Henley-on-Todd Regatta
Henley-on-Todd Regatta takes place Mid-Aug 2027 (dates TBC) in Alice Springs, Australia. The dress code is Casual with sun hat and sunscreen; be prepared to get wet in the water-cannon battles. Typical cost ranges from 50 to 200 EUR per person.
A gloriously absurd 'boat race' run on the dry sandy bed of the Todd River, where bottomless boats are carried by running crews and rival warships battle with water cannons and flour bombs. Held annually since 1962, it is the world's only dry-river regatta and a beloved outback charity fundraiser. If the river ever actually has water, the event is cancelled - part of the joke.
- When
- Mid-Aug 2027 (dates TBC)
- Where
- Alice Springs, Australia
- Dress code
- Casual with sun hat and sunscreen; be prepared to get wet in the water-cannon battles
- Cost
- Typical cost ranges from 50 to 200 EUR per person.
- Weather
- Desert winter: mild sunny 20C days, cold 5C mornings, dry
- When to book
- No advance booking needed for entry - buy at the gate or online; book Alice Springs rooms a few weeks out
- Getting there
- ASP (Alice Springs), 10 min to the Todd River bed
- Where to stay
- Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
- Official site
- https://www.henleyontodd.com.au/
How to attend
Buy an inexpensive day ticket (around AUD 25) at the gate or online via henleyontodd.com.au. The regatta runs on the Todd River bed in central Alice Springs, walking distance from town - just turn up on the day with cash for food stalls. Entering a boat crew is open to visitors who register ahead.
Insider tip
Stay for the finale - the 'sea battle' between flour-bomb-and-water-cannon-armed warship floats is the maddest ten minutes in the outback calendar.
Get inside Henley-on-Todd Regatta
Booking matters here: no advance booking needed for entry - buy at the gate or online; book Alice Springs rooms a few weeks out. Members track that window, what it really costs, and 573 more events across the season.
Free while in beta. One email when your invitation is ready, nothing else.