Tattersall's Finke Desert Race

dates Saturday 7 June to Monday 9 June 2008
place The Start/Finish Line is located approximately 18km south of the Alice Springs CBD (towards Airport).

Held over the Queen's Birthday weekend in the second week of June, the Tattersall's Finke Desert Race is an off road racing event run between Alice Springs and Aputula Aboriginal community (Finke). The first race was run in 1976 and each year attracts 10,000 spectators along the 235km track to watch 300 bikes and 90 car competitors' race 'there and back'.

• Competitors and machines are scrutineered on Friday
• The prologue on Saturday establishes start positions for the race
• Race Day 1 (Sunday) is from Alice Springs to Finke
• Race Day 2 (Monday) competitors return from Finke along the same track
• Presentation night is held Monday evening.

For more information on the Tattersall's Finke Desert Race go to the www.finkedesertrace.com.au website or phone (08) 8952 8886

The Finke Desert Race website

2008 Imparja Camel Cup

date Saturday 12 July 2008
place Blatherskite Park Show Grounds

The Imparja Camel Cup is an iconic event on the local and NT Tourism Calendar.

With over 35 years of great racing, the Cup is Australia’s longest running Camels racing event. The first Camel Race was run in 1970 in the dry Todd River Bed as a bet between two mates, Noel Fullerton and Keith Mooney-Smith, and was an added attraction at the Alice Springs Centenary Year Celebrations.

If you're looking for a fun event not just for your family and friends, the Imparja Camel Cup is it! Not only do you get a good laugh just by watching the races (guaranteed that no two races are the same) you will also be entertained by fun and interaction between races, with plenty of prizes to be won and lots of great local art, craft and food stalls.

The Camels are not as they seem: the dedicated ships of the desert destined to serve their master. These magnificent beasts can easily spit over three meters, have been known to bite, snarl and generally prefer to do thing at their own pace.

The riders are either heroes or crazy! Either way, all of these bridled passions make for dynamic viewing, with camels easily conquering the riders during the day!

The start of the race, with up to 15 camels, is confusing ... some off in good stride, others still grounded, some going backwards; it's a nightmare for riders and handlers, but spectacular for spectators - a camel in full stride needs the rider to hang on for dear life!

Come on down and join in the fun of Australia's Original and Premier Camel Race.

Contact Details:

info@camelcup.com.au

Ph: (08) 8952 6796

the Camel Cup website

2008 Assa Abloy Henley-On-todd Regatta

date Saturday 30 August 2008
place Todd River Bed - North of CBD

The Henley-On-Todd Regatta, is the Territory’s longest running iconic event!

A complete lack of water for the boat races makes the Henley-On-Todd Regatta the world’s only and original waterless regatta!

Held in the centre of Australia in Alice Springs, it's the sort of event that can motivate the most mature, conservative business people into the roles of "Vikings" and "Pirates".

The day is full of events for visitors to join in. From the Young to the young at heart there is plenty of fun for all. Joining in the “rowing 8’s”, Oxford Tubs, or “Maxi Yacht” events is all part of this great iconic adventure.

Many join in the fun or just enjoy the hilarity from under the shade of gum trees on the edge of the dry Todd River bed, and help the three local Rotary Clubs to raise funds for charity. There is plenty of food and drink stall available on the day.

Check out the website for details on how you can compete in this greta event and have the chance to win $500 cold hard cash

Contact details for the event

Ph (08) 8952 6796

The Henley on Todd website

Masters Games 2008

dates Saturday 11 October to Saturday 18 October 2008
place Alice Springs

Alice Springs Town Council is a proud supporter of the Alice Springs Masters Games. The Alice Springs Masters Games, better known as ‘The Friendly Games’ will be held once again from 11 to 18 October 2008.

For full details on the event visit the Alice Springs Masters Games website.

In 2006 Alice Springs played host to over 4500 competitors with most of the 30 plus sports at or near capacity. Volunteer numbers reached an all time high with 650 registered volunteers coming from all over Australia to help make the 2006 Alice Springs Masters Games one to remember.

It’s time to get into those training regimes again as the 2008 Alice Springs Masters Games is well on its way!

The official Master Games website