Motocross rider in mid-air jump over dirt track.
SportAlice Springs, NT

Finke Desert Race

The Finke Desert Race is one of the fastest and most demanding off-road races in the world: bikes, buggies and trophy trucks racing 230 kilometres from Alice Springs south to Aputula (Finke) and back over the King's Birthday long weekend in June. The whooped-out desert track has been breaking machines and making legends since 1976.

Get there by bus →King's Birthday long weekend, June (4 days)Free + ticketed

What to expect

Around 10,000 spectators camp along the length of the track, turning the dunes into a two-day ribbon of campfires and cheering. "There and back" takes the leaders under four hours; surviving at all is the amateur field's badge. Winter desert nights drop near zero, so campers pack accordingly.

  • Sport
  • Regional Tourism

Getting there by bus

Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Alice Springs.

The race starts and finishes in Alice Springs; most spectators base themselves there.

One-way trip

Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.