Things to do

FAQ

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General

Yes! There are so many great things for kids to see and do at Parrtjima.

Parrtjima takes place at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Mparntwe)

Parrtjima 2025 dates are to be announced.

Parrtjima is a freefestival in Alice Springs, Australia. Once you register, your free ticket will provide you entry on one or multiple nights. You will need to bring your ticket with you for scanning to gain entry. Print it out or have it ready on your smartphone.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes – it’s a big site!

We might be in the desert, but it can get cold, so bring a light jacket.

We also recommend you bring water and your camera of course – for all those Instagram photos!

Eftpos is preferred for food and drink purchases.

And don’t forget your free ticket! On your phone or a print out is fine.

Yes, bring the whole family. The Desert Park precinct is nestled among natural bushland, so we encourage families to ensure children are kept under constant supervision. Wristbands for minors will be provided at the Information Booth for parents to write their contact details.

Yes, there will be a delicious range of food pop-ups at Desert Park. Eftpos is preferred for speed and ease.

No. This is an alcohol-free event.

This is a smoke-free event. Smoking (including the use of electronic cigarettes or similar devices) is prohibited in accordance with our smoking management plan.

Desert Park is located in a Northern Territory National Park, so no dogs are allowed sorry, except for registered Assistance Animals.

Yes, please do! If you’re sharing your images, be sure to tag us using #Parrtjima

Please note you cannot use your images for commercial gain.

 

Sorry, drones are not permitted at Parrtjima.

Alice Springs is accessible by air, coach, rail and road, with daily flights landing at Alice Springs Airport from most major cities.

The airport is a short 10-minute drive from the CBD with taxis, shuttle buses and rental cars available.

To find the best route from your departing destination to Alice Springs, visit Tourism Central Australia. 

Alice Springs offers a wide variety of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts, apartments and studios.

To find the most suitable accommodation, visit our friends at  Tourism Central Australia

Alice Springs is nestled in one of the most beautiful regions of Australia, and the town and its surrounds offer plenty of attractions for every interest, including adventure and hiking options, mountain biking, history and museums, art galleries and more.

Visit our friends at Tourism Central Australia to book accommodation, tours and more.

Contact Alice Springs Tourist Centre – . Ph: 08 8959 1625 M: +61 406 947 069.
They can make contact with local accommodation providers for availability.

Camping is not offered in conjunction with Parrtjima, so you won’t be able to register for the event and organise camping together. However there are a number of camping grounds/tourist parks in Alice Springs so you could give the Alice Springs Information Centre a call to find out which camping ground would be best for you. They can be contacted on (08) 8952 5800.

The Red Centre is one of the most stunning regions of Australia, and Parrtjima one of the country’s most unique events. We work closely with a number of organisations and the relevant authorities to help our visitors have an amazing time at Parrtjima and hope to see you there.

Site Accessibility
The festival offers a free shuttle bus service with accessible buses to accommodate patrons of different mobility levels and attendees with buggies and prams. These buses are easily accessible and have a number of pick up locations around Alice Springs. The festival site itself is designed to be accessible with a walking track that takes visitors on a loop around the site, showcasing each installation, and once arriving on site, prams and wheelchairs can navigate the grounds with assistance.

It is important to note that completing the full loop of the site is approximately 1.5km, so patrons with restricted mobility or those using mobility aids may need to consider this walking distance. Limited bench seating is available along the path at approximately 400m intervals. The path is wide enough for individuals to stop to the side and take a break as needed if their mobility aid allows.

Accessible Amenities
Accessibility toilet is located at the entry point, just before you enter the site.

Parking & Drop Offs
Limited accessible parking is also available on site for permit holders, on a first come first served basis. Those who require accessible parking but do not have a permit can contact [email protected] for assistance.

Taxis will only be permitted into Desert Park if their passengers have additional accessibility requirements. For collection the team at the info booth will need to be advised that you have ordered a taxi and access will be coordinated to let the driver in.

Sensory Considerations
The festival site is a low-light environment throughout pathways and the broader event site due to the event taking place at night and the required environment for the light installations.

The site features amplified music from a number of sources as well as moving lights, projected animations and at peak times large crowds.

For people with or carers of those with sensory processing issues you may want to consider the time of your visit and any tools or aids that may minimise sensory overload.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative
Parrtjima festival is proud to participate this year in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool to help people living with disabilities that are not immediately obvious. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower can discretely indicate to staff that the wearer may need additional help, support or time.

We invite those already participating in the initiative to wear their sunflowers to Parrtjima where our staff have completed the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Training. For anyone wanting to join the initiative Sunflower Lanyards and wristbands are available free of charge from Info Booth located at the entry to the event.

Sunflower wearers or their carers can approach staff identified with a Sunflower Supporter badge who have completed the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training if they need to seek assistance or information.