Celebrating 50 years of red-dirt revs as the Finke Desert Race anticipates biggest event on record

5 June 2026

• The iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race is roaring into Central Australia this King’s Birthday long weekend, as the event celebrates 50 years.
• Known as Australia’s Greatest Desert Race, the event will see more than 800 competitors take part in the biggest Finke on record.
• Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to back local, sport and major events as we restore our unique Territory lifestyle.

In scenes reminiscent of Mad Max, ‘Australia’s Greatest Desert Race’ kicks into gear today, as the Tatts Finke Desert Race marks 50 years.

Over 800 competitors – 63% more than last year - will take on a 446-kilometre track between Alice Springs and Aputula (Finke), as tens of thousands of spectators from all over the world descend on Central Australia.

Minister for Major Events and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said Finke was a major tourism drawcard for Central Australia.

“For 50 years, Finke has put Central Australia in the spotlight like nothing else, with its unmistakable show of Territory spirit, grit, and natural terrain.”

“And despite fuel costs and travel uncertainty, we are once again seeing another record-breaking event with over 800 competitors – a win for local businesses and local jobs.”

Last year’s event added $14.8 million into the Territory economy, with more than 23,000 attendances over the three-day event.

First held in 1976 with 56 motorcycle competitors, Finke has grown into a week-long celebration of motorsport, community, and Territory spirit. In an event first, junior riders aged 10 to 15 will ride the prologue track outside Alice Springs on Friday, 5 June in a non-competitive event. At the same time, organisers have invited previous winners and members of the original field to take part in the anniversary celebrations. 

“Finke is part of the Territory’s red-dirt story, as local legends and national icons including the likes of Craig Lowndes contest the crown of King of the Desert,” Minister Boothby said.

“Our Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley, Treasurer Bill Yan, and Minister Josh Burgoyne are no strangers to the Finke Desert Race, having all competed in previous years.”

Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne said the Finke Desert Race was one of the biggest and most exciting events on the Central Australian calendar.

“This event attracts thousands of visitors to Alice Springs and creates so much activity throughout our town,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“I have great memories of competing in Finke back in 2013. It’s known as ‘Australia’s Greatest Desert Race’ for a reason, with the track bringing many challenges, from the rough terrain to the remote desert environment.

“Best of luck to everyone competing and thank you to all the volunteers who put in so much work to make this event happen each year.”

Finke Desert Race President, Antony Yoffa, said the 50th edition was a special milestone.

“Celebrating 50 years of Finke is something truly special. This race is part of the Territory’s heart, the call of the desert, the crowds, the community and the sheer determination of every competitor,” Mr Yoffa said.

“People travel from all over Australia to be part of this moment, and we’re proud to mark this milestone with everyone who loves Finke as much as we do.”

Minister Boothby highlighted Finke as an example of the role events play in rebuilding the economy and increasing liveability in our regions.

“Events are part of our way of life here in the Territory, as well as our unique tourism offering, attracting visitors into our regions in and beyond our peak seasons – particularly in Central Australia.”

“That’s why Finke buggies were the backdrop of our Visitor Economy Strategy launch earlier this year, as we put the Territory’s tourism industry front and centre.”

“In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are backing local, sport and major events and restoring our unique Territory lifestyle.”

This year will also see the event take to the big screen as Wild State, the production company founded by Mad Max star, Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson, captures the action for a global audience.

The 50th Tatts Finke Desert Race takes place from 5 to 8 June 2026. Catch the livestream and find out more at www.finkedesertrace.com.au.
 

Media Contact: Jak Hardy (Boothby), 0486 264 773 | Ebony Raymond (Burgoyne), 0476 938 478