Our daily program gives our visitors the opportunity to interact and learn with our experienced guides and zookeepers. You may like to plan your day around the daily program.
Desert Explorers School Holiday Program
Experience the day in the life of a keeper of the Alice Springs Desert Park with a behind the scenes experience, learning to care for our animals and plants. Learn more and book your Desert Explorer 2025 school holiday program
NAIDOC Week - 6-12 July 2025
Understand the culturally diverse environment and heritage of Central Australia; smell, identify and learn about the different kinds of ‘merne’ (food) found in the region or join us for other activities:
- Jewellery making workshop - book on arrival
- Plant medicine presentation - book on arrival
- Merne (food) Guided Tour - prebooking required
- Journey through desert art trail - book on arrival
- Survival in the desert - Free presentation
Join us for NAIDOC week - Merne Tour
Daily presentations and activities
| Times | Activity | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 8.30am | Desert Rivers discovery walk Explore the diversity of plants and animals that live in our shady Desert Rivers habitat | Meeting Point B |
| 9.15am | Nocturnal Adventures Nocturnal birds, mammals & reptiles come out to play in our Nocturnal house, where day becomes night. | Meeting Point G |
| 10.00am | Desert Nomads Emu, a wandering giant | Meeting Point N |
| 10.30am | Nature Theatre - Free-flying Bird Show Our team of free-flying birds show off their natural hunting and foraging behaviours. Gates open 10.15am, entry not permitted after 10.30 | Amphitheatre |
| 11.15pm | Survival in the Desert Learn about the traditional tools and weapons used by indigenous people of Central Australia. | Awaye Flat Sandy Country |
| 1.30pm | The Dingo - Talk Journey through the past, present and future of this elusive Australian canine. | Dingo Territory |
| 2.00pm | Plant medicine from the desert Discover the living pharmacy and supermarket in the desert. | Awaye Flat Sandy Country |
| 3.00pm | Nature Theatre - Free-flying Bird Show Our team of free-flying birds show off their natural hunting and foraging behaviours. Gates open 15 min prior. No entry after show started. | Amphitheatre |
| 4.15pm | Bloodwood, bowls and bugs The bloodwood tree - supermarket, hardware and pharmacy for desert animals and people. | Meeting Point O |
| 4.45pm | Dine-in, Takeaway, Home delivered Learn about our snakes and their different eating habits | Meeting Point J |
Nocturnal House
| Times | Activity | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 9.00am to 5:30pm |
We turn day into night so you can discover the rare and endangered animals of the Red Centre in an air-conditioned purpose-designed space. | Nocturnal House |
Big Screen Movie
| Times | Activity | Where |
|---|---|---|
|
8:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm | Changing Heart Movie An epic journey through the creation of Australia's deserts (20 minutes) | Cinema |
Entry Station and Gift shop
| Times | Activity | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30am to 4:30pm Daily |
Our gift shop has a unique range of gifts and souvenirs to capture a memento of your visit. The parks’ after hours exit is located adjacent to the café. | Entry |
Coolamon Cafe
| Times | Activity | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30am to 4:00pm Daily |
Specialty coffee and other beverages. Cakes and snacks plus a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu inspired by Australian Bush Foods with dietary options. | Cafe |
Evening Nocturnal Tours
| Times | Activity | Where |
|---|---|---|
|
Mon, Wed, Fri 7:30pm - 8:30pm |
Spotlight endangered animals of Australia’s outback including Mala, Bilby and bandicoot in the foothills of the MacDonnell Rangers. Booking Essential. SAVE by booking a DAY & NIGHT PASS. | Book at Entry |