The Alice Springs Reptile Centre on Stuart Terrace holds a large collection of central Australian reptiles — thorny devils, perenties, various pythons, and a range of lizards and goannas found in the Red Centre. The handlers give regular demonstrations and talks, including opportunities to hold some of the snakes and lizards, which makes it particularly appealing for children.
Central Australia is genuinely one of the richest reptile environments in the world — the arid zones support an unusual diversity of species that have evolved to thrive in extreme conditions. The reptile centre gives visitors a close-up view of animals they are unlikely to encounter in the wild without considerable patience and a fair amount of luck.