Alice Springs Desert Park

You can visit the Alice Springs Desert Park for an introduction to Australia's outback and life in Central Australia.

The Desert Park shows ancient cultural stories and the science behind the region's landscapes and geology.

Stories of the desert are shared through displays, daily guided activities and cultural presentations.

The Desert Park is the gateway to the West MacDonnell Ranges.

When you walk through the park you will pass through three diverse desert habitats including sand country, desert rivers and woodland.

Each area has native plants and wildlife.

Alice Springs Desert Park includes a café and park maps in English, French, German and Japanese.

There are also electric scooters, a gift shop and a picnic ground with barbecues.

Presentations and tours

You should not miss the Nature Theatre presentation.

Free-flying birds of prey and other animals show their natural survival skills, including hunting and foraging in a display at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges.

Spend time in the Nocturnal House where you can spot Central Australian reptiles, invertebrates and rare and endangered animals.

You can see native animals, including the bilby, mala and thorny devil.

At night you can explore the mysterious lives of desert animals by spotlight on the nocturnal tour.

Journey with an expert guide for a one hour discovery tour through the foothills of the MacDonnell Ranges.

How to get there

Drive along Larapinta Drive west of Alice Springs.

The Desert Park is 7km from the heart of Alice Springs.

Opening hours

Daily from 7.30am to 6pm.

Last entry is 4.30pm.

Closed on Christmas Day.

Contact

Phone: (08) 8951 8788

Go to the Alice Springs Desert Park website for entry costs and more information.

Facilities and attractions

Alice Springs Desert Park has all of the following facilities:

• cafe
• public toilets
• wheelchair access
• drinking water
• information
• picnic area
• walking tracks
• playground
• wildlife
• souvenir shop
• telephone.