Event Dates
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Parrtjima Festival 2026
Parrtjima is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind; a unique experience.
Parrtjima Festival Alice Springs 2026
Parrtjima (pronounced Par-chee-ma) is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind and is celebrated each April in breathtaking Alice Springs.
- With thousands of visitors and just 20 hotels, you should book your trip to Alice Springs well in advance. The Crown Plaza has a stunning pool, excellent gym, large rooms and perfect location.
The Event
- Next Edition: Typically early April, held over a three-day weekend.
- Each year Parrtjima celebrates the ways in which artists evolve and experiment with different styles and materials, while staying true to Country and culture.
- Look up and let your spirit soar as the annual Parrtjima Festival connects visitors and locals through story, art, landscape and light in the heart of Australia – Alice Springs.
The Ranges Light Show
Come for the festival fun, but stay for the rich history, incredible sightseeing and an authentic, memorable experience. Experience thousands of years of culture in a single moment. Open your heart, in the heart of Country. Leave your expectations behind. BE CHANGED.
- Awaiting theme for the 2026 edition.
- With free entry over 10 nights, the light installations set against the majestic MacDonnell Ranges make this is the ULTIMATE cultural and outback experience!
- Alongside the artworks you can enjoy a program packed full of live talks, events and music by local and national musicians.
- The Lighting of the MacDonnell Ranges show is best viewed from 7pm at the earliest due to the levels of daylight.
- Daily flights to Alice Springs and Uluru operate from every major city. Qantas and Virgin Australia fly in and out of Alice Springs
Other Highlight
- Take in the sights of Arelhe Urrperle, a six-meter-tall puppet weighing 600 kilograms, which will wander Desert Park narrating Indigenous tales and language.
- Visit the marketplace, spotlighting local Aboriginal businesses and their food and products. The event takes place over three days and nights.
MacDonnell Ranges
- The MacDonnell Ranges are a prominent mountain system located in the south-central part of the Northern Territory, Australia.
- These ranges feature a series of parallel ridges composed mainly of bare quartzite and sandstone. The MacDonnell Ranges elevate from a plateau that is approximately 2,000 feet (around 600 meters) above sea level.
- Stretching for about 230 miles (approximately 380 kilometers), these ranges extend both east and west of Alice Springs, a key town in the region.
- This geographical feature is significant for its scenic beauty, geological interest, and the cultural importance it holds for the local Indigenous populations.
What to see in Alice Springs?
- Alice Springs has long been a diverse town, a little rainbow bubble in the centre of Australia and home to the FABAlice Festival.
- The city is a mirage in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre and is the perfect stopping off point for one of the world’s great wonders, Ayers Rock/Uluru.
Where to Stay
The following hotels are close to all of the light installations in Alice Springs:
Desert Palms, DoubleTree by Hilton, Quest Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Double Tree is where we stay when
we visit Alice Springs. Close to everything
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Parrtjima Festival , Visit the Website
Gay Map of Alice Springs
9-10 South Terrace, The Gap Northern Territory 0870, Australia
This 4.5-star hotel offers free WiFi, free parking and modern accommodation, very close to the CBD, Alice Springs Convention Centre,
Quest Alice Springs provide modern, serviced studios and apartments that include LCD TVs, DVD player, and a stereo system.
Guests can choose from the list of nearby restaurants to dine outside out and charge their dinner bill back to Quest Apartments. Breakfast packs can be arranged upon request.
93 Barret Drive, Desert Springs Northern Territory 0870, Australia
Nestled at the foot of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs, the 4.5 star Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters offers rooms with a balcony or patio. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a heated pool, a spa bath and a 24-hour health and fitness centre.
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters offers rooms and suites featuring an LCD TV with in-room movies and cable TV.
82 Barret Drive, Desert Springs Northern Territory 0870, Australia
Featuring refurbished guest rooms and suites with sophisticated furniture and fittings, modern bathrooms, LED lighting and Smart TV's, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs offers accommodation in the heart of Australia. Set against MacDonnell Ranges, the hotel is only 15 km from Alice Springs Airport and within walking distance of the town. Free WiFi is available.
Features a 24-hour fitness centre, two tennis courts, a heated outdoor pool overlooking the lush garden landscape and an 18-hole golf course located next door.
74 Barret Drive, Desert Springs Northern Territory 0870, Australia
Desert Palms is a 3.5-star property offering individual studio villa accommodation, surrounded by tropical gardens and set around a crystal clear swimming pool with island and waterfall. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the property.
All villas at Desert Palms Alice Springs are air-conditioned and include bougainvillea-covered verandahs, private en suite bathrooms and kitchenette facilities.
Cnr 18 Knuckey Ave and Babbage Street, 0870 Alice Springs, Australia
All accommodation offers a fully equipped kitchen, a dining setting and a lounge area. Some accommodation offers a patio. Towels and bed linen are provided. Offering a Salt-water swimming pool
5 Strehlow Street, The Gap Northern Territory 0870, Australia
The air-conditioned apartments come with a well-equipped kitchenette or kitchen and laundry facilities. All apartments have a balcony or patio where guests can relax. There is an outside swimming pool
Olive Pink Grove 5, 0870 Alice Springs, Australia
This gorgeous home has everything you need for a stay in the sun, including large terrace, the air-conditioned holiday home consists of 3 bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen with a washing machine.
69 Gap Road, The Gap Northern Territory 0870, Australia
All air-conditioned apartments have a microwave, refrigerator, stove and oven. Each apartment has a spacious seating area and a bathroom with a bathtub and a hairdryer. WiFi is available & costs AUD 5 per 24 hours.
Shop 1/58 Todd Mall Alice Springs, NT, Australia 0870
Great Venues are hard to come by in this town. Unique bars and restaurants, even harder. Slightly off the beaten track and right in the middle of town - you'll find the coolest space. The Epilogue Lounge. With its artful design, The EpilogueLounge has quietly built a reputation among the bar hopping elite for a vibe that's continually surprising. A menu that tickles the palate and a sound to uplift the soul. GAY FRIENDLY
78 Todd Street, Alice Springs Northern Territory 0870, Australia
The Rock Bar is Central Australia's number one late night venue for live DJ's, music, sports, special events, theme nights with an awesome Beer Garden, awesome staff and lit crowd! Open from 4:00pm to 2:00am Tuesday to Saturday. GAY FRIENDLY
Recommended Hotels in Alice Springs By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Alice Springs that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
DoubleTree
4 Star, Luxury
- 4-Star, Outdoor Pool, Golf Course
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Modern rooms, LED lighting
- Heart of Australia, against MacDonnell Ranges, perfect for luxury and adventure lovers
Quest Alice Springs
4 Star, Aparthotel
- 4-Star, Close to CBD, Modern
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- LCD TV, stereo system
- Near CBD, offers modern accommodation with convenience for business and leisure
Crowne Plaza
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-Star, Balcony or Patio, Spa
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Heated pool, spa bath
- Nestled by MacDonnell Ranges, offers serene rooms with health and wellness facilities
Desert Palms
3 Star, Location
- 3-Star, Pool, Tropical Gardens
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Studio villa, kitchenette facilities
- Individual villas set in tropical gardens, perfect for a peaceful retreat with privacy and comfort
Video Of Parrtjima Festival
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
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