Northern Territory · Attraction
Arltunga Historical Reserve
Central Australia's first gold rush town
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Arltunga Historical Reserve preserves the ruins of the first major European settlement in Central Australia, established after gold was discovered in 1887. Located 110 kilometres east of Alice Springs, the site tells the story of the miners, police troopers and missionaries who lived here through to the mid-twentieth century, with a rich collection of stone buildings, mine shafts and industrial machinery still standing in the desert.
Five self-guided walking trails wind through the reserve, connecting landmarks such as the Government Battery, the Cyanide Works, the old police station, miners' cottages and several mine sites including the Golden Chance, Great Western and MacDonnell Range Reef mines. The visitor centre, open daily from 8am to 5pm, introduces the colourful characters of the gold rush era and allows visitors to try their hand at gold panning in the courtyard display.
The reserve sits on Eastern Arrernte country, which the traditional owners call Arnerre-ntyenge, and the landscape of low rocky ranges and mulga scrub provides a striking backdrop to the historic structures. The last 33 kilometres of the approach road are unsealed and suitable for carefully driven 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. Camping is not available within the reserve, but options exist at nearby Arltunga Bush Pub and the Ross River Homestead.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Arltunga Historical Reserve.
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