Arltunga Historical Reserve Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT

Pan for gold, explore an old mine and wander through the historic streets of Central Australia’s first town, where gold fever was in full swing from 1887 to 1913. 

Go panning for gold and explore remnants of old mines at the Arltunga Historical Reserve. The town of Arltunga sprung up around gold diggings early in Central Australia’s settler history in 1887. Today the historic area has been preserved for visitors. Discover the old gaol, Government Battery, Cyanide Works and a former Police Station.  

Start your exploration at the Visitor Centre, where you can pan for gold in the courtyard. Learn about the history and culture of the area through photographs, artifacts and displays. Prospectors once had to make a 600-kilometre (372-mile) journey on foot from the Oodnadatta rail terminus to the region. It was only later that Alice Springs grew into a town to provide provisions for Arltunga.  

In the peak tourist season between May and September, Arltunga Historical Reserve Rangers offer guided tours of the old town. Tours can be organised in the Visitor Centre for a fee. Alternatively, take a  self-guided walk. Visit the old machinery of the Battery and Cyanide Works. Here, rocks were crushed to extract gold, which was further leached out using cyanide. 

Wander through the eerie landscape dotted with rusted mining equipment and furnaces. You’ll notice a step down in some of the abandoned buildings, which was a measure designed to insulate against heat. Explore old mine shafts cut down into the rock. You can go inside, but watch for obstacles and don’t forget to bring a torch. 

Hire a four-wheel drive to access two old cemeteries further out of town. The burial grounds are evidence of the unforgiving life of a gold miner in Arltunga. It was almost impossible to grow fresh fruit and vegetables because of the heat, meaning the miners’ diet was limited.

The Arltunga Historical Reserve and Visitor Centre are open every day. The reserve is located 110 kilometres (68 miles) east of Alice Springs. There is no camping within the reserve but there is accommodation nearby. Camp at N’Dhala Gorge or Trephina Gorge Nature Park. Enjoy something to eat or a cold beer at the nearby Ross River Resort, which also offers accommodation.

Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

3.5 out of 5
20 Gregory Terrace, Corner Hartley St and Gregory Terra, Alice Springs, NT
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
A1
"STAFF ARE GREAT FROM THE GARDENER TO RECEPTION STAFF PLUS STUMPS GREAT SERVICE FOR FOOD/HOT CHOCALATE/UNCLES STAFF ARE GREAT BUT LIVE MUSIC SUNDAY TOO LOUD.2 PIECE"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG

4.5 out of 5
93 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
The price is ₹8,616 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹8,616
₹9,477 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"There is nowhere to have a pleasant meal or drink. The Casino facility is really bad, run down, dirty and very unpleasant."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

4.5 out of 5
82 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
The price is ₹8,922 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹8,922
₹9,814 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
"Scenic and quiet location yet only 5 min from town centre. Comfortable stay."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Alice Springs

Quest Alice Springs

4.5 out of 5
9-10 South Terrace, The Gap, NT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Alice Springs Golf Club ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (369 reviews)
"Being upstairs is really awkward for people with health issues. There is no lift. The receptionist offered to assist with our luggage. They definitely need a lift."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Quest Alice Springs
Vatu Sanctuary

Vatu Sanctuary

2.5 out of 5
18 Knuckey Avenue, Braitling, NT
Stay at this apartment in Alice Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Anzac Hill and Alice Springs Telegraph Station are ...
Excellent place in Alice Springs
"I stayed in a studio which was very spacious and comfortable. It has all modern amenities. Communal areas are great! I specially liked the artwork in the rooms and outside. Overall fantastic place."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2017

Vatu Sanctuary
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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