Australia’s Greatest Desert Race Returns to Central Australia in 2025!

Central Australia will once again be filled with the roar of engines and the rush of adrenaline as the iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race returns to Central Australia from 6–9 June 2025.

One of the Northern Territory’s largest annual sporting events, the Tatts Finke Desert Race is a thrilling two-day off-road adventure: the outbound leg begins on Sunday, 8 June, with the return run on Monday, 9 June. Bikes, buggies, and trophy trucks tackle a rugged desert course from Alice Springs to the remote community of Finke (Aputula).

This exciting sporting event draws competitors and spectators from all over the country, with more than 500 entrants racing over a 446 km course, vying for the chance to be crowned “King of the Desert”.

First held in 1976 as a grassroots motorcycle event, ‘the Finke’ has evolved into a world-renowned off-road racing phenomenon, renowned for its isolation, unpredictability and sheer spectacle. Held each King’s Birthday long weekend in June, it remains one of the toughest and most remote motorsport events on the planet.

“The biggest annual sporting event in Alice Springs is almost upon us and we look forward to welcoming thousands of Interstate visitors to the Northern Territory.” said Finke Desert Race Committee President, Antony Yoffa. “To all the lucky campers along the track, there in nothing like sitting around a campfire, waking to ice on your swag and then listening to the road of a trophy truck.”

For locals and visitors there will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment, kicking off on the evening of Thursday 6^th June with the Finke Street Party, organised by Alice Springs Town Council, featuring the multicultural flavours of the Todd Mall Night Markets and a Freestyle Motorcross show.

Across the weekend spectators will have the chance to see multiple race vehicles, from event-winning motorcycles to the biggest Trophy Trucks in the southern hemisphere, through a packed program of Scrutineering, Prologue, two days of racing, culminating in a post-race presentation evening on Monday, 9 June, at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

Proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through the NT Major Events Company Funding Program, the Tatts Finke Desert Race injects millions into the Central Australian economy each year, filling accommodation, boosting local businesses and putting the region on the map for adventure tourism. It also creates opportunities for Aboriginal-owned enterprises and community groups in and around Aputula, who play a vital role in hosting and cultural activations.

Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Australia’s most rugged motorsport events. For tickets, detailed course maps, and the full weekend program, visit: www.finkedesertrace.com.au