An experience to remember!!

Duration

1.5 hours

About

Alice Springs Reptile Centre opened in January 2000. The owner, Rex Neindorf had previously worked at Bowman Park and then Glendambo where he conducted reptile shows for the passing coach trade. After three years at Glendambo he ventured north to further his career. Arriving in Alice in April 1997 Rex conducted mobile reptile shows at various venues around town. In 1999 Rex was presented with the opportunity of expanding his tourism business by purchasing existing stock from the Arid Australia Reptile Display which was linked with the (now defunct) Camel Farm on the Ross Highway. Rex chose to move the display and after much consideration a location on the edge of the Alice Springs CBD was chosen. The corner of Bath Street and Stuart Terrace offered great appeal being located across the road from the RFDS Visitor Centre, one of Alice Springs must-see attractions and being at the base of Billy Goat Hill offering a stunning natural backdrop.

A lease was signed in August 1999 and after months of hard work the Alice Springs Reptile Centre was converted from a ramshackle old weatherboard building into a budding tourist attraction. In April 2002 Terry the Saltwater Crocodile joined our team. Captured in Darwin harbour as a rouge croc he was estimated to be ten years old by NT Parks and Wildlife. Terry’s exhibit offers fantastic views from both above and below water, providing amazing photo opportunities.

Late in 2002, the business was thriving and Rex negotiated to buy the premises situated on 9 Stuart Terrace. The Reptile Centre was awarded its Tourism Accreditation tick in 2005 and 2006 saw the building of the Cave Room. This was funded through the Federal Government’s Australian Regional Development Program and now houses a varied selection of Northern Territory Gecko species from the Alice Springs region, Barkly and the Top End.

In 2007 the Alice Springs Reptile Centre won the Industry Achiever Award at Tourism Central Australia’s inaugural Awards presentation dinner. The Alice Solar City program was founded in 2008 and the Reptile Centre signed up immediately implementing many initiatives. This was integral to the Reptile Centre achieving Advanced Eco Tourism status in 2012.

More info

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday School groups interstate Alice Spring Reptile Centre or at school accommodation in town (BIG4 caravan park or Earth Sanctuary, other venues upon request): 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm (alternatively 6pm and 7.30pm, or 6.30pm and 8pm)

Monday School groups interstate at Alice Spring Reptile Centre: 10am, 12pm, 7.30pm or 8pm

Thursday School groups interstate at Alice Spring Reptile Centre or school accommodation: 6.30pm, 8pm or 6pm, 7.30pm or 6pm, 8pm

Saturday and Sunday School groups interstate at Alice Spring Reptile Centre or School accommodation: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm (alternatively 6pm and 7.30pm, or 6.30pm and 8pm) Events: upon request