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.
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.
Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.
Travelling as a group? Hire a bus with a driver
Tell us about the trip and we'll connect you with an accredited charter operator — minibus to full-size coach, anywhere in Australia. The operator quotes you directly; AusBus adds no fees.