The MXGP of Australia welcomed thousands of people to Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex this weekend, as Darwin successfully hosted the final round of the FIM Motocross World Championship – the only place in Australia to see the world’s best motocross riders compete.
From 18–20 September, Darwin delivered a dramatic end to the motocross season, with world titles, race wins and championship positions decided at Hidden Valley.
Five-time World Champion Jeffrey Herlings (KNMV) clinched both Darwin race wins as he finished the 2026 season as world champion for the sixth time. France’s Romain Febvre (FFM) finished the season overall in second place, with Slovenia’s Tim Gajser (AMZS) claiming third in the MXGP category.
In MX2, Spain’s Guillem Farres (RFME) secured the world title in Darwin, with South African teammate Camden McLellan (KNMV) close behind in second, and Belgian rider Sacha Coenen (KTM) rounding out the podium.
The WMX championship returned to Australia with Spain’s Daniela Guillen (GASGAS) dominating in Darwin, taking out Races 1 and 2 on the way to securing her debut world title. Dutch rider Lotte van Drunen (Yamaha) finished second, while New Zealand’s Courtney Duncan (Kawasaki) claimed third.
Adding to the excitement, the State Challenge once again brought together 86 of Australia’s best young riders across the MX85 and MX3 classes.
The success of the weekend extended well beyond the racing. Among the countries hosting rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Darwin has established itself as one of the calendar’s most entertainment-focused stops, with an event experience built around families and fans, and almost as much action off the track as on it.
Fans experienced a packed program of off-track entertainment across the weekend. Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain brought the Katherine Outback Experience to Hidden Valley, alongside Territory wildlife encounters, interactive motocross and kids’ zones, helicopter flights and family entertainment.
Fans also had more opportunities to get closer to the world’s best riders, from the free rider signing on Friday night to the inaugural MXGP After Race Show on Saturday, which brought MXGP, MX2 and WMX stars directly to fans following the day’s racing.
For interstate visitors, MXGP was also a chance to experience more of Darwin and the Top End, with warm weather, balmy evenings and plenty to see and do beyond the track. From waterfront dining and Darwin’s vibrant food and culture to the Top End’s iconic landscapes, national parks and outdoor experiences, September is an ideal time to extend a stay and discover more of the Territory.
Delivered by Tourism and Events NT (TENT) in partnership with Infront Moto Racing (IMR) and Motorcycling Australia (MA), the event was broadcast to more than 100 countries. Nationally, the final races of the 2026 MXGP Championship aired live on Channel 9’s Gem, while Stan Sport provided four hours of dedicated live coverage. More than 20 international media representatives were also on the ground in Darwin, showcasing both the championship finale and its Top End host destination to audiences around the world.
Tourism and Events NT has been recognised on the world stage for the second year running, receiving an award from FIM Motocross World Championship global rights-holder Infront Moto Racing at the MXGP Awards Night in Darwin, following its “Best Promoted Event” win in 2025. The award recognised the strong collaboration between TENT and IMR in planning and delivering the three-day 2026 MXGP of Australia, the final round of the 19-round global championship.
Following another successful weekend, attention now turns to 2027, with the MXGP of Australia confirmed to return to Darwin from 17–19 September 2027. Three‑day Hot Pass tickets for next year’s event are on sale now for a limited time at a special release price ($99). Fans can also add Paddock access to get up close with riders and their teams.
