The natural history collection at this compact museum is beautifully displayed, with geological exhibits such as meteorite fragments and fossils, as well as items of cultural interest and local fauna specimens. The museum houses the Strehlow Research Centre with displays on the work of Professor TGH Strehlow, a linguist, anthropologist and avid collector of Indigenous artefacts, although most of the collection is off limits for cultural reasons. There's a new outpost of the museum on Todd Mall – it focuses on the region's ancient megafauna.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Strehlow Research Centre

Upstairs in the Museum of Central Australia there's a display on the work of Professor TGH Strehlow, a linguist and anthropologist born at the…

2. Araluen Arts Centre

0.1 MILES

For a small town, Alice Springs has a thriving arts scene and the Araluen Arts Centre is at its heart. There is a 500-seat theatre and four galleries with…

3. Central Australia Aviation Museum

0.11 MILES

In the Connellan Airways Hangar, Alice's original aerodrome, displays on pioneer aviation in the Territory include Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)…

4. Araluen Cultural Precinct

0.14 MILES

The Araluen Cultural Precinct is Alice Springs' cultural hub; leave a couple of hours aside for exploration of its excellent sights which include the…

5. Alice Springs Memorial Cemetery

0.15 MILES

The cemetery contains the graves of some prominent locals, including artist Albert Namatjira (1902–59) and Harold Lasseter (1880–1931), the eccentric…

6. National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame

0.82 MILES

This tribute to Australia’s pioneering women is in the former Alice Springs Gaol, very near the Royal Flying Doctor Service base. Behind the high walls…

7. Alice Springs Reptile Centre

0.88 MILES

It may be small, but this reptile centre packs a poisonous punch with its impressive collection of venomous snakes, thorny devils and bearded dragons…

8. Royal Flying Doctor Service Base

0.92 MILES

This excellent museum, filled with interactive information portals, is the home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, whose dedicated health workers provide…