourse
This 1903 grandstand at Coleraine Racecourse has watched over the running of Australia's oldest steeplechase race for over 100 years.
Casterton Racecourse
There's been racing at Casterton since the 1850s and the track now claims to have Australia's only live hedge jumps course. It's set in a natural amphitheatre so we were here for the vintage hedges
Camperdown Racecourse
The 1903 grandstand at Camperdown Racecourse was reopened in 2019 after a long restoration period. Once upon a time it was ladies only in the grandstand!
Hanging Rock Racecourse
They've been horse racing at Hanging Rock for over 140 years, though there isn't much vintage architecture here now & I'd love to hear more ancient stories of this mystical spot
Hamilton Racecourse
There's a real vintage grandstand at Hamilton racecourse. Built in 1873, it's looking a bit tired now, but such a nice fixture on this beautiful race track in the west of the state.
Bendigo Racecourse
The vintage grandstand at Bendigo Racecourse is the reason this venue made it to Vintage Victoria but there are other vintage bits dotted round this beautiful country Victoria racetrack.
Ballarat Racecourse
The old grandstand at Ballarat Racecourse was the big draw for Vintage Victoria, along with the Tea House. Lots of old stories of drama & skulduggery at the races, too, dating back to 1866.
Avoca Racecourse Grandstand
It is thanks to the WW2 Dambusters crew that Avoca races take place at all these days. This simple grandstand, built in 1927, has looked down on almost 100 years of meets now.
Wodonga Racecourse Grandstand
Wodonga Racecourse has witnessed bushfires, hurricanes and army occupation during WW2, as well as drama on the track itself. The vintage grandstand has a few stories to tell, too.
Warrnambool Racecourse Grandstand
There's been racing at Warrnambool since the mid 1850s, though the two vintage grandstands on the course today date from early to mid 20th century. Lots of drama here over the years.
Terang Racecourse
You can still watch racing at the 'Flemington of the Bush' from the 1886 grandstand, which has graced Terang racecourse for well over 100 years now
Coleraine Racecourse
This 1903 grandstand at Coleraine Racecourse has watched over the running of Australia's oldest steeplechase race for over 100 years.
Casterton Racecourse
There's been racing at Casterton since the 1850s and the track now claims to have Australia's only live hedge jumps course. It's set in a natural amphitheatre so we were here for the vintage hedges
Camperdown Racecourse
The 1903 grandstand at Camperdown Racecourse was reopened in 2019 after a long restoration period. Once upon a time it was ladies only in the grandstand!
Hanging Rock Racecourse
They've been horse racing at Hanging Rock for over 140 years, though there isn't much vintage architecture here now & I'd love to hear more ancient stories of this mystical spot
Hamilton Racecourse
There's a real vintage grandstand at Hamilton racecourse. Built in 1873, it's looking a bit tired now, but such a nice fixture on this beautiful race track in the west of the state.
Bendigo Racecourse
The vintage grandstand at Bendigo Racecourse is the reason this venue made it to Vintage Victoria but there are other vintage bits dotted round this beautiful country Victoria racetrack.
Ballarat Racecourse
The old grandstand at Ballarat Racecourse was the big draw for Vintage Victoria, along with the Tea House. Lots of old stories of drama & skulduggery at the races, too, dating back to 1866.