The Hon. Marie-Clare Boothby, Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (NT); The Hon. Joshua Burgoyne, Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Member for Braitling, Joint Media Release, 15 June 2026

It’s all smiles and melted hearts as three baby bilbies emerge from their mothers’ pouches at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Under the careful watch of Alice Springs Desert Park staff and researchers, the three bilby joeys will remain with their mothers on display in the Nocturnal House, just in time for the school holidays.

Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the arrivals were great news for bilbies, as well as for families and visitors looking for something special to do in Central Australia.

“This is just so adorable and so exciting. It really proves that the Territory is like nowhere else, with all of our one-of-a-kind events, experiences, and encounters, particularly in our regions,” Minister Boothby said.

“Coming face-to-face with our native wildlife like this is really special, and I have to say: if the Top End is croc territory, then I think in some ways, Central Australia is bilby country.”

The Alice Springs Desert Park also manages conservation programs for mala (or rufous hare-wallaby), Slater’s skink, the central rock-rat, and a variety of arid-zone birds. The Park also plays a crucial role in conserving native plants through the Millennium Seed Bank Project – including the Waddywood, only found in three locations in Australia. 

“Earlier this year, we heard that greater bilby numbers were recovering, with some areas recording a 400 per cent increase. Bad news for the easter bunny but great news for bilbies, and for those parks and sanctuaries like Alice Springs Desert Park, who are doing such incredible work,” Minister Boothby said.

“Alice Springs Desert Park isn’t just a visitor attraction – it’s a national leader in wildlife conservation, research, and education, and our government is proud to continue backing them in that work.”

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne said the baby bilbies were a positive sign for the future of one of Australia’s most threatened species.

“This is a wonderful success story that highlights the value of the conservation work taking place right here in Alice Springs,” Minister Burgoyne said.

“I can’t wait to take my family to the park to meet the baby bilbies and for everyone to enjoy one of the unique experiences we have here in Central Australia.”

This news comes as the Finocchiaro CLP Government commits a landmark $10 million to upgrade parks infrastructure, unlocking new recreational and commercial opportunities across the Territory’s vast, 5.05 million hectare parks estate.

“In our year of growth, certainty and security, we are absolutely committed to expanding what is on offer for families and visitors, while protecting the wildlife and landscapes that make the Territory unique,” Minister Boothby said.

Visitors can see the joeys in the Nocturnal House, which showcases rare and remarkable desert animals, or experience the Park after dark through its popular Nocturnal Tour. Find out more at www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au.