Blatherskite Park, is just off the Stuart Highway on the South side of Alice Springs, just prior to the Heavytree Gap where the main Stuart Highway narrows to single lanes, as it, the famous Ghan train line and the  mostly dry, Fink River bed, passes through the small natural Gap between the Western and Eastern Mac Donnell Ranges. 

The town of Alice Springs is on the Northern side of Honeymoon Gap.

Blatherskite Park is the venue for many of Central Australia’s large, outdoor events, the Alice Springs Show, on the first Friday and Saturday in July, and the Imparja Camel Cup, held one week later.

Many extra large touring vehicles, the large motor homes with trailers, travellers unable to fit into the average caravan park, may apply in advance for permission to stay at the park. 

Reg and I often stay here,  as I find I can prepare my exhibition in peace and quiet, loving the serenity of the large expanse of green grass, beautiful trees, including some majestic old ghost gums and of course, those wonderful ranges views.

This time of year, May though till August the climate is wonderful, warm sunny days, 20 – 25 degrees. Dappled shade from trees in the middle of the day, then its snug n warm at night in the van, under the woollen doona.

Pack the woollens and oil skin coat for the evenings if you, must go out, and for the early mornings as it can become extremely cold overnight.   At this time the morning temperatures are only dropping to between 6 and 10 degrees but prior to the Alice Springs show there is usually a severe burn of the grass, turning it yellow white, as the temperature drops below freezing, and you rise to a frozen grasses and condensation dripping from the ceilings. Be sure to bring the heater or if you are self sufficient on an unpowered site, consider a diesel heater for the van if you’re spending time in the centre in winter.

I have packed the wheat bags to heat in the microwave to keep out bed lovely and warm if we are here during mid winter.  

At the end of June, Alice Springs holds the Beanie Festival, over 5,000 beanies and their makers from all over the world; participate in exhibitions, workshop and demonstrations.  The beanie, is ideal head gear for Central Australian winter evenings and mornings and a great place to buy one is at the Todd Mall Market, held every second Sunday