Central Australia

Central Australia Family

From borrowing toys and joining free library sessions to finding child development, counselling and housing support, families across Central Australia can access practical options for different ages and circumstances. Many are based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), while several also reach remote communities or provide support by phone or video.

🎨 Play, learning and family activities

Alice Springs Public Library children and youth programs

Families can join free regular activities without booking. Preschool Storytime runs on Mondays at 10.15 am, Music and Movement for ages two to five on Tuesdays at 10.15 am, and Baby Rhyme Time for children up to two on Fridays at 10.15 am. Older children can try Wednesday VR afternoons or Lego Legends for ages six and over on Fridays from 3.30 pm to 5 pm. Some special events are ticketed due to limited places.

Central Australian Community Toy Library

Borrowing toys can add variety to play without families needing to buy and store everything themselves. The toy library has an online catalogue and calendar, with its Alice Springs contact point at Shop 16, Diarama Village. Call 08 8952 6720 or email toylibraryalicesprings@gmail.com to ask about membership and borrowing.

SusuMama Multicultural Playgroup

Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia runs SusuMama with Playgroup NT. Children and parents or carers from multicultural backgrounds are especially welcome, and the playgroup states that all families may attend. Sessions are advertised for Mondays and Fridays from 9.30 am to 11.30 am at Alice Springs Youth and Community Centre; confirm current availability before setting out.

Adventure Park at Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre

For an active family outing, the recreation area includes an 18-hole mini-golf course, adventure playground, 3x3 basketball, table tennis, beach volleyball, an outdoor gym and barbecue areas. Check current entry arrangements and any pool-centre conditions before visiting.

📅 School-age care and holiday ideas

Outside School Hours Care — The Gap Youth and Community Centre

Primary-school-aged children can access fully supervised after-school and vacation care. Term-time care runs weekdays from 3 pm to 5 pm and includes free school pick-up transport; booked home transport is available at an additional cost. Vacation care operates on weekdays during school holidays from 8.30 am to 5 pm, apart from a short Christmas–New Year closure.

Holiday activities for young people — Northern Territory Government

The NT Government’s school-holiday activities page has a Central Australia region filter and can help families find free and low-cost youth activities during the September–October break. Check each activity separately for its location, age range and booking conditions.

🧸 Pregnancy, parenting and early family life

Birth and Beyond Alice Springs

Expecting parents and families with babies can access community-based pregnancy, birth and parenting support. Offerings include antenatal workshops, parenting meet-ups, information sessions and a specialist lending library. Breast pumps, birthing pools and TENS machines are available for hire. A Thursday morning tea is advertised for expecting parents, families with a new baby and people new to town.

Children and Parenting — CatholicCare NT

This free Alice Springs service supports families from all backgrounds, particularly those with young children. Options include in-home parenting education, outreach, child-development-focused groups, peer groups for mothers and babies, primary-school parents and single fathers, and counselling for children, young people and families. Families may self-refer on 08 8958 2400 or at alicesprings@catholiccarent.org.au.

🌱 Child health, development and wellbeing

Congress Kids Apmere

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress provides free health and development checks for children up to 12, as well as immunisations, parenting and healthy-lifestyle support, and links with other services. An interpreter can be requested for appointments, and transport may be available when arranged during booking. Call 08 7928 7930.

Alice Springs Children’s Development Team

NT Health’s allied-health team works with eligible children from birth to 18 in Alice Springs, Central Australian remote communities and the Barkly region. It offers developmental assessments, goal-based intervention, educator support and connections with the NDIS or other services. A weekly occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology drop-in does not require a referral. Referral eligibility includes Medicare coverage and not being on the NDIS.

Head to Health Kids — Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

Aboriginal children under 12 and their families can receive free early-intervention mental health and wellbeing support when there are concerns about feelings, thinking or behaviour. The team serves Mparntwe and remote Aboriginal communities across Central Australia and can meet at home, preschool, school, child care or its Alice Springs rooms. Families may self-refer without an existing diagnosis by calling 0492 837 493 or emailing H2HK.referrals@caac.org.au.

Child & Youth Assessment & Therapeutic Service — Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

Aboriginal children and young people aged up to 18 can access multidisciplinary assessment, diagnosis and treatment for neurodevelopmental and speech or language development disorders, including FASD. The team includes neuropsychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, an Aboriginal Family Support Worker and a case coordinator. Enquiries can be made on 08 7928 8601 or at cyat.referrals@caac.org.au.

❤ Counselling, safety and practical support

Children and Family Counselling — Relationships Australia Northern Territory

Counselling is available for children aged five and over and their families around school or friendship difficulties, behaviour and emotions, grief, separation and family change. A parent or carer first speaks with a counsellor to assess suitability; in some circumstances, young people aged 14 or over may book directly. Alice Springs offers face-to-face appointments, while phone and video support extends across the NT. Fees vary according to parent or carer income. Call 1300 458 600.

Youth Housing Program — Alice Springs Youth and Support Services

Young women and men aged 16–24 may access affordable semi-independent accommodation for up to 12 months if they are on a low income, have limited independent-living experience and cannot live with family, or are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Case management covers tenancy and life skills, with support to reconnect with education, training or work where appropriate. Self-referrals and service referrals are accepted on 08 8953 4200.

Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia

Women and their children experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence can access 24-hour crisis accommodation and immediate shelter. Specialist outreach case management is available in Alice Springs, Ti Tree, Ntaria, Yuendumu and Papunya. Contact the service on 08 8952 6075 or at ws@wossca.org.au.

Territory FACES

This free NT-wide information and referral line helps parents, carers, children, young people, families and community members identify suitable pathways for parenting, housing, budgeting, health care and broader family support. Call 1800 999 900 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4.21 pm. The department advises that its workers are mandatory reporters for child-protection concerns and domestic and family violence.

✅ Before you attend or enquire

• Confirm that advertised sessions, holiday activities and drop-in times are current.
• Ask about age limits, eligibility, referrals or funding conditions before making an appointment.
• Check costs, membership arrangements, transport bookings and any cancellation conditions.
• Discuss accessibility, interpreter needs and required adult supervision directly with the provider.

📌 Family-focused businesses, services and community groups supporting Central Australian children, young people, parents or carers are warmly invited to add a listing or submit updated details.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on centralaustralia.nt.guide.