Bakers Beach is located on the North West coast of Tasmania in the Tamar Valley. The township of Bakers Beach is one of 3 access points to the Narawntapu National Park.

Land Speed Record Attempts:
Austin Miller's successful run at Bakers Beach in 1961 saw him set a new Australian Land Speed Record of 163.94 mph (263.94 km/h) in his Cooper T51 Chev. This record-breaking attempt was a significant moment in Australian motorsport history, and the event was widely publicized.

Motorcycle Trials:
Bakers Beach was also used for motorcycle speed trials, with local riders attempting to set records and improve their machines' performance. For example, Reg Harris recorded 128 mph on a BSA 500 at Bakers Beach, which was the fastest BSA ever recorded at the time.
in 1935, George Wade broke the Tasmanian speed record at Bakers Beach with a run of 118.4 mph which stood until 1948
In 1950 Jock Walkem attained the highest speed in the trials, reaching 123.2 mph on a 998cc A.J.S.

Historical Significance:
Bakers Beach played a role in the history of land speed racing in Australia, with the location serving as a venue for various attempts to break both car and motorcycle records. The beach's long, straight stretches were well-suited for high-speed runs.

Continued Racing:
While the land speed records are now held elsewhere, Bakers Beach remains a significant location for motorsport enthusiasts and historians.

Acceleration test were held at many places along the Midland Highway, The “flying mile” near Longford, Rochalea Road and Nile Road.
In 1926 the first time trials were conducted by the Tasmanian Motorcycle Club. Bakers Beach and Greens Beach were to be used regularly for speed events until the early 1950’s.

The Launceston Examiner Sat 28 Jan 1939

Speed Trials at Baker's Beach
ATTEMPT ON TASMANIAN RECORD SPEED MOTOR-CYCLE ENTHUSIASTS TO HAVE BIG DAY
Motor-cyclists throughout the state are completing their preparations for the Tasmanian Motor Cycle Club's State Championship speed trials at Baker's Beach on Monday. Some have been working on their machines for months or weeks, and others are feverishly tuning cycles that have been unpacked from their crates within the last few days. The preparation of these will not be completed until the last minute before the lorries leave to transport the com peting machines to the beach.
It is only 52 miles from Launceston to the beach, which is reputed to be the finest in Tasmania. and many of those who are taking part in the speed trials would not think twice of riding that distance-on any other occa sion. On Monday, however, they will not risk damaging their carefully tuned machines. Pistons that have been carefully polished, parts that have been ground and burnished and cylin der heads shining like silver will not be sullied until the machine is actually on the beach.
For those who are interested in high speed motor-cycling., Baker's Beach will be found very easy of access. The road to the beach branches off from the East Tamar highway at Exeter. and it is in good order for the first time in many years.
After passing Frankford. the road continues towards Harford for about 10 miles until a signboard on the right hand side is reached just before the first bridge over the Rubicon River, which flows into Port Sorell. From this point the road is only fair. and must not be taken at speed.
Five miles of it bring the rider to Addison farm, and from there a beaten track is followed over undulating country until the beach is reached at its north-western end. It is still five miles to the camping site, where there is permanent fresh water and firewood.

Tested by Victorians
Baker's Beach was first tried out in 1926, when a party of Victorian racing motor-cyclists and Tasmanian enthusi asts found their way in. Among the Victorians was Alan Bruce, who is now racing in England.
Until 1950 the beach was not used for high-speed events, but in that year the Tasmanian Motor Cycle Club. the governing body of the sport in Tas mania, held its first state championship meeting there. Since then the meet ings have grown in popularity in a re markable fashion.
One of the most outstanding features of the meetings has been the faithful ness of each rider to his one particular make of machine. Here are some of those who have always been mounted on the same make:-Martin Coombe and Les Arnold (Norton). Allan Ikin, Bill Gough, and Frank King (B.S.A.), Rod. Metcalf. of liurnie, and Norman Clarke (Ariel). Charlie Smith and Jock Walkem (Velocette), Geoff Wade (Douglas), Rex Powell (Rudge), Wil fred and Trevor Jowett and Eric Slater, of Deloraine (A.J.S.). Norman Murfet and Max Oliver, of Moltema (Levis).
Electric timc-keping gear is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Bert H-lowe. who have given many years of efficient service to the club.
A remarkable spirit of companionship exists among the riders. If one strikes trouble he will find that within a minute or so his rivals are down on their knees beside him doing whatever they can to help straighten things out.
The club does it utmost to discourage noisy exhibitions likely to bring frowns from elderly people, who regard motor cycles as noisy nuisances.
This year, in addition to speed trial and championships in solo and sidecar classes, a number of riders will attempt to better the existing class records held by Rob. Cox (Aricl). Martin Coombe (Norton), George Wade (Douglas), Allan Ikin and Frank King (both B.S.A.). It is expected that the highest speed yet attained in this state, 116.S miles an hour. achieved by Rex Powell and Rob. Cox on a dirt-track Rudge will, if the day.and beach are good, be exceeded.

Sourve: TROVE

Burnie Advocate Tue 21 Feb 1950

MOTOR CYCLING
T. WISEMAN'S M.C. DOUBLE AT BAKER'S BEACH Although the weather was unset- tled the N.W. Motor Cycle Club con- ducted a successful programme of beach racing and speed trials at Baker's Beach last week-end. Tom Wiseman, captain of N.W. M.C.C. performed brilliantly to win his heats and finals of the 3 and 5 mile races, from virtually the back mark. He won easing up, against Tasmania's leading riders.

Well known Northern rider. Jock Walkem attained highest speed in the trials with 123.2 m.p.h. on a 998 cc A.J.S.. Bod Metcalf of Burnie, riding Wiseman's Ariel won the 500 cc championship at 102.2 m.p.h. and popular southern clubman - Dave Powell (348 cc Manx Norton) won the 350 cc championship at 101.1 m.p.h.

RESULTS
3-mile beach race
Heat 1: T Wiseman (Ariel), 24 secs, beh., 1; I. Wiseman (Ariel), 12 beh., 2; G. Bray (Ariel). 20 beh., 3.
Heat 2: W. Dixon (Ariel), scr., 1; N. Reed (Velo) scr., 2; T. Edwards (A.J.S.), scr., 3
Final: T. Wiseman 1, I. Wiseman 2 N. Reed 3.
5-mile beach race
Heat 1 : C. Vaughan (Ariel), 36 beh., 1; D. Pow- ell (Norton), 36 beh., 2; M. Eaves (Ariel), 33 beh., 3.
Heat 2: T. Wiseman (Ariel), 33 beh., 1; N. Reed (Velo), scr., 2; I. Wiseman (Ariel), 16 beh., 3.
Final: T. Wiseman 1, N. Reed 2, C. Vaughan 3.
10 mile beach race
Heat 1: D. Powell (Norton), 90 beh. , 1; R. Far- mer (Triumph), 50 beh., 2; B. Glee- son (B.S.A.), 50 beh., 3.
Heat 2: G. Bray (Ariel), 50 beh., 1. C. Vaughan (Ariel), 60 beh., H. Will- iams (Velo), 60 beh., 3.
Final: H. Williams 1, C. Vaughan 2, R. Farmer 3.
1-4-mile handicap speed trial:
T. Edwards (A.J.S.), best run 86.5 m.p.h., hcp. 3.3 secs., 1;
N. Reed; (Velo), 95.7, 1.4; W. Dixon (Ariel), 90; B. Gleeson (B.S.A.). 101.1, 1.3; equal 2;
N. Ryan (A.J.S.), 85.7, 2.6, B. Saward (Norton), 92.7. 1.8; R. Farmer (Triumph), 94.7, 1.6, equal 3.
Due to failing light it was im- possible to run off the places.
Championships
Under 350 cc, D. Powell (Manx Norton), 101.1 m.p.h.;
under 500 cc, R. Metcalf (Ariel), 102.2 m.p.h.;
under 1000 cc, J. Walkem (A.J.S ), 123.2 m.p.h.

Source: TROVE