Alice Springs Desert Park
On the edge of town, with the MacDonnell Ranges as a backdrop, the Alice Springs Desert Park is the best introduction to the living Red Centre. Walk through recreated desert habitats, meet the animals that make the arid centre home, step into the nocturnal house to see creatures you would never spot in the wild, and catch the unmissable birds-of-prey show, where native raptors fly close overhead. It is a wonderful half-day, and a real eye-opener for how much life the desert holds.
What to See
Desert Wildlife
Animals and plants of the Red Centre across recreated desert habitats.
Nocturnal House
See the shy, night-active creatures you would never find in the wild.
Birds-of-Prey Show
Native raptors fly close overhead in a superb free-flight presentation.
The Living Desert
A real eye-opener for how much life the arid centre holds.
Visiting Tips
- Allow at least half a day to see the habitats, nocturnal house and a show
- Check current opening hours and show times before you go
- There is an entry fee — check current details
- Bring a hat, water and sun protection for the outdoor sections
- Great for families — see Alice Springs with kids
Desert Park — FAQ
What is the Alice Springs Desert Park?
It is a wildlife and nature park on the edge of town that brings the plants and animals of the Red Centre’s deserts to life across a series of habitats, with a nocturnal house and a superb free-flying birds-of-prey show.
What can you see there?
Desert wildlife across recreated habitats, hard-to-spot nocturnal animals in the nocturnal house, and native birds of prey flying in an open-air presentation — a great way to understand the desert ecosystem.
How long do you need at the Desert Park?
Allow at least half a day to walk the habitats, visit the nocturnal house and catch a show. It pairs well with the town’s history at the Telegraph Station.
Is the Desert Park good for kids?
Yes — the animals, the nocturnal house and the birds-of-prey show are a hit with children. See Alice Springs with kids for more family ideas.
Is there an entry fee and when is it open?
The Desert Park charges entry and has set opening hours and show times. These change with the season, so check current details before you visit.
Alice Springs, Planned Around You
The MacDonnell Ranges and their gorges and waterholes, the Desert Park and the Telegraph Station, and the road south to Uluru — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry