Henley on Todd returning to Alice Springs in 2025, bringing ‘fierce but fun competitiveness’
A dry-river regatta is returning to the Red Centre in full force for the 63rd time this year, with a date locked in – and a new sponsor. Find out more.
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The Henley on Todd is returning in full force to Alice Springs this year – with a new sponsor behind it – after tumultuous 2024 which saw a “mini” version of the event go ahead.
On August 16, the dry-river regatta will return to the Todd River, with the pre-regatta parade also making a return this year.
New Henley Commodore Michael Hooke said Maximus – part of drink brand Ocean Suntory – has already secured naming rights for the event.
“The brand’s catchphrase ‘That’s Gonna Need a Maximus’ aligns beautifully with the Henley on Todd’s fierce but fun competitiveness,” he said.
This year marks the 63rd running of the event, which ran in an “mini” form last year after it was cancelled at one point.
Last year’s Commodore Lester Hamilton cited issues with funding and finding an event manager as the reason behind the cancellation.
But a $50k lifeline from the Territory government, and a new event manager, helped the 2024 event go ahead.
Henley on Todd has been running since 1962 – with only a few cancellations due to water in the Todd – and draws hundreds of punters down to the river in Alice Springs.
While the event did run in 2024, the parade was absent, while new events like a rugby game took place.
The event features “boat races” on the usually dry Todd River, where punters run down the river bed in races carrying a boat without a bottom.
At the end of the day, a three way “boat battle” takes place, while other events include the budgy smuggler race, tug of war, human master wheel races, and more.
Henley on Todd is run by the Rotary Club of Alice Springs, with tickets on the day starting at $10 for adults, while entry for youths aged 15-17 is $5.
Entry for kids aged 0-14-years-old is free, with money raised on the day going back to the Rotary Club.
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