April in Alice Springs: Parrtjima, Larapinta & more
April is one of our favourite times to visit Alice Springs. As the weather starts to cool down after the summer, the Red Centre starts to come to life with events, festivals and the reopening of hiking trails.
Parrtjima - Festival of light
7 - 16 April
Parrtjima is one of the biggest events on the Alice Springs calendar. This event is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, where you can see the world's oldest living culture brought to life through light, art and technology.
The theme for this year is Listening with Heart (Kunturu Kulini), which has been inspired by the artwork surrounding the Uluru Statement. This theme emphasises the importance of coming together, meeting and taking the time to contemplate and reflect in the Red Centre.
Visitors can explore the many light installations, participate in workshops, listen to talks and music performances and watch films. Check out the complete 2023 program.
This event runs over 10 days and is free to the public - all you need to do is
register online.
Photos: Tourism NT
Photos: Tourism NT
Wide Open Spaces
28 - 30 April
This 3 day festivals celebrates music, art and desert culture on Eastern Arrernte Country.
The music lineup includes a diverse range of artists from an eclectic mix of sub-cultures and inspirations. There's also a jam packed arts, performance and workshop program - featuring cabaret, panel discussions, theme parties, workshops, interactive installations and more.
Wide Open Spaces is held in the Central Desert, 80km east of Mparntwe/Alice Springs at Ross River Resort. The main accommodation option at the festival is camping, but there is also a small number of cabins available at the resort.
This festival is crowned as one of the most unique in Australia, so it's definitely worth adding to the bucket list.
Larapinta opens for the season
April marks the beginning of the season for the famous Larapinta Trail.
This 223km trail traverses the West MacDonnell Ranges, from the Telegraph Station in Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. But don't worry, you don't have to tackle the whole distance - you can choose to do do any of the 12 sections, depending on how long you want to hike for.
April is one the best times to do Larapinta. As Central Australia emerges from the rainy season, water is still in abundance so you can guarantee great swimming in water holes and also have access to plenty of drinking water. The West Macs will also be bursting with colour and life.
You can also expect great weather in April, with milder temperatures in comparison to peak summer and winter. In saying this, the trail is still relatively quiet at this time of year so you can soak up the incredible landscape without the crowds.
You can make reservations for Larapinta through NT Parks.
Photos: Tourism NT
Wintjiri Wiru - Uluru Drone show
11 May
If you're in still in Alice Springs at the start of May, you won't want to miss Wintjiri Wiru - an immersive drone show which brings the desert to life through Aṉangu storytelling.
Wintjiri Wiru is a world first - a light, laser, projection and drone experience of this magnitude has never been seen before.
Even if you were't planning on being in Alice Springs over this time, consider extending your trip for this spectacular show.
Photos: Ayers Rock Resort
More things to do in Alice Springs
Learn more about what you can do in Alice Springs and the Red Centre region, including things to do, experiences, accommodation and locals tips.
