Arltunga

Arltunga is located on the 5 000 hectare Arltunga Historical Reserve. The Arltunga Historical Reserve was established in 1975 and since then there has been a systematic attempt to restore and maintain the existing buildings. At Arltunga Historical Reserve you'll find a complete ghost town - with the remains of mines, mining camps and stone buildings. The police station and gaol have been completely restored and there are even old mines you can walk through.

Arltunga was officially central Australia's first town, born out of a gold rush after alluvial gold was discovered amongst a dusty and dry creekbed during 1887. It was a hectic little goldmining town and it's historical heyday lasted from the first gold strike in 1887 until 1913. The fortune seekers of the day of the nations of the world had to travel 600 kilometres from the Oodnadatta railhead, often on foot which seemed to take for ever, to seek their fortune in the harsh central Australian environment. Arltunga once supported some 300 people. At the time, Alice Springs consisted of just the Overland Telegraph Station, and was little more than an outpost that had expanded as it became the supply base of Arltunga. Mining activity continued in the area for 30 years.

To reach Arltunga in the 1880s a person would need to walk or ride alongside the Overland Telegraph Line from Oodnadatta in South Australia to Alice Springs in Northern Territory, then follow the East MacDonnell Ranges eastwardly for another 120 km. This would take at well over a week and often or not much longer in temperatures which often exceeded 40°C during the mid of the day.

How to Get There

Located 110km east of Alice Springs, the Reserve can be easily reached in 2WD vehicles. After 70km of sealed road along the Ross Highway there is a formed gravel road which leads north east for 33km to Arltunga. (Note: gravel road surface conditions do vary and roads may be impassable when wet).

Arltunga Historical Reserve Office Ph: (08) 8956 9770. Regional Office - Arid Zone Research

When to Visit

The Reserve is accessible all year round. The cooler months, from April to September, are the most pleasant.

Arltunga Weather Chart - This chart will cease around 2010 August then search the main index at www.bom.gov.au

The Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre gives an introduction to the Reserve and mining era, through cultural and historical displays. There is a self-operated slide show which offers an insight to the past and informs visitors about the Reserve's attractions. You can even try your hand at panning for gold in the courtyard display.

During the tourist season, Rangers give guided tours of significant historic sites. Ask at the Visitor Centre.

Walking tracks

Walking tracks explore the Government Battery and Cyanide Works, Police Station, old mine workings and residential areas. Self-guided walks are established at most attractions. If you want to explore a mine, remember to bring a torch.

Fossicking

Fossicking, including the use of metal detectors, is not permitted in Arltunga Historical Reserve. However, fossicking is permitted in the adjouining Fossicking Reserve for holders of a current NT Fossickers Permit. Permits are available from Mines and Energy or the Visitors Centre upon request.

The Great Western Mine Tour

Hotels
Arltunga Hotel
Arltunga Tourist Dve Arltunga NT 0870
Telephone: (08) 8956 9797

Caravan Parks
Arltunga Outback Tourist Park
Arltunga Tourist Dve Arltunga NT 0870
Telephone: (08) 8956 9797

Camping - Camping is not permitted on the Reserve. A camping ground with facilities, including showers, is available at the Arltunga Bush Hotel. Pets are not allowed in this park.

The Goholi
Our Mission Statement

As one of Australia's largest licensed Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome hire and rentals. We will source the different options for you. We will look at all the extras and find the best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option for you to choose from. With our head Office in the heartland of the Top End of Darwin we can advise you of the current situatuions of Kakadu National Park, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Gibb River Road Western Australia and the - Erlunda - Kulgera - Odnadatta Track - Coober Pedy (Opal field) - Woomera - Port Augusta areas.

We have pickup locations in Sydney in New South Wales, Brisbane and Cairns in Queensland, Darwin and Alice Springs in Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru) for 2WD cars, Perth and Broome in Western Australia, Adelaide in South Australia, Melbourne in Victoria and Hobart in Tasmania Australia's Island State. As one of Australia's largest campervan, recreational vehicle, motorhome and 4WD rental brokers, we search for availability and the best deals from campervan, motorhome, winnebago's, RV Recreational Vehicles, Mobile Homes and 4WD reputable companies throughout Australia for the vehicle of your choice with so that your Australian vacation will be the best you've ever had. At Goholi, we pride ourselves on our knowledge and contacts in the car rental and travel industry.

We are independant qualified licensed rental brokers with our reliable source of vehicles from the most reputable of the Australia's major companies such as Backpacker, Britz, Apollo, 4WD Hire, Maui, Kea. One of the largest range of Australia's 4 Wheel Drive Off Road 4WD cars, 4WD utes, 4WD campers, 4WD campervans, 4WD Motorhomes and 4WD Recreational vehicles for around Australia. Travel Sydney, Darwin, Kakadu, Broome, Gibb River Road Western Australia, Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and much more across or around Australia.