Bass Coast Police send safety warning ahead of final Phillip Island MotoGP
Highway patrol officers warn riders about alcohol, speed and wildlife as fans head to the island for the last MotoGP
POLICE have urged fans heading to the final Phillip Island MotoGP this weekend to ride safely and sober in a road safety message recorded days after a fatal crash on the island.
Bass Coast Highway Patrol’s Sergeant Peter Pearce acknowledged Monday night’s fatal collision in a video released by Victoria Police ahead of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
“Whilst this was a tragic event and has impacted the entire community in Phillip Island, sincere sympathies to the family and friends and all those that were involved in the incident,” Sgt Pearce said.
“It’s a timely reminder to remember this is why we’ve got police on the roads providing visible police presence around Phillip Island and Bass Coast.”
The driver of a car died when it crossed onto the wrong side of Back Beach Road in Ventnor and collided head-on with a bus just after 9pm on Monday. Both vehicles caught fire, and four of the 25 people on the bus were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
“Remember, if you’re coming down to the island, we want you to come, visit and get home safely,” Sgt Pearce said.
Leading Senior Constable Matt Dengerink, also from Bass Coast Highway Patrol, urged riders to wear full protective gear, do their pre-ride checks and stick to the speed limit.
He warned that the island’s wildlife posed a real risk to riders.
“There is a lot of geese, there is a lot of wallabies and it can be quite treacherous area, so please take your time when you come down,” Ldg Snr Const Dengerink said.
Baw Baw Highway Patrol’s Leading Senior Constable Troy Ackers said drink-riding remained a major concern.
“Unfortunately, alcohol is overrepresented in relation to fatalities and serious injuries with motorcycle riders,” Ldg Snr Const Ackers said.
He said a quarter of fatal collisions in Victoria involved a driver or rider over the 0.05 limit, and booze buses would be testing for drugs and alcohol across the state.
“Every police car, motorcycle or vehicle has the ability to become a random breath test site,” he said.
The 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix runs from Friday to Sunday and is the last at Phillip Island before the event moves to an Adelaide street circuit in 2027.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation head of operations and safety Ben Hartung said organisers expected a huge influx of visitors from across Victoria, interstate and overseas.
“We’re calling it the final roar and it is respect for the last event that’s down here at Phillip Island,” he said.
About 500 riders, including MotoGP stars Alex Rins, Johann Zarco, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales, were set to join the Homecoming Ride from the San Remo Bridge through Cowes to the circuit for a lap of the track.
Mr Hartung urged fans to use the coach service from Southern Cross Station, which has pick-ups in regional areas, and the island shuttle, which stops at San Remo, Rhyll, Cape Woolamai and Cowes.
He said a blue line treatment on Phillip Island Tourist Road through to the Bass Highway would create an extra traffic lane on Saturday and Sunday nights.
“Please look out for motorcyclists at all times,” Mr Hartung said.
