Alice Springs Festivals You Don't Want To Miss

Alice Springs (Mparntwe) punches above its weight with some of the most unique destination events in Australia.

From an opera performance in an ancient gorge to a beanie festival that attracts Aboriginal Territorians from remote communities and visitors alike, it’s clear that Alice Springs is where the parties are at. Gather your family or friends and plan a trip around these festivals and events in Alice Springs.

Alice Springs Beanie Festival

Here’s something you don’t see every day: 6500 beanies transformed into vibrant works of art.

knitters gathering at the Beanie Festival — Knitters from all around Australia gather at the Beanie Festival. (Image: Oliver Eclipse)

The joyful four-day Beanie Festival held in June brings together knitters from remote Central Australian communities and crafters from all around Australia. Expect a dazzling array of knitwear, live music and plenty of food stalls with delicious treats.

Woman tries on a beanie at the Beanie Festival in Alice Springs — Leave the festival with your wearable art. (Image: Oliver Eclipse)

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

One to plan an Alice Springs trip in April around, the dazzling after-dark Parrtjima – A Festival of Light takes place at the Alice Springs Desert Park over 10 nights.

the Parrtjima 2024 festival of light — Witness the vibrant festival of light projected onto the MacDonnell Ranges. (Image: Parrtjima)

Expect epic projections of new and old Aboriginal artworks onto the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, a 300-million-year-old natural canvas.

the Grounded installation at Parrtjima 2024 — Wander through the immersive Grounded art installation. (Image: Parrtjima)

The festival also includes music performances, art workshops and talks by some of Australia’s most well-known Indigenous identities.

a couple wandering at the art displays in Parrtjima 2024 — The annual Parrtjima festival celebrates art, music, and culture. (Image: Parrtjima)

FabALICE Festival

Pack your glitter and hop aboard! The annual FabALICE in March boasts a program of fun-filled parties, performances and night markets that celebrate the vibrant queer culture that has long permeated Alice Springs. Of course this four-day festival includes a screening of the flick Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Also don’t miss catching a ride on the Budget Barbie Camper, where performers take punters on hour-long tours around town.

Desert Song Festival

Catch performances by renowned pianists, violinists, choirs and string quartets in some of the most remote locations in Australia.

Over 10 days in September, Desert Song Festival treats attendees to a program of concerts, workshops and masterclasses, with many events taking place in phenomenal outdoor locations.

an art workshop at the Desert Song Festival, Alice Springs — The festival also offers workshops and masterclasses.

The highlight? A concert at Ormiston Gorge, 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs, featuring the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir.

a concert at Ormiston Gorge, Desert Song Festival — Don’t miss the concert in Ormiston Gorge.

Red CentreNATS

Rev heads get ready for Red CentreNATS , a three-day spectacular of classic, modified and luxury cars and motorbikes competing in a range of categories. Held in late August and early September, highlights include street parades, drag races, show ‘n’ shine vehicle displays and the epic wrap-up party, where champions are crowned, and all things rev heads are celebrated.

Tatts Finke Desert Race

Racing is always hard but there are some races that are tougher than others. Enter the Tatts Finke Desert Race , a two-day off-road race for bikes, cars and buggies through desert country from Alice Springs to the Aputula (Finke) community.

Held over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, “Finke" as it’s known, attracts bikers, car racers and spectators. Head trackside for a great view of the race in the public areas, located close to town at the three-, four- and 10-kilometre marks.

a motorbike rider racing through the desert country during the Tatts Finke Desert Race — Bikes also get in on the action in this off-road race through the desert.

Alice Springs Show

Bring the whole family to the beloved Alice Springs Show for two days of carnival rides, games, petting zoos, wood chopping, V8 displays, fireworks and more.

Get a unique insight into rural life in the Red Centre by checking out the equestrian, cattle and poultry events.

horseback riding at the Alice Springs Show — Rural life puts its best foot forward in this two-day show.

Wide Open Space Festival

Set against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, Wide Open Space Festival attendees can enjoy panoramic views of the ancient ranges all the while getting down to cutting-edge electronic beats, soulful live performances and global sounds.

Held over three days in May at Ross River Resort, 80 kilometres east of Alice Springs, the options are plentiful; take a dip in the pool, simply enjoy the music or take a hike on one of the many walking tracks.

dancing at Wide Open Space Festival — Lose yourself in cutting-edge electronic beats. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Blacken Open Air

Metal enthusiasts don’t miss your chance to headbang in the desert. Blacken Open Air is a three-night camp-out festival held at Ross River Resort in August, the same stunning location as Wide Open Space Festival. Run by Alice Springs’ own heavy music label, The Black Wreath, the festival features a huge line up of bands from across Australia, as well as Arrernte cultural performances.

Alice Springs Masters Games

Calling all mature sports lovers: Alice Springs Masters Games , aka the Friendly Games, are held in October and are open to anyone with a love of sports who meets the age criteria. Over eight days, athletes compete in various sports, such as archery, badminton, basketball, cricket, darts, swimming, lawn bowls and equestrian.

Desert Mob

Explore artwork from more than 35 art centres in Central Australia at Desert Mob , a festival taking place in September at Araluen Arts Centre.

This sprawling celebration of Aboriginal art and artists presented over 15 days by Desart, features an exhibition, symposiums, marketplace, workshops and performances.

a couple looking at a painting in Desert Mob — The Araluen Art Centre plays hosts to a wide range of exquisite artworks. (Image: Tourism NT)

Henley on Todd Regatta

No water in the river? That won’t stop the Alice Springs locals from holding a regatta.

The dry riverbed of the Todd River comes alive each August with the Henley on Todd Regatta , featuring ‘boats’ running on sand, pirate battles and a flotilla of bathtubs, showcasing the Red Centre’s infectious sense of humour.

participants and spectators at the Henley on Todd Regatta in Alice Springs — The boat race is held on the dry sandy riverbed of the Todd River. (Image: Tourism NT/Imparja Creative)

For more incredible ways to explore the region, read our travel guide to Alice Springs.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

The annual Alice Springs festivals and events you don’t want to miss