Alice Springs Desert Park

Description:

• By means of an easy 1.6km (1-mile) trail through three reconstructed natural habitats, this impressive wildlife and flora park shows you 120 or so of the animal species that live in the desert around Alice but that you won't spot too easily in the wild (including kangaroos you can walk among). Most of the creatures are small mammals (like the big-eared bilby), reptiles (cute thorny devil lizards), and birds. Don't miss the excellent Birds of Prey show at 10am and 3:30pm. There's a cafe here, too. The Alice Wanderer bus (tel. 1800/722 111 in Australia, or 08/8952 2111; www.alicewanderer.com.au) has an add-on visit to the park with its town tour. Desert Tours & Transfers (tel. 08/8950 3030) also operates a bus service from accommodations, departing approximately 7, 8, 9, and 11am, and 1, 2:30, and 4pm (pickup times vary according to accommodation, so ask when booking). The cost is A$36 (US$32/£16) adults, A$30 (US$27/£14) seniors, A$25 (US$23/£11) children, A$115 (US$104/£52) families of four including park entry fee. The bus returns every 90 minutes, with last departure from the park at 6pm. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010