The Alice Springs Desert Park is a beautifully protected desert habitat that features Australian desert flora and fauna and includes walking trails, guided activities and facilities for those interested in learning about this unique environment. The Desert Park is dedicated to the conservation of the desert and its flora and fauna as the area holds significant cultural importance to the local Arrernte people.
The Desert Park offers three interesting walking habitats to explore – Sand Country, Woodland and Desert Rivers. From the park entrance visitors begin their journey at Desert Rivers, an area with dry river beds, swamps and water holes with its beautiful flora and native Australian bird life. Next enter the hot desert Sand Country where the salt pans are found and a fascinating Nocturnal house exhibit which is home to many Central Australian reptiles and animals that come alive at night. The Woodland habitat has kangaroo and emu enclosures that visitors may walk through.
Audio guides are available in many languages and a useful resource for self-guided tours. The Desert Park is about a ten minute drive from the centre of Alice Springs. Those who care to bike to the park, the Larapinta bike path leads directly to the park’s entrance. Although the park is open until 6pm, the last suggested entry is 4:30.
