The Gong - Kembla Grange Racecourse

Experience the excitement of the Spring Carnival at The Illawarra Turf Club’s premier race meeting, The Gong, Saturday 21 November. The event combines elite racing with premium hospitality, live entertainment, fashion, and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable day out on the coast.

$2.5million in prize money is on offer across the ten-race program headlined by The Gong, a 1600m quality handicap that was introduced in 2019 as part of Racing NSW’s extended Spring Carnival. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength and that was recognised in 2024 when the $1million race was elevated to Group 3 status.

The Gong is supported by The Warra, a 1000m sprint with a purse of $300,000 that was introduced in 2021 and upgraded to a Group 3 in 2024. Local businesses can join The Warra Club for a chance to win exclusive naming rights for The Warra in 2026.

Off the track there is so much to see and do, and live entertainment will continue on the Public Lawn after the last race with the headline performer to be announced soon.

There are a plenty of precincts and bars to explore, and a variety of hospitality offerings from budget to bougie. Fill up with a tasty dish from one of the on-course food trucks or go all out and treat yourself to a four-course meal and bottomless beverage package in the Bert Lillye Lounge or Ken Brown Dining Room. Book a Private Booth in the Trackside Lounge for you and up to nine friends or guarantee yourself a base by reserving a seat in the Lawn Marquee.

The Gong is run as a metropolitan standalone meeting and has the honour of being the finale of the NSW Spring Carnival. It attracts the best horses and jockeys in Australia and has been embraced as an unmissable social event.

Grab your tickets now here