There’s something magic about country shows. The kind where the smell of hot chips mingles with hay, and prize chickens get more attention than people. Well, The Alice Springs Show is that kind of magic.
Held every July, it’s Central Australia’s biggest regional show, and it’s a proper treat if you’re passing through the Red Centre.
Animals and Flying Pigs (Yes, Really!)
I’ve been to the Alice Springs Show a few times now, but this year felt extra special. It was the first time I had Kaydes by my side, and seeing the show through her eyes made everything feel new again.
She was totally smitten with the Barnyard Petting Zoo – especially the fluffy rabbits and baby goats. She gently stroked them, and I’m not sure who was squealing more – the goats or my daughter! 😂
I’ll never forget the year they had flying pigs! They were part of the Pig Racing Australia stunt show, where adorable piglets race up a ramp and launch themselves into a pool. I mean, look at this:
Classic Rides and Showground Thrills
The Side Show Alley is a stretch of glittering chaos where kids beg for “just one more ride,” the music’s pumping, and there’s enough neon to light up the Outback. There’s something for every brave (or sugar-hyped) soul:
- The Ferris wheel, creaking gently as it lifts you above the dust and lights
- Loud music emanating from the bumper cars
- And of course, the popular adrenaline pumping rides like the Tornado and the Hurricane
One of my favourites? The classic clown heads, mouths wide open, bobbing side to side as you try to sink the balls in. Then there’s the shooting gallery, where locals show off their aim to win stuffed toys.
More Than Just Rides
Let’s talk about the true heart of any show: the food. You can’t beat the classics – food trucks with deep-fried goodies, hot cinnamon doughnuts, and fluffy fairy floss in ridiculous colours.
There’s also so much to look around:
- Local school art competitions
- Dog obedience club
- Craft and baking displays
- Livestock shows, and their yards that you can walk around
- And live music with fireworks on the Saturday night
I always make time to check out the floral arrangement entries too. It’s a bit nostalgic – I once placed first equal in a school show, so I’ve got a quiet appreciation for the effort that goes into them.
Tips for Visiting the Alice Springs Show
🗓️ When: First weekend of July (Friday and Saturday)
📍 Where: Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs
🎟️ Tickets: Online or at the gate – family passes available
🧢 What to Bring: Hat, water bottle, hand sanitiser, and cash (some stalls are offline)
🍼 With Kids: Bring earmuffs for loud shows and a stroller that handles dirt and gravel
Have you been to the Alice Springs Show? Was it the animals, the food, or maybe something as wonderfully fun as the rides that stole your heart?
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
