There are many sites around Alice Springs of great cultural significance to the Arrernte linked to the Dreaming, a period when the land was created and their ancestors given their place as part of it. While their deepest meanings are held secret, there is much to be learned. A long way from nowhere, the town is just a little crazy. The Henley on Todd Regatta held in October sees grown men and women racing boats down the Todd River which runs through the town. The river is almost always a dead dry stream of sand, the boats are made of empty beer cans, and the crews run carrying the hulls, which have no bottoms.
Tradition insists the crew drink the beer from all the cans used in the hull.
Rain, even if it falls miles away can turn the Todd into a raging torrent. The Camel Cup is huge fun and a major social event. Run by the Lions Club for charity in July, it's a day of camel races followed by polo on camelback. There are novelty events, bands, plenty of food, drink, and bookmakers to take your bets. The Alice Springs Cup Carnival offers six days of racing in April.