The championship winner was awarded the 1989 CAMS Gold Star as the Australian Drivers' Champion.
The championship began on 7 May 1989 at Mallala Motor Sport Park and ended on 10 September at Sandown Raceway after ten rounds.
Defending champion Rohan Onslow of Sydney won his second consecutive Australian Drivers' Championship driving a Ralt RT20.
Mark McLaughlin placed second in his Elfin FA891 with Channel 7 television commentator Neil Crompton finishing third in his debut year in open wheel racing driving a Ralt RT20.
Championship points were awarded 9–6–4–3–2–1 based on the top six race positions at each round.