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 Visits
& Activities
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Contact: Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory Larapinta Drive PO Box 1046. Alice Springs NT 0871 - Australia.
Ph:(08) 8951 8788.
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• Sand
Country Habitat. Explore saltlakes and claypans surrounded by
rolling dunes of deep red sand, where spinifex,thorny devils and tower-building
termites live.
• Desert Rivers Habitat. Stroll
amongst river redgum trees, home to cockatoos, and other raucous and
colourful desert birds.
• Woodlands Habitat. Discover
the fertile woodland, home of witchetty grubs and the desert's largest
creatures, the emu and red kankaroo.
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The
Alice Springs desert Park is your essential introduction to Australia's
deserts.
Opened in March 1997 and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory,
this unique park showcases landscapes, animals and plants of Australia's
desert and plants of Australia's desert and theit relationships with Aboriginal
people.
• The animals and plants are represented
asthey would appear in their natural environment.
• This habitat-based approach places the
Park in the forefront of environmental presentations worlwide. "There
is no Museum or Wildlife Park in the world that can match it" Sir David
Attenborough, August 1997. |
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clik Map
- Desert Park |
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• Access
Nestled at the base of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges, the
Park is just a 10 minute drive or a short bike ride west along
Larapinta Drive from the centre of Alice Springs.
Taxis and local tourist operators provide transport services to
and from the Park.
Hours of Operation The Park is open 7:30
am to 6:00 pm daily.
 A
visit of at three hours is recommended.
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The
three featured habitats provide a unique stepping stone to the
vast network of parks and reserves in central Australia.
For more
information, see the park
display in the gift shop and choose a Fact Sheet on your intended
destination(s). |
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• Noctural
House Bilbies, ghost bats, quolls, hopping mice, geckoes and
other elusive animals of the desert night, which most visitors
to central Australia never see, are shown in beautiful nocturnaldisplays.
• Nature
Theatre Free-flying Birds of Prey demonstrate their natural
behaviours in the stunning Nature Theatre display, at 10 am
and 3:30 pm daily.
• The
Nature Theatre opens 15 minutes before each display and it
is a ten minute walk from the Courtyard to get there.
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l'Office
NT Interpreter and translator service.
Ph:(08) 8951 8788.
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 Please
be aware of possible sudden rises in the water levels of waterways,
which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls
such as Gunlom and Jim Jim.
Fast flowing water contained within a flash flood can be deceptively
strong causing strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions.
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What
to wear
During the heat of the day, you will be most comfortable
in loose covering clothing which is cool but protects you from sunburn
and insect bites. Use sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat and
sunglasses. Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as the Ross River
virus, so if they are biting, use a repellent.
Preventing dehydration
Limit your activity to the cooler parts
of the day (mornings and late afternoons) and drink plenty of water,
Most people need between 4 to 8 litres of water per day so szart
drinking water early (coffee, tea and alcohol don't count!). Remember,
if you're feeling thirsty, you're already partially dehydrated.
Dehydration signs
and symptoms
Early symptoms include feeling thirty, excess sweating, headache,
dizziness and nuasea. If dehydration continues, it can result in
seizures, a loss of consciousness and even death.
First aid ° Lie the person down in a cool shaded area.
° Give them water in a cool shaded area.
° If the person cannot keep the water down, or does not recover
quickly, seek medical assistance.
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