Festivals and Events in the Northern Territory

Where else in the world do people race boats down a dry riverbed? Where else will you find a festival that celebrates beanies? And where else do people bet on grumpy camels who don’t want to run? The Northern Territory is home to some of the world’s most quirky events - you haven’t lived until you’ve taken part in at least one of them. Feel your cheeks ache from laughter at the annual Henley On Todd boat regatta, held 1,500 kilometres away from the nearest large body of water. Marvel at more than 4000 creative designs at the Alice Springs Beanie Festival, and giggle at the unconventional competition at the Camel Cup.

Not all our events are kooky of course. The strength of our Indigenous culture means there are plenty of opportunities to share in the Aboriginal way of life. Gunbalanya Open Day in western Arnhem Land sees artists welcome visitors into their remote world. Desert Bird Week gives you the chance to learn Aboriginal survival skills while watching feathered friends, and the Barunga Festival mixes Indigenous music, dance and sport. Those keen on “brain sports” shouldn’t miss the World Solar Challenge, where man and machine cross the desert using the sun as their sole power source. And endurance junkies should head straight for the Katherine Ultra Challenge, where triathletes clamber through 100kms of Nitmiluk National Park.

No matter where you go in the Territory, there’s something on, and we’ll bet you’ve never seen it before.