Prices are set to rise at the Desert Park

Locals hoping to take in some Central Australian culture will soon be forking out more money for the privilege.

Max with the carpet Python in the new playground at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Picture: Supplied

Locals hoping to take in some Central Australian culture will soon be forking out more money for the privilege.

As of July 1, entry prices to the Alice Springs Desert Park will rise by as much as 30 per cent as the NT Government has raised prices across the board.

Adult entries will rise from $30 to $37, or 15 per cent. Children and concession prices will see small jumps of $2.50 and $3 respectively but seniors will be hit the hardest by the hike.

Senior entry to the Desert Park will jump from $23 to $30, a rise of 30 per cent.

The decision to raise prices was one made to come into line with similar zoos and parks across Australia according to ASDP Director Paul Ah Chee, saying he hopes to give customers bang for their buck.

“Over a period of time now the Government has been looking at like-minded institutes across Australia and whet they’ve been charging for entry into their respective parks and zoos,” Mr Ah Chee said.

“We’ve been looking at matching up our entry fees to reflect what is a standard entry fee to come to some sort of uniformity around that.

“This has been implemented over a long period of time. It’s unfortunate that the seniors’ increase has been a little more than others but that’ll be offset against a lot of other opportunities for seniors around the park.

“We’re always in the process of how we can make it of value for seniors that do come to the park.”