An annual camel racing event, the Camel Cup is one of the most popular festivals in Australia. Held at Blatherskite Park, the largest outdoor venue in Alice Springs, the sporting extravaganza is organized under the aegis of the Apex Club of Central Australia. The first such race was held in the year 1970 in the River Todd’s dry bed. Gradually becoming a popular event, the race found a place in the Alice Springs Centenary Year Celebrations. Afterward, the Alice Springs Lions Club started celebrating the camel race in the Traeger Park, a sports complex in Alice Springs. The race was again shifted from Traeger Park to Arunga Park Speedway. Finally, in 1979, the camel racing fest was permanently shifted to Blatherskite Park following the completion of a purpose-built race track. This year, the Camel Cup will be played on 20 July (Saturday).

2019 Camel Cup Details

As riding a camel is a bit challenging thing to do, it creates an impressive sight to see them racing. The race day attracts thousands of people who cheer the participants of nine unique races, which are held during the day. Besides the camel races, there are also other promising shows such as belly dancing, hobby camel races, rickshaw races, and Mr and Miss Camel Cup Challenges. The venue also sees a number of food stalls and complementing bars. Races generally start at 11:30 am after the inaugural parade at 10:30 am and continue until 5 pm.

Alice Springs Camel Cup Tips

• Don’t forget to carry your entry ticket as it is not a free event. Tickets can be booked online at the event’s official website only.

• The volunteers do not provide camels for sightseeing. You can directly contact the camel owners in case you want to have a ride.

• Arrange for the camping site or hotel accommodation on your own. The event organizers are not responsible for providing camping grounds or hotels to stay in Alice Springs.

• Park your vehicle at the designated spot only to avoid any inconveniences later on. Also, entry of pets at the venue is strictly prohibited.

• Alice Springs Airport and Alice Springs Downtown are two main locations to pick-up and drop-off rental cars.

• Factor in 3 more days if you want to explore the picturesque surroundings of Alice Springs.

About Alice Springs

One of the largest towns in Australia’s Northern Territory, Alice Springs is situated in the country’s center. Popularly known as ‘Alice’ or simply ‘the Alice’, the town has been an important place for the aboriginal people living in the Central Australian Desert. The indigenous people also call it Mparntwe in their native language.

As Alice Springs is a famous town in Australian Outback, you can expect a diverse set of attractions and adventure activities to indulge in. Once you arrive in town for the Camel Cup, keep a few days for sightseeing and discover what this intriguing outback has in store to fascinate you.

The most sought-after day trips trips from Alice Springs are as follows.

Discover the wonders of Australia’s Northern Territory in your Alice Springs car rental. We, at Australia Rent Car, have our suppliers’ locations at two places – Alice Springs Airport (ASP) and Alice Springs Downtown. You can also pick-up your rental car in Darwin and plan an exciting road trip to Adelaide with a stopover at Alice Springs. Pre-book a car hire for Alice Springs now at the exclusive rates for Camel Cup 2019.