Welcome to the Amazing Arid Australia Conference
The conference theme is dedicated to the 70 per cent of Australia that is arid or semi-arid. Over five days the conference will be your chance to hear about and see native plants and their habitats in central Australia. There will be three days of keynote talks, themed breakouts, two afternoon outings and two days of excursions into the MacDonnell Ranges and special places around Alice Springs.
We are confident that you will have a wonderful experience learning about Amazing Arid Australia and meeting fellow native plant enthusiasts.
Tim Wood
Convenor – on behalf of the Organising Committee
We have chosen Mparntwe Alice Springs and central Australia for the conference as they are a good representation of arid Australia. The profusion of plant communities sustained here in diverse landscapes will be a highlight of the conference.
The centre of amazing arid Australia
Speakers at the conference will cover many topics including ecology of arid areas, special plants, research and, community-driven conservation.
The Alice Springs Convention Centre is our venue and to make it easy for you there will be pick ups from key accommodation areas around town.
A conference about arid-zone flora
There will be many opportunities to mix and mingle including at our sunset Welcome Function and Conference Dinner.
Two afternoon outings to Olive Pink Botanic Garden and the Alice Springs Desert Park will introduce you to native flora and their landscapes and, two day-long excursions will take you into the majestic MacDonnell Ranges and to special places around Alice Springs.
Stimulating events and excursions
There are many ways to get to Alice Springs. You can have bird’s-eyes views from a plane, catch the Ghan train from Adelaide or Darwin, enjoy a scenic coach ride, or make your own off-road or on-road adventure.
We have listed a number of commercial operators for you to consider for pre- and post-conference tours.
Make it a trip of a lifetime for yourself or with a group of friends.
A trip of a lifetime!
View a video full of native flora and stunning landscapes and read stories about arid and semi-arid central Australia in two Australian Plants journals.
Once you have registered you will be kept up to date with Newsletters and regular information emails.
Stories to whet your appetite
Don’t delay, early bird registration is now available.
All the information you need to register is available here.