Exploring Australia




Arltunga Historic Reserve

 

Arltunga Historic Reserve, is the site of the gold mining settlement begun in 1887, the first township in Central Australa.

 

Alluvial gold was discovered in a creekbed and fortune seekers traveled 600km from the Oodnadatta railhead, many on foot.

 

Hardship was a way of life at Arltunga with lack of water and extreme isolation.

 

Miners used hand operated blow dryers to find gold from creek beds, or dug to extract gold-bearing quartz for crushing.

 

There is interpretive signage and the Visitor Centre is open 8-5 daily.