DISCOVER CENTRAL AUSTRALIA | SEPTEMBER 2026
HOT MONTHLY TIPS FROM OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT TOURISM CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
September is one of the best times to experience the Red Centre. Crisp mornings, warm sunny days and a calendar packed with iconic events create an energy that can only be found in the heart of Australia.
The month roars into life with Red CentreNATS, as Alice Springs welcomes thousands of automotive enthusiasts for four days of burnouts, street cruises, show cars and family friendly entertainment. Held over Father's Day weekend, it's the perfect excuse for a memorable outback escape.
From mid-September, the focus shifts from horsepower to creativity as Desert Mob opens at the Araluen Arts Centre. Presented by Desart, this six-week celebration brings together contemporary Aboriginal artists from across Central Australia, offering visitors the opportunity to meet artists, explore works from Aboriginal Art Centres throughout the region, and gain a deeper understanding of the world's oldest living culture.
This year also marks the inaugural Vincent Lingiari Art Award, a significant new national award celebrating the enduring legacy of Gurindji leader Vincent Lingiari, and the Indigenous land rights movement. It's another compelling reason to experience the Red Centre's thriving arts and cultural scene.
The much-loved Alice Springs Rodeo returns to Blatherskite Park after a year's break. From bull riding and bronc riding to barrel racing and live music, it's an authentic outback celebration where Akubras, cowboy boots, and country hospitality come together under the wide open sky.
Whether you're drawn by roaring engines, world class Aboriginal art or iconic outback traditions, September in the Red Centre buzzes with life. Come for the events, and stay to discover the ancient landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and heartfelt connections that make this place unlike anywhere else.
Image: Desert Mob Exhibition at Araluen. Photo Tourism and Events NT
