Settlement of Arltunga, Northern Territory

	Arltunga Historical Reserve NT
	Population:10 , Height above sea level: 550m , Latitude: -23.4600E Longitude: 134.6800S Location: 110km east of Alice Springs Highway: Ross River Rd Nearest Major Town: Alice Springs Nearest Airport: Alice Springs Touring Area: Central Australia
The Arltunga Historical Reserve is located some 110 km. North-east of Alice Springs, off the Ross Highway to Ross River. Arltunga was the scene of a gold rush in 1887 after prospector Joseph Hele found alluvial gold in a dry creek bed near Paddy's rockhole. The discovery was followed by other finds of alluvial deposits in the area, and later, of reef gold at nearby White Range in 1897 by Henry Luce. As the diggings expanded a shanty town sprang up around the Arltunga crossway and, at its peak, several hundred miners, some with their families, occupied the area. By 1912 most of the gold had been removed and activity in the area ceased around 1917. Many of the diggers moved to Alice Springs, then 'Stuart', and were among the first residents of the town. Others moved to other Central Australian diggings. The area lay in ruins for over half a century until recent renovations to the main buildings, and the establishing of a licensed hotel-store and camping area, have created a major attraction for visitors to The Centre. In addition to the renovated residences there are numerous reminders of the boom days of Arltunga including a two-stamp battery near the old gaol. Many graves of the original inhabitants will be found scattered around the area, and relics of the mining days stand in disrepair where they were abandoned. Access to the Arltunga Historical Reserve is by a road branching north off the Ross Highway after the Trephina Gorge turn off, although a loose surface road via Ambulindum and Garden Stations branches east from the Stuart Highway some 50km. north of Alice Springs. A Visitor Centre provides an introduction to the Reserve and mining era, through cultural and historical displays and a self-operated slide show offers an insight to the past and informs visitors about the Reserve's attractions. You can also try panning for gold in the courtyard display. There are picnic and BBQ facilities, shade shelters and toilets. Camping in the reserve is not allowed but nearby Trephina Gorge has facilities for campers. Nearby Ross River Homestead has full accommodation.



To see a map of the area, click on the map. Photo: Mine ruins at Arltunga