Desert Lantern Restaurant
The Desert Lantern Training Restaurant in Alice Springs is designed to give hospitality and cookery students real-world experience in their industry.
Students will train, learn and offer the community a high-quality food experience while completing their certificate.
The restaurant is named after a species of plant found in Central Australia called Abutilon Leucopetalum, or 'Desert Lantern'. It gets its name from the bright yellow flowers it sprouts. Growing on hillsides, the Desert Lantern is commonly found at the base of rocks throughout the Red Centre, typically flowering after rain. Western Arrernte people are known to eat the cooked roots.
Training for students
Certificate II and III students
You’ll be supervised by one of our experienced chefs and will learn about a variety of cookery methods, the structure of menus and more. You’ll be serving customers, working behind the bar and undertaking fine dining and silver service.
Certificate IV students
You’ll have the opportunity to develop your management skills by supervising Certificate II and III students in real-life situations during the Desert Lantern’s opening hours.
Dine at the Desert Lantern
You can view the 2024 dates and availability for the restaurant below or download a copy of the brochure.
Degustation
6 course set menu with paired wines $95 per person (over 18 only)
Time: Arrive at 6.00pm for canape service, seating starts at 6.30pm
Seating arrangement: Tables of 8 guests only
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 20 March | Available |
| Thursday 21 March | Available |
| Wednesday 4 September | Available |
| Thursday 5 September | Available |
*As our Degustation dinners are a set menu designed around our curriculum, we cannot cater to dietary requirements. Please note children are not permitted.
À la carte (3-course dinner)
Choice of entrées, main courses and desserts $45 per person (children $25)
Time: 6.30pm to 9.00pm
Seating arrangement: Table sizes between 2 and 6 guests
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 26 March | No availability |
| Wednesday 27 March | No availability |
| Tuesday 14 May | Available |
| Wednesday 15 May | Available |
| Thursday 16 May | No availability |
| Tuesday 21 May | Available |
| Wednesday 22 May | Available |
| Thursday 23 May | Available |
| Wednesday 18 September | Available |
| Thursday 19 September | Available |
| Tuesday 15 October | Available |
| Wednesday 16 October | Available |
| Thursday 17 October | Available |
| Tuesday 22 October | Available |
| Wednesday 23 October | Available |
| Thursday 24 October | Available |
Brunch Buffet
$25 per person
Time: 10.00am to 11.30am
Seating arrangement: Table sizes between 4 and 6 guests (Tables up to 10 guests are available but limited)
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| Friday 21 June | Available |
| Friday 22 November | Available |
Dinner Buffet
$65 per person (children $45)
Time: 6.30pm to 9.00pm
Seating arrangement: Table sizes between 4 and 6 guests (Tables up to 10 guests are available but limited)
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 19 June | Available |
| Thursday 20 June | Available |
| Wednesday 20 November | Available |
| Thursday 21 November | Available |
Make a booking
To make a booking, please complete and email the booking form. Phone or walk-in bookings are no longer accepted.
We require 48 hours notice for booking cancellations or rescheduling, subject to availability.
Patrons are responsible for their own booking dates and attending on the night, as courtesy reminder calls have been discontinued.
2024 Desert Lantern Booking Form
Payment
To secure your reservation, all meals must be paid for in advance. Once we have scheduled your booking, we will email you the link for online payment.
Any drink purchases on the night must be paid using EFTPOS, as we no longer accept cash payments.
Location
The Desert Lantern Training Restaurant is located on CDU’s Alice Springs campus. You can get to it via Entrance 2 of the CDU Alice Springs campus off Grevillea Drive.