Finke Desert Race

Caravan Park Entry
for the Finke Race

Old Ghan Train

Sturt Desert Pea

Trephina George

Ellery Big Hole

Ochre Pits

 EWANINGA Rock Carvings

The race was first run in 1976 and attracts 10,000 plus spectators each year, this year there was 300 bikes and 90 buggy's that competed in the race.

Spectators camp along the track in tents, off-road camper trailers, caravans  and on the ground in swags.

Scrutinizing was carried out on the Friday night with the prolog run on the Saturday to determine the competitors starting positions.

At the prolog on the Saturday around  lunchtime, the temperature was about 12^1/2^o with a wind chill factor of -10^o, you could say it was a little chilly and very dusty..

The start finish line is located about 18 km's south of Alice Springs, near the Airport.

An old restored Ghan Train run tours every Sunday down the old Ghan railway line. On the Sunday of  the TATTERSALL’S 2006 FINKE DESERT RACE spectators could go on the train to get a close up view of the race and also have lunch as part of their day out.

The 30 June to 3 July the Alice Springs Beanie Festival was held at Araluen Culture Centre.
A unique gathering of people from all parts of Australia with their prized possessions of Beanies, many sold for many hundreds of dollars. The beanie festival has become a Centralian Icon held every year.

We have been on many outings to different Georges including  Trephina George located 85 km's east of Alice Springs. Trephina George is known for its spectacular walking trails, its sheer quartzite cliffs and large River Gums and is very popular with locals and tourists. Simpson's Gap is about 18 km's west of Alice Springs, Ellery Big Hole is great visit and to be able to see a large area where you can have a swim. Water is very scarce to see in the desert. Then onto the Ochre Pits about 111 km's west from Alice Springs, this is where the Aboriginal artists are able to obtain their different coloured ochre's for their traditional painting.

Another common site in the Alice Springs area is the Sturt Desert Pea which you can find growing on walkways, medium strips and in town gardens.

After being here for many weeks we have made friends with an Aboriginal family. Trephina has also painted some Aboriginal paintings for us.

We first met up with Trephina and her children at the Todd markets held in the Todd Mall every second weekend, where you will find Trephina and her children sitting on the grass selling her art.

Ewaninga rock carvings are about 39 km's south of Alice Springs on Old South Road, an easy stop on your way to Chambers Pillar.

We are expecting our friends Chris, Kim & Josh from Newcastle to arrive here at Alice on the
1st July which is Territory Day which is also the day for letting off your fire works legally. We have many outings planned for Chris and Kim.

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