In Australia, harness racing tracks for both trotting and pacing are smaller than in North America and normally range between 700 metres to 1000 metres. Despite using the metric system, all racing times are converted into the mile-rate system so that times can be compared internationally. Despite many industry professionals requesting larger 1400 metre traces, many commentators believe the length of the track would be undesirable.
Australian racetracks are known to be quite hard, which are not as springy and have tighter turns. Banking on the curves of the track are important for speed as they maintain gait symmetry at the entrance and exit of curves.
Each state in Australia hosts several harness racing tracks, however the dominant racing tracks in each region are as follows:
Victoria:
Moonee Valley Racecourse hosts races seven days a week with the highlight of the week being Saturday night when the track is lit up. Trotting races are held over lengths between 1135 metres and 3065 metres.
- Track Circumference: 965 metres
- Home Straight length: 180 metres
- Track Surface: Granitic Sand
New South Wales:
The premier metropolitan track in NSW is Harold Park in Sydney, which was on sale in 2008 for $150 million to make way for the new New South Wales racing headquarters at Menangle Park in Sydney’s south-west. Majority of races are held on Tuesdays during the day and spectators can watch races held between 1760 metres and 2965 metres.
- Track Circumference: 804.50 metres
- Home Straight length: 195 metres
- Track Surface: Crushed Granite
Queensland:
Albion Park in Brisbane is Queensland’s largest track and horses are able to race between 1660 metres and 2680 metres on the track. Queensland has been home to many winning trotting horses however when equine influenza struck Queensland and New South Wales, the racing industry suffered a significant financial loss.
- Track Circumference: 1019 metres
- Home Straight length: 197 metres
- Track Surface: Crushed Granite
South Australia:
Although trotting is not as prominent in South Australia, Globe Derby Park in Adelaide is doing extremely well with its family friendly atmosphere. Meeting are held every Saturday and Monday throughout the season and on Fridays during the winter period. Races are held between the distances of 1800 metres and 2645 metres.
- Track Circumference: 845 metres
- Home Straight length: 150.90 metres
- Track Surface: Crushed Granite
Western Australia:
Harness Racing has a strong future in Western Australia with the industry being financially strong throughout the past few years. The main racecourse, Gloucester Park is located in Perth and the racecourse has meet days every Friday night and occasionally on Mondays and Tuesdays. Horses are able to race from 1730 metres to 2907 metres.
- Track Circumference: 804.50 metres
- Home Straight length: 143 metres
- Track Surface: Granitic Sand
Tasmania:
There are not as many races held in Tasmania however the stake money in this state equals the total stake money from the other states. The two main race tracks are in Hobart and Launceston with the major races held on Sunday for the twilight sessions. Tattersalls Park is home to harness racing in Hobart and also offers Monday night meetings.
- Track Circumference: 970 metres
- Home Straight length: 200 metres
- Track Surface: Crushed Granite