Alice Springs Attractions for Children

(Alice Springs, Northern Territory - NT, Australia)

If you are visiting the town as a family with children, then there are a number of attractions which are especially suitable. Located right in the town centre and close to Traeger Park is the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, which is a popular educational facility boasting the Northern Territory's biggest collection of reptiles.

Sited on the westerly outskirts of town, the Alice Springs Desert Park is another appealing family attraction and is centred on an area of just under 130 acres / 53 hectares. The park operates an important conservation program, with visitors being able to walk along dried-out river beds, and around both a sandy desert and a woodland habitat, where emus and kangaroos thrive. Also possibly of interest is the National Road Transport Hall of Fame (to the south) and its vintage vehicles, as well as the camel rides on offer at the Frontier Camel Farm (to the east).

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

Address: 9 Stuart Terrace, Alice Springs, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8952 8900
The Alice Springs Reptile Centre has been a popular attraction with children ever since opening in 2000 and features an impressive collection of venomous snakes and lizards, some of which can be handled and touched. In total there are in excess of 100 different reptiles at the centre, covering roughly 30 species. These include Thorny Devil lizards, Frill Necked lizards, Death adders, Perentie goannas and various pythons. Of interest, the staff also provide a 'snake call centre', where they remove potentially dangerous snakes from the homes of locals.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Alice Springs Desert Park

Tel: +61 (0)8 8951 8788
The Alice Springs Desert Park is a large wildlife park featuring breathtaking scenery, including the red walls of Mount Gillen, desert rivers, local wildlife, picnic spots and a gift shop. Visitors will enjoy checking out the exhibition centre, visiting the Nocturnal House, watching the birds of prey presentations at the Nature Theatre, and learning all about true Aboriginal survival techniques.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 18:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

National Road Transport Hall of Fame

Address: 1 Norris Bell Avenue, Alice Springs, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8952 7161
The Road Transport Hall of Fame contains a vast collection of historic vehicles, including vintage cars, motorcycles and early trains. Manned by a team of keen volunteers, this museum-type attraction was proposed at a public meeting in 1992 and three years later, the doors officially opened. The unique approach shows the vehicles in their working condition, with genuine character, as opposed to being fully restored to their factory appearance. Particularly interesting are the old trucks and military vans, while children may be able to pick up an interesting book at the gift shop.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Frontier Camel Farm

Address: Ross River Highway, Alice Springs, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8953 0444
The Frontier Camel Farm is one of the most unexpected attractions in the Northern Territory and is to be found to the far east of Alice Springs, close to the N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park. This unusual farm is particularly appealing with children of all ages and features not only camel rides, but also a small museum and nearby cafés.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families