Imparja Camel Cup: to run or not to run?

Media Release - June 18, 2008

Feel the excitement and buzz build around the town of Alice Springs on 12 July as the Imparja Camel Cup takes centre stage, entertaining locals, visitors and testing the nerves of even the best of camel riders.

A fun, family event in Australia’s Red Centre, the Imparja Camel Cup is Australia’s most famous camel race – where the only sure bet is that no two races will be the same.

Crowds laugh and cheer as up to 15 of the comical and moody beasts take off from the start line, however not all are headed for the finish. It wouldn’t be the famous outback Camel Cup without some camels refusing to budge, or even heading in the wrong direction in search of food!

The carnival atmosphere encourages the brave camel riders to work hard to win over the crowd – and their camel. There’s also much more entertainment to be enjoyed, with lots of local art, crafts, food and stalls tempting visitors.

Camel Cup event manager, Dale McIver, says this year will also see the return of the ever popular Shimmering Sands group – Alice’s own belly dancers. “We are now gearing up for this year’s races and we report that the camels are also getting excited! This is the perfect opportunity to experience Alice Springs in a fun and unique way and to see camel racing at its best”, said Ms McIver.

The perfect gateway to explore Central Australia, Alice Springs is known for its wildlife, outback heritage, rich indigenous culture and its arts, with galleries lining the streets and Aboriginal dreamtime stories told all around the town.

Territory Discoveries is offering travellers accommodation from just $48 per night, plus options to ride your own camel along the banks of the Todd River, cultural tours and can even arrange car hire.

For more information and to plan and book your NT holiday, visit Territory Discoveries at www.territorydiscoveries.com or call 13 38 43 to speak to a Northern Territory holiday expert.

Media contact: Daryl Johnson (02) 8281 9623, daryl.johnson@territorydiscoveries.com