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Alice Springs Desert Park - Cities, Towns and Localities |
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The Alice Springs Desert Park is your essential introduction to Australia’s desert, showcasing the landscapes, animals and plants of central Australia’s and their traditional use and management by the Aboriginal people.
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Nestled at the base of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges, the park introduces a new dimension in environmental presentation through the integrated display of the plant, animal and human elements of Australia deserts. The introduction to the incredible subtle richness of Australian deserts encourages the further exploration of the regions spectacular network of national parks and reserves. It is indeed a a great way to introduce yourself to the area, especially those venturing out on tours through the region.
The park is divided into three typical desert habitats that include the
Desert Rivers, Sand Country and Woodland. There are a number of ‘Guide Presentations’,
aviaries (including walk-in ones), Nocturnal House, free-flying birds of prey in
the Nature Theatre, and Exhibition Centre.
For those planning a visit, an ideal length of time to allocate is 4 hours or
more. This will allow for at least one guided presentation, the Nature Theatre
Birds of Prey Show, a visit to the three desert habitats, and the Nature Theatre
Presentation. For those with only a couple of hours to spare, the Nature Theatre
Display, the Nocturnal House and maybe a quick walk through the aviary and
Desert Rivers Habitat is a good start, with the hope you can come back for a
longer visit.Source: Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory |
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 Alice Springs Desert Park
Larapinta Drive
ALICE SPRINGS NT 0870
Ph: +61 8 8951 8788
Fax: +61 8 8951 8720
Web:
www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au
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| Open |
| Open 7 days a week |
7:30 am to 6:00 pm daily |
Allow at least four hours to visit.
Last suggested entry 4:30 pm |
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Closed Christmas Day |
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Hours may vary, contact visitor centre |
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Check the website for a
map of the Desert Park. TIP: for those visitors who need more time
to explore the park, and they intend to come back within the next few days, they
can ask at the exit counter, for a re-entry ticket. Of course, Territories can
apply for a yearly pass, they just need proof of ID and residence.
Territorian
Pass for Wildlife Park |
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Alice Springs Desert Park Attractions
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| Attractions at the Alice
Springs Desert Park include: |
-
 “The Changing Heart” - a 20 minute cinematic journey in the
theatre takes you through four and a half billion years of desert evolution,
with a stunning finale.
- Birds of Prey - an astounding display of
free-flying birds of prey. Raptors such as the Australian Kestrel
demonstrate survival skills rarely seen in the wild.
- Desert Rivers, the Sand Country and the Woodland Habitats - come and
explore these wonderful habitats. See the amazing variety of animals and
plants that water brings to the desert. Learn how plants, animals and people
live in the desert. Discover how people have changed this fertile habitat.
- Daily Presentations - include sensitive insights into Aboriginal culture
and traditional use of the deserts' resources including bush foods and
medicines.
- Nocturnal House - have close encounters with
rare and elusive wildlife in this stunning spacious Nocturnal House.
- Interactive Interpretive Exhibits - for
children and adults, be entertained and informed with the interactive
exhibits.
- Guide Presentations - there are a number of guided presentations.
Information available provided on entry. You can also do the self-guided
walk with the Audioguide.
To view some of our images from the Alice Springs Desert Park,
click here... |
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| Following are the Aboriginal Seasons: |
Gunumeleng
• October to December
• This is the pre-monsoonal storm season. This is the build-up to the big wet,
being very humid and with more thunderstorms. The many waterbirds disperse and mosquitoes are on
the increase.
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Gudjewg • January to March
• This is the period with the most rain. There are violent
thunderstorms and an abundance of wildlife. It is hot and moist.
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Banggereng • April
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Animals are caring for their young, and plants are fruiting. There are also violent, windy
storms (called “knock ’em down storms”).
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Yegge • May to mid June
• Early morning mists hang over the plains and water holes, as the air starts to dry out.
Waterfalls are still full and most tracks are open.
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Wurrgeng and Gurrung
• mid June to August
• Temperatures around 30ºC and low humidity. This is the high season for
tourist with birds crowding the receding waterholes.
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