Live Your Best Lives
Explore the desert ecosystems, watch the free-flying bird show, visit the nocturnal house, and enjoy the walking trails that showcase native plants and wildlife.
Alice Springs Desert Park is located in the western suburbs of Alice Springs, a small town in the central inland of the Northern Territory , approximately 5 kilometers from the city center . It is one of the world's top natural parks and a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Northern Territory's red outback.
Alice Springs Desert Park brings together all the animals of Central Australia and places them in convenient locations for viewing. The park is divided into desert, sand and forest areas, and you can walk through this vast desert and the more than 120 animal and 350 plant species that live in it.
The park offers a 1.6- kilometer walking trail through three recreated desert habitats. With luck, visitors might encounter kangaroos, wild boars, and plump wrens along the way. Watch trainers train owls, wedge-tailed eagles, and various birds of prey in the Nature Theater , and see rare and endangered animals in the Nocturnal Animal Hall.
The park will give visitors a new understanding of the desert in central Australia. It is no longer a barren desert, but a rich, diverse and vibrant habitat.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Adults: AUD 32
Children ( 5-15 years): AUD 16
Family ( 1 adult and 2 children): AUD 54.5
7:30 - 18:00
Alice Springs Desert Park highlights the desert’s diverse flora and fauna. It educates visitors on how desert ecosystems work and the cultural importance of the region to Indigenous people.
The park is located 10 minutes outside of Alice Springs city center. You can reach it by car, taxi, or the local bus service.
The park is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Tickets are around AUD 37 for adults. You can purchase tickets online or at the entrance. Family and group discounts are available.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. A few days in advance should be sufficient.
It typically takes 2-4 hours to explore the park, depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit and watching the wildlife shows.
Key highlights include the Nocturnal House, the free-flying bird show, and the Desert Rivers exhibit. The walking trails through different desert landscapes are also a must-see.
Guided tours are available in English. Audio guides can also be rented for a self-guided experience.
The best photography spots are near the waterholes, at the lookout points along the walking trails, and during the bird shows for capturing the flying birds.
Start with the Desert Rivers exhibit, then explore the Nocturnal House, followed by the bird show and the walking trails around the park.
Night visits are not available, but there are early morning bird shows and special Indigenous cultural demonstrations during the day.
The park is busiest during school holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon.
The park has toilets, a café for food and drinks, and rest areas. There are also souvenir shops selling local crafts and park-related merchandise.
The park is generally accessible, with paved paths for easy walking. However, some trails may be too difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Wheelchairs are available upon request.
Cards and mobile payments are accepted at the entrance, café, and shops. Cash is also accepted.
The park has a café with light meals and drinks. There are also several restaurants and cafés in Alice Springs, a short drive away.
Yes, the café offers vegetarian and vegan options, but halal food may be limited in the area.
There are several hotels in Alice Springs, including budget and luxury options. Some of the closest include Desert Palms Alice Springs and the Crowne Plaza.
Nearby attractions include the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Simpson's Gap, and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. All of these can be easily combined in a day trip.
There is a souvenir shop at the park offering Indigenous art, local crafts, and park-related merchandise such as t-shirts and hats.
The best transportation options are by car, taxi, or tour bus. Alice Springs has a local bus network, but it is less frequent for outlying areas.
