Arltunga Historical Reserve

All year round. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from April to September.

The visitor centre is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Arltunga is located 110km east of Alice Springs. Follow Ross Highway and Binns Track signs to Arltunga.

The last 33km are on an unsealed road.

Check road conditions before heading out as roads may become impassable after rain.

You can see and do all of the following:

• bushwalking
• wildlife spotting
• historical ruins
• four wheel driving
• ranger-guided activities.

Self-guided walks

You can go on self-guided walks at the reserve.

Golden Chance Mine

This 60 minute walk takes you to the Golden Chance Mine and includes a visit to a miner's dwelling.

It boasts impressive views over much of the Goldfield.

Get the Arltunga Golden Chance Mine self-guided walk information sheet PDF (1.1 MB).

Government Works

This 40 minute walk takes you on a tour of the Government Battery and Cyanide Works.

You will see various buildings and sites in this area including the assayer's residence, post office and government offices.

Get the Arltunga Government Works self-guided walk information sheet PDF (1.0 MB).

Great Western Mine

This 40 minute walk allows you to explore one of the few remaining historic White Range mines.

Get the Arltunga Great Western Mine self-guided walk information sheet PDF (1.0 MB).

Joker Gorge

This walk provides plenty of opportunity to explore the wildlife and fascinating mining history.

The distance and level of difficulty of your walk is up to you.

A trip to the historic buildings is 15 minutes return. From there you can climb 150 metres up the hill to Joker Mine which is an hour return to the car park or continue on to the gorge.

Get the Arltunga Joker Gorge self-guided walk information sheet PDF (1.1 MB).

MacDonnell Range Reef Mine

This 40 minute walk will give you an insight into the hardships endured by Arltunga miners.

These mines have vertical shafts. Children must be supervised closely.

Get the Arltunga MacDonnell Range Reef Mine self-guided walk information sheet PDF (1.1 MB).

Camping is not permitted in the historical reserve, but campsites are available at nearby Ruby Gap or N'Dhala Gorge Nature Parks.

Access to these campsites is by high clearance four-wheel drive (4WD) only.

Other accommodation options include the Ross River Homestead, Arltunga Bush Pub and Eco Retreat and Old Ambalindum Station.

Arltunga has all of the following facilities:

• information signs
• ranger station – for emergency contact only
• 4WD roads
• drinking water
• public toilets
• picnic area
• walking tracks.

When visiting the park remember all of the following:

• visitors to the NT require a parks pass
• stay on designated roads and tracks
• all historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
• firewood collection is not permitted in the reserve
• bins are not provided so take your rubbish with you
• pets are not permitted in the reserve
• you need a permit to use a drone - you must get it before you arrive.

Fossicking

Fossicking, including the use of metal detectors, is not permitted in Arltunga Historical Reserve.

However, you can fossick in the adjoining fossicking reserve if you have a current NT fossickers permit. Permits are available from the Fossicking in the Northern Territory website.

You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Arltunga Historical Reserve by doing all of the following:

• observe park safety signs
• carry and drink plenty of water
• wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable clothing and footwear
• avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
• think about your health and fitness when choosing a walk.

Arltunga Ranger Station phone: 08 8951 8250

Go to Parks and Wildlife Alice Springs for more tourist information.