The race was won by Lex Davison, later to become the most successful driver in the history of the Australian Grand Prix.

It was Davison's first win in the Grand Prix having finished in the top three as far back as 1947.

Davison drove a Formula 2 HWM re-engined with a 3.4 litre Jaguar engine.

Davison finished a lap clear of Curley Brydon's MG TC special and two laps ahead of third placed Ken Richardson in a Ford based special.

Jack Brabham was out on the second lap with a broken engine in his Cooper; Rex Taylor was black flagged for receiving outside assistance after spinning his Lago-Talbot; Dick Cobden retired his Ferrari after a spin and Stan Jones crashed heavily while leading after the chassis of his Maybach Special failed.