The first Bangtail Muster was held in 1959 with The Rotary Club of Alice Springs taking it over as a Project in 1961. After the cattle were mustered , cattlemen would cut off the hairy end of the cattle’s tails. By counting each tuft they could ascertain the number of cattle mustered.

The parade brings schools, early childhood centres, sporting and community groups, businesses and tourism together. It celebrates some of the history of Alice Springs and brings financial income and community spirit together.