Question 1

Where exactly is the Alice Springs Yacht Club and the Henley on Todd Regatta held?

Accepted Answer

The Alice Springs Yacht Club and its famous Henley on Todd Regatta are held on the Todd River, Alice Springs NT 0870, in the Northern Territory. The Todd River runs through the centre of Alice Springs and is typically a dry, sandy watercourse flanked by river red gums. The venue is listed as wheelchair accessible, and its central location within town makes it straightforward to reach for both locals and visitors travelling to the Red Centre.

Question 2

What are the opening hours for the Henley on Todd Regatta at Alice Springs Yacht Club?

Accepted Answer

The Henley on Todd Regatta is an annual event rather than a venue with regular weekly opening hours, and formal day-to-day hours are not published. The specific event date, programme schedule, and start times for each year's regatta are published on the official website at henleyontodd.com.au. Prospective attendees are advised to check the website well in advance to confirm the date and plan their visit accordingly, particularly if travelling from interstate or internationally.

Question 3

Is the Henley on Todd Regatta open to the public, or is it a members-only event?

Accepted Answer

The Henley on Todd Regatta is a community event open to the general public as spectators, and it typically draws large crowds from Alice Springs and beyond. Participation as a racing crew does require registration, and entry details are available through the official website at henleyontodd.com.au. The event is not restricted to members of the Alice Springs Yacht Club, and its welcoming, carnival atmosphere makes it accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all backgrounds and ages.

Question 4

How does racing actually work at the Alice Springs Yacht Club given the Todd River is dry?

Accepted Answer

Competitors at the Henley on Todd race in bottomless boats — craft with the hull removed so that participants can stand inside the frame and run along the sandy riverbed. Teams sprint through a course marked out on the dry floor of the Todd River while holding their boat's structure around them. The races are visually spectacular and often deliberately theatrical, with crews dressing in elaborate costumes and decorating their vessels to match a chosen theme. It is widely regarded as one of the most unusual sporting formats in the world.

Question 5

Is there parking available at the Alice Springs Yacht Club's Henley on Todd venue?

Accepted Answer

Specific car parking arrangements for the Henley on Todd Regatta are not detailed in the club's publicly available information. Given that the event is held on the Todd River, which runs through central Alice Springs, visitors are encouraged to check henleyontodd.com.au closer to the event date for any published guidance on parking, traffic management, or recommended access routes. On major event days in a regional centre like Alice Springs, arriving early is generally advisable to secure convenient parking nearby.

Question 6

Can I contact the Alice Springs Yacht Club to register a boat or ask about the regatta?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Enquiries about the Henley on Todd Regatta, including boat registration and event participation, can be directed to the organising team by phone on 0427 396 704. The official event website at henleyontodd.com.au also publishes registration information, event updates, and contact details. The regatta is organised in partnership with Rotary Alice Springs, and the website is the most reliable source for current-year entry deadlines, crew requirements, and any programme changes.

Question 7

What should visitors wear or bring to the Henley on Todd Regatta at Alice Springs Yacht Club?

Accepted Answer

No formal dress code is published for spectators at the Henley on Todd Regatta. However, given that the event takes place outdoors on the Todd River in Alice Springs — a desert environment known for intense heat and strong UV radiation — visitors are strongly advised to wear sun-protective clothing, apply sunscreen, bring a hat, and carry plenty of water. Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for a warm outdoor festival is appropriate. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and the sandy riverbed terrain is worth considering when choosing footwear.