An 11-year-old girl stabbed eight times in a frenzied attack in the Red Centre community of Hermannsburg is reportedly recovering after the traumatic event.

Police said the girl was expected to face "minor surgery just to clean up some of the wounds".

"For someone who has suffered that many wounds she is doing quite well," a police spokesman told ABC Alice Springs.

The attack allegedly took place about 6:00pm in the remote community 130 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs.

An 18-year-old man was arrested near the scene of the incident.

While no charges have yet been laid over the attack, the man remains in custody over the matter in Alice Springs.

A man remains in custody in Alice Springs police station over the stabbing incident. ( ABC News: Tom Maddocks )

Police 'reacted quickly'

Police Minister Nicole Manison described the incident as a "very random" attack, but said she was unaware of all of the details.

"The girl is in Alice Springs getting treatment," Ms Manison said.

"My understanding is that she will be OK, but nonetheless it's just a horrific story."

She said police acted quickly in tracking down the alleged offender.

"They have got the person, that person has been transferred to Alice Springs and an investigation is ongoing," Ms Manison said.

Police said their early inquiries indicated the incident was "not domestic-violence-related".