The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally delivers welcome tourism boost

This year’s The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally has been hailed a huge success, with more than 7,000 spectators flocking to witness the nation’s top rally drivers in action.

Now in its fourth year, the event which is part of Round Four of the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, saw both Australian and International competitors tackle a challenging 188km high country course through the outskirts of the historic towns of Heyfield, Boisdale, Cowwarr, and Briagolong.

The weekend’s festivities started Friday evening with the BSR Automative Rally Show at the Port of Sale, where over 1,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to get an up close look at the rally cars and a chance to meet the drivers. Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Ian Bye officially opened the event - welcoming competitors and visitors to The Middle of Everywhere, also waving a flag which signified the start of the event.

On the evening, Mayor Ian Bye highlighted the thrill of welcoming the Gippsland Rally back to The Middle of Everywhere.

“This event is a huge drawcard for our community, attracting visitors right across the globe and providing a significant boost to local tourism, we love it” he said.

In a win for the local economy, businesses across the municipality were overflowing with rally goers. The Maffra and District Car Club/Boisdale Hillclimb Canteen took record proceeds with thousands attending the track to watch the last leg of the rally. Auto businesses across the Heyfield area were also in high demand.

Local accommodation including hotels, motels and Airbnb’s were heavily booked with over 1,000 people from teams, support crews, volunteers and staff all booking for four to seven days - some accommodation venues were booked a year in advance.  

With some 8,000 people involved in the overall event over the four days, it is estimated that the regional expenditure was almost $1.3 million - which in late winter is a welcome boost to the region.

The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally is now considered one of Australia’s best run motorsport events and planning for 2025 is already underway.

For more information on upcoming events in The Middle of Everywhere, visit www.themiddleofeverywhere.com.au.