Research highlights significant impact of Red CentreNATS on Northern Territory economy

Research has highlighted the economic and social benefits delivered by popular automotive festival - Red CentreNATS, set among the MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs.

The research found Australia’s Ultimate Festival of Wheels generated a total expenditure stimulus in the Northern Territory of $6.9 million. A huge 90% ($6.2 million) of this was new money that would not have been injected into the Territory economy if the event had not taken place.

The research also shows Red CentreNATS 2022 was responsible for more than 20,000 visitor nights across the Territory. Additionally, more than half (70.5%) of entrants said they were very likely to return to next year’s event. Attendee satisfaction was also high, with spectators surveyed rating the event 8.3 out of 10, on average.

The motoring extravaganza has become an annual pilgrimage for car and motorbike lovers across the nation. Each year, thousands of people descend upon Central Australia for the unique festival, which features everything from drags and burnouts to 4WDing, the famous street parade and more.

Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez enthused “We’re really pleased with the results from the Red CentreNATS evaluation. The data shows that Red CentreNATS keeps delivering on its promise – to be Australia’s most unique automotive event, in the heart of Australia, where you get to do things with cars, or see cars do, the unexpected in an amazing location. Red CentreNATS is nine years young, still growing, and still surprising.”

Last year’s event drew a record-breaking 1,044 entrants, with almost 5000 individuals (almost half from interstate) notching up more than 13,500 attendances across the festival. Red CentreNATS took place at three venues; Alice Springs Inland Dragway (ASID), Blatherskite Park and Lasseters Centre of Entertainment.

This year’s event will be a more complete, with the new Ride to the Red Centre leading into the event making for a greater road journey for motorists to enjoy thanks to the event.

The trip takes place in the last week of August leading into the start of the Red CentreNATS, with participants able to join specific legs if they can’t make the whole journey. Each rider will also receive a Ride to the Red Centre tee and bike patch.

NT Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby notes “Events play a crucial role in contributing to a region’s visitor economy, and this research highlights just how valuable festivals such as Red CentreNATS are to boosting visitation and supporting local businesses.

“We are proud to deliver this iconic event, which continues to attract motorists from all corners of the country.

“Planning is already in full swing for the 2023 event. It’s shaping up to be another incredible festival that not only supports Territory jobs, but puts us on the map as a must-do visitor destination.” 

Red CentreNATS will return to Alice Springs over Father’s Day weekend in 2023, from 1st-3rd September. The Red CentreNATS festival offering has grown exponentially over the last eight years, and organisers will be announcing new and exciting attractions over the next couple of months that will help grow the event and bring significant economic benefits to Alice Springs and the Territory.

Registrations for this year’s event are now open. NTMEC is aiming to draw 15,000 attendances to this year’s event. For more information and to register, head to redcentrenats.com.au/