Arltunga Historical Reserve

Travel 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, artefacts 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.

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

4.5 out of 5
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The price is CA $131 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
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Book a stay at this golf hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
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Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG

4.5 out of 5
93 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
The price is CA $123 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $123
CA $136 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The hotel staff provided amazing customer service. Also excellent food at the restaurants!!"

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

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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
The price is CA $90 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
CA $90
CA $98 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"i wood recommend diplomat motel Alice spring to Eney one"

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2025

Diplomat Hotel 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 WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Alice Springs Golf Club ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (371 reviews)
"older building, but clean and safe"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

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Vatu Sanctuary

Vatu Sanctuary

2.5 out of 5
18 Knuckey Avenue, Braitling, NT
Stay at this apartment in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Oct. 28, 2017

Vatu Sanctuary
Queen of the Desert Apartment with Cozy MacDonnell Range view.
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Queen of the Desert Apartment with Cozy MacDonnell Range view. 2 Bedroom 🛌

The Gap
Stay at this apartment in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Alice Springs Transport Heritage Centre and Heritage ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
"The apartment is very conveniently located close to town and tourist attractions, with beautiful views of the Macdonnell Ranges and The Gap. Excellent WiFi, but limited access to streeming chanels. The front of the property, the balcony and the bath tab look uninviting and neglected. The front security ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 14, 2025

Queen of the Desert Apartment with Cozy MacDonnell Range view. 2 Bedroom 🛌
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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