Megafauna Central: Journey to the Miocene Epoch

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Unearth the giants of Australia's past at Megafauna Central, showcasing fossils from the Miocene epoch in Central Australia.

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Megafauna Central

Megafauna Central in Alice Springs showcases the unique megafauna that roamed Central Australia approximately 8 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. Discover the fossils of giant creatures found at the Alcoota Scientific Reserve and learn about this fascinating period of Australia's natural history.

A brief summary to Megafauna Central

21 Todd St, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870, AU
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-2 pm
Sunday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

Check the museum's opening hours before visiting, as it is closed on Tuesdays.
Entry to Megafauna Central is free.
Engage with the interactive exhibits, especially if you're visiting with children.

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Getting There

Walking

Megafauna Central is located at 21 Todd St, in the center of Alice Springs, opposite the Alice Plaza Shopping Centre. If you are in the Todd Mall area, it is easily accessible on foot. From the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre, walk south along Todd Mall, then turn left onto Todd Street. The museum will be on your left.
Public Transport

Alice Springs has a public transportation system, including buses, connecting various parts of the city. Check local bus routes and schedules to determine the best option for reaching Megafauna Central. Buslink operates in Alice Springs. A one-way trip is about $16.
Taxi/Ride Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Alice Springs. A taxi from the Alice Springs Airport to Megafauna Central, located in the town center, will cost approximately $45-$50. Services like Alice Silver Passenger Services also provide shuttle and tour options.
Driving

If driving, Megafauna Central is located at 21 Todd Street, Alice Springs. Well-signed local roads lead to parking near the entry. Parking options include street parking and nearby parking lots. Keep in mind that parking can be scarce. Parking costs in Alice Springs vary. Alice Springs Airport parking rates are approximately $20 AUD per day. Long term parking at the Alice Spring Airport is located to the eastern side of the terminal and costs $22 for one day. Short term parking at the Alice Springs Airport is free for the first 10 minutes.

Discover more about Megafauna Central

Megafauna Central offers a captivating glimpse into Australia's ancient past, showcasing the unique megafauna that roamed the central region during the Miocene epoch, around 8 million years ago. Located in the heart of Alice Springs, this museum displays fascinating fossils discovered at the Alcoota Scientific Reserve, an exceptionally rich fossil site approximately 150 km northeast of Alice Springs. Note that the Alcoota site itself is not open to the public. The museum brings the story of these megafauna to life through displays of fossils, exquisite illustrations, life-size replicas, and Arrernte audio interpretations. Interactive exhibits allow children to unearth fossils and engage with palaeontologists in the lab. Among the fossils discovered at Alcoota are the remains of over 30 species, including the world's largest bird ( *Dromornis stirtoni*), a fearsome crocodile ( *Baru iylwenpeny*), marsupial 'lions', marsupial 'wolves', and giant browsing wombat relatives. Megafauna Central also features a display of fossils dating back 450 million years, offering insights into the evolution of megafauna. The Alcoota Scientific Reserve is considered the most extensive fossil deposit of its age in Australia, providing valuable evidence about the evolution of the Northern Territory's fauna and climate. The fossils are spread across a 200-meter stretch and include the remains of as many as 3,000 individual animals.

Explore the best of what Megafauna Central has to offer

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