> Attractions
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> Attractions
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Attractions
Alice Springs Desert Park This unique Park showcases the landscapes, animals and plants of Australia's desert and their traditional use by Aboriginal people. Animals and plants are presented together in habitats, as they would appear in their natural environment along with the stories of their relationships with the people of Australia's deserts. This habitat based approach places the Park in the forefront of environmental presentations world wide. Visitors are encouraged to use the Park as an introduction to the ecology of Australia's deserts and a stepping stone to the Territory's vast network of national parks and reserves. Access The Alice Springs Desert Park is set within 1300 hectares, at the base of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges. The Park is just ten minutes drive, or a short bike ride from the centre of Alice Springs, with local tour operators and public buses servicing the Park daily. Major Features The Exhibition Centre introduces the natural wonders of Australia's deserts through a series of galleries and interactive displays. The focal point is the spacious theatrette with a huge glass window looking out onto the spectacular MacDonnell ranges. Every hour from 8.00am the window is transformed into a giant screen where the film "The Changing Heart" takes the visitor on a spectacular cinematic journey through four and a half billion years of desert evolution. The Desert Rivers, Sand Country and Woodland Habitats are linked by a 1.6 kilometre walking path. Visitors stroll beside dry creek beds, through rolling dunes of deep red sand and natural woodlands, where more than 350 species of plants and 120 species of desert animals are presented together. Hundreds of birds from the tiniest finch to Red-tailed Black Cockatoos feature in each habitat. Birds rarely seen in the wild, including the Princess Parrot can be observed at close quarters in two large walk-in and six smaller aviaries. Rarely seen, endangered animals like the Bilby and Stick-Nest Rat are showcased in the largest desert nocturnal house in the world, and other animals which are almost impossible to locate in the wild can be seen close up. Unique natural behaviours can be seen when desert birds of prey are seen freeflying in the stunning Nature Theatre at 10.00am and 3.30pm daily. The opportunity for visitors to listen to professional guides, including Aboriginal guides presenting the different aspects of life in the desert including traditional Aboriginal use and management of the desert's resources. Hours Of Operation The Park is open 7.30 am to 6.00pm daily (except Christmas Day). A visit of at least three hours is recommended. Other Facilities
Alice Springs Desert Park
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