Plan your visit

A visit to the Desert Park will give students:

• an understanding that the country around them is ancient, alive, exciting and dynamic
• an awareness of the interconnected lives of desert plants, animals, people and landscapes
• an opportunity to recognise, interact with and reflect on cultural perspectives different to their own
• an appreciation that the desert is a special and worth protecting.

Let us help you plan a hassle-free visit

• Fill in and submit the school booking form a minimum of 14 days prior to arrival.
• View our teachers resources.
• Explore the specialised program available for NT school visits
• Use parents helpers during your visit.
• Organise students into small groups prior to arrival.
• Plan your walking route prior by using the daily program and map.
• Give students time to stop and observe their surroundings.
• Provide a map to all supervising adults.
• Have fun! The Desert Park is waiting to be explored.

Make a booking

Please fill in and submit the school booking form a minimum of 14 days prior to your visit. A booking will not be confirmed without a booking form and confirmation email sent by the Desert Park.

School booking form

Cost

School rates are nett rates (non-commissionable).

Supervision

One adult per five students is provided entry free of charge. Additional adults incur a fee, please refer to the cost section above.

Please remind your students that other people are there for an enjoyable day out and following the basic supervision guidelines will ensure a great day for everybody:

• Students remain the responsibility of the teacher at all times.
• It is important that students move through respectfully and consider plants, animals and other members of the public.
• Ensure students understand the needs of the animals and behave accordingly - loud noises and sudden movements can upset the animals.
• Ball games and whistles are not permitted.

Please refer to the code of conduct for educational groups PDF (583.6 KB) for full conditions.

Arriving at the Desert Park

School groups will be met in the entry Courtyard by a park guide to welcome the school prior to entering. Teachers please advise of your school group arrival at the entry station.

Storage

Limited storage can be made available. Please enquire at time of booking.

Maps

Printed maps will be offered to teachers on arrival. We recommend students access the park map online or the on-site signage. Our staff will also be able to assist with finding your way around the park.

Daily program

A variety of presentations are available throughout the day. We recommend school groups see Nature Theatre free flying bird show, Survival in the Desert or the Changing Heart Big Screen Movie. Alternatively, Discovery Sessions are available to pre-book for school groups and cover a variety of topics.

Find out what’s on.

Code of conduct, risk management and certificate of currency

Please familiarise yourself with our polices prior to arrival:

• Risk management and safety for school groups PDF (224.4 KB)
• Code of conduct for educational groups PDF (583.6 KB)
• Certificate of currency PDF (86.2 KB)

Cancellation policy

Cancellation of Discovery Session, Aboriginal Cultural Walk, Nocturnal Tour or the Desert Expedition must be made at least seven days prior to the visit otherwise a cancellation fee will be invoiced to the school.

The cancellation fee will be waived in the event of inclement weather or if the booking is rescheduled to another date. Cancellation fees are as follows:

• six days notice - 25% of the cost of the service
• two to five days notice - 50% of the cost of the service
• less than 24 hours notice - 100% of the cost of the service.

Enquiries

School booking enquiries can be sent to:

Visitors Services Team
Alice Springs Desert Park
Phone: 08 8951 8788
asdp@nt.gov.au