Man, 60, to appear in Alice Springs Court after repeatedly walking too close to Finke track

A man was arrested after allegedly getting too close to the track at Finke, while multiple drones were ordered to move out of the airspace in a big weekend for the Red Centre.

A traffic warden at the Deep Well checkpoint. Picture: Gera Kazakov

A 60-year-old man was arrested after repeatedly wandering too close to the track at Finke, while multiple drones were ordered to move out of the airspace in a huge weekend for the Red Centre.

About 12.50pm on Monday, police arrested the man who event officials had allegedly previously instructed to move at least 30m away from the racetrack.

He was allegedly later seen again within 30m of the track within a clearly marked area and issued with a notice to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court.

NT Police also directed him to not return to the event area for the remainder of the race.

NT Police said they were “generally pleased” with the behaviour of attendees while supporting event officials at the event.

The Territory Road Policing Division, including members from both Darwin and Southern Traffic Operations found 13 positive results from a total of 2642 alcohol breath tests.

There were also 10 positive drug tests from 52 conducted with seven arrests and eight notices to appear in court issued, while 254 traffic infringement notices were issued.

The 2025 Finke Desert Race, with hundreds of punters lining the track south of Alice Springs to catch the action. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The Territory Road Policing Division, including members from both Darwin and Southern Traffic Operations found 13 positive results from a total of 2642 alcohol breath tests.

There were also 10 positive drug tests from 52 conducted with seven arrests and eight notices to appear in court issued, while 254 traffic infringement notices were issued.

Superintendent Michael Budge said police were on the whole happy with the conduct of attendees across the long weekend, however reminded the public of drone issues.

“Police would like to remind the public of drone regulations at events that involve helicopters or other aircraft,” he said.

“Throughout the event, police and officials responded to multiple reports of drones being operated within the airspace surrounding the course.

“Due to the nature of the event, helicopters are required to fly at low altitudes and in proximity to the track to conduct safety sweeps and facilitate medical evacuations.

“The presence of drones in this environment poses a serious collision risk to aircraft and their occupants, and we’re thankful that no such incident occurred.”

For more information on drone regulations visit https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules.