Alice Springs Camel Cup


Alice Springs Camel Cup

The Alice Springs Camel Cup is a distinctive annual event held in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. This race takes place in the Blatherskite Park and is organized under the supervision of the Central Australian Show Society. The prestigious Apex Club of Australia is responsible for coordinating this magnificent event. The Alice Springs Cup for camels offers a unique experience that reflects Australian culture, accompanied by various activities such as camel riding, race simulations, food stalls, and more.

The first edition of the Alice Springs Cup for camels was established in 1970, originally on the dry Todd Riverbed, as a result of a challenge between two members of an Australian Lions Club. It quickly evolved into a part of the celebrations that marked the centenary of Alice Springs. The Alice Springs Lions Club recognized the importance and popularity of the event, so they began organizing it annually at Traeger Park. Due to safety considerations at the time, the event was relocated to the Arunga Park Speedway. In 1979, the event saw a transition to a dedicated camel racing track at Blatherskite Park.

The Camel Cup is considered one of the premier events in Alice Springs, attracting visitors from all over Australia. The race covers a distance of 1.6 kilometers, with camels ridden by jockeys standing firmly on their humps, while the camels are fitted with nose guards for protection and to prevent biting.