This will be the first year a new campsite, to be known as The Orchard, has been used, reflecting the growth in popularity of camping in recent years.

The Orchard has been developed by Bathurst Regional Council next to the Chase campground and within walking distance of the track.

The new release can cater for an additional 600 sites, adding to the existing 6500 camping spaces around the famous Mount Panorama circuit.

The Orchard will feature powered and unpowered sites with toilets and showers. Located off College Road and in a prime position near the famous Conrod Chase, it is one of eight campsites available for fans heading to Mount Panorama in October.

Sites will again be available in the Paddock, Chase and Enduro Campgrounds, Motorhome Park and Max Cameron Campgrounds as well as the McPhillamy Park and Reid/Sulman Park sites on top of  Mount Panorama.

Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event manager Rachael White says demand is expected to be as strong as ever when campsites go on sale at 2pm on Friday.

“We’re very pleased to have worked with Bathurst Regional Council on developing this new campsite, The Orchard,” Miss White said.

“It’s in a great spot for fans of all ages and extends our offering to cope with the huge demand we experience for campsites every year. 

“Over the past few years the sites at the top of Mount Panorama and the paddock area campground have been extremely popular, taking just four days to sell out.

“Our fully-powered motorhome options remain hugely popular, given their proximity to the track and family friendly facilities.

“Last year’s event was attended by 205,693 fans, the second highest attendance in the history of the race and a one per cent increase on 2016.

“This is one of our country’s greatest sporting spectacles supported by some of the most passionate and loyal fans in Australia.”

General Admission, Platinum Grandstand, Trackside and Paddock Pass tickets are now available.

Tickets can be purchased via ticketek or through supercars.com. Kids under 12 are admitted free.

Grandstands will again be located along the main straight and on the outside of Turn 1. Platinum grandstand seats have sold out for the last several years and with seats expected to be snapped up quickly again this year patrons are encouraged to purchase early.

Supercars.com includes comprehensive ticketing and camping information and links to the online booking portal at ticketek.

The 2018 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 will run from 4-7 October at Mount Panorama.