A Guide to Desert Song Festival

Held every September, the Desert Song Festival celebrates Aboriginal languages and culture through performances that foster pride, resilience and social cohesion. Central Australia’s cultural and artistic history goes back 60,000 years. The depth of knowledge and wisdom contained within this 60,000-year-old culture and its country has been shared through song over nine annual festivals, so far.

2023 marks the 10th anniversary of DSF. The roar is at its loudest since 2013, as we build up to the regathering of the Desert Song global family of artists this coming September in the Desert Heart of Australia. From India, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and from across Australia they will descend on ‘The Festival Town’ for an intercultural musical extravaganza!

For full event program and further details, see their website here.

Desert Song Olive Pink

Desert Song Festival at Olive Pink Botanic Gardens

Desert Song Festival Ormiston Gorge

Desert Song Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge

Buy Desert Song Festival Tickets

The Desert Song Festival 2023 program includes a mix of free and ticketed events. Visit the Desert Song Festival website for more information and the full program, and purchase your tickets here.

Desert Song Aperture Opening

Aperture, Todd Mall

How to spend your time during the day

Use your daylight hours wisely and take some day trips through the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. You’ll be able to take a dip in a desert gorge waterhole and marvel at the extreme rock formations and dry riverbeds. Glide gently over Alice Springs with views of the sunrise from a hot air balloon, or visit the Alice Springs Desert Park, where you’ll learn about the native plants and animals of the Red Centre. 

There is also a range of museums and historical sites within walking and cycling distance in and around Alice Springs. The Old Gaol and the Central Australian Aviation Museum have fantastic collections that will take you on a trip back in time.

 

Accommodation

There is a range of accommodation within Alice Springs. There are options to suit every budget and range, from family-friendly to solo travellers. 

Desert Song Festival FAQ

Desert Song is a Festival held in Central Australia that showcases performances in singing and language.
The Desert Song Festival will take place in September on 8-17 in 2023.

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