Arltunga Campground (CG)

FRC CLUB OFFER
Stay 7 Nights and Pay For 6 to all FRC Premium Club Members
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Arltunga Campground is a small campground in remote Central Australia – in the East MacDonnell’s. The Campground is open mostly from 1st March – 1st December and is located adjacent to the Arltunga Historic Park where visitors can view the remains of a once-thriving gold-mining area and where you can learn about the tough pioneer hardships those folk endured. Arltunga is situated along the well-known and popular Binn’s Track, about 1 ½ hour (east) from Alice Springs. 4×4 vehicles are not required – weather permitting.

The Campground has very basic-level facilities and includes toilets, (cold) showers, BBQ and picnic table and because it is isolated, be sure to pack all your supplies before travelling to the campgrounds. With 20 acres of space, there is ample camping room for tents, caravans, motorhomes, and other large vehicles. Campfires in the designated fire pits are allowed (weather conditions permitting) and don’t forget to BYO wood. Pets are permitted with prior arrangements. There is no mobile phone coverage at Arltunga and the landline phone and internet access are not available to the public (except in emergencies). Bore water is safe to drink, but not especially palatable. Electricity is not provided except by special arrangement and we do ask that you please take your rubbish with you.

The Arltunga Hotel although part of Arltunga Campground does not operate as a hotel. Meals are not provided. No drinks or foods are available. However, the old pub is available for hire. Camping visitors are welcome to browse and have daily access to the facility. The hotel facility includes a kitchen which can be used to cater for groups of up to thirty or so, upon hiring. It is a unique venue for a special event, party or school groups, etc.

HOW TO GET THERE
Travel east from Alice Springs via Ross Hwy and follow signs to Arltunga, turning north into Binn’s Track. Careful driving is required on a dirt road. The campground is adjacent to the Arltunga Historic Park. It is identifiable by the Arltunga Hotel (The pub with no beer), and signage. 4×4 vehicles not required – weather permitting.

SITE ACCESS
Access is easy to manage and self-explanatory. Signage directs visitors to the office, located at the side of the Hotel. The ‘Honesty Kettle’ is available for use when the office is unattended or after-hours.

FEES & BOOKINGS
Campground open 1st March – 1 December
Fee is from $20/night per person

THINGS TO DO
The visitor centre behind the hotel has displays of the history of the town.

Arltunga Historical Reserve
Ruins of Arltunga, some of which have been restored, including the police station and jail, mines, and the Government Battery and Cyanide Works (1896).

Travellers staying at Arltunga often visit Gem Tree (to the north) or Ross River Resort (to the south), further along, the track. Dedicated fossicking areas provide interest to those with detectors. Nearby is Ruby Gap where fossickers collect garnets and other interesting stones. Twitchers can add many bird-sightings to their list by exploring the area.

N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park.
Take a day trip to the N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park. The shady gorge features extensive walking tracks that provide access to a large number of rock-art sites with carvings and paintings. Access is by 4WD only. 53 km SW.

Ruby Gap Nature Park
The site of Central Australia’s first mining rush, in 1886, when rubies were thought to have been found. After the stones proved to be relatively valueless, the boom went bust and people left. The stunning gorges are now popular sites for bush walking. Track closures are possible Nov–Apr due to wet conditions; 37 km E.

WHAT’S NEARBY
N’Dhala Gorge Campground
Trephina Bluff Campground
John Hayes Rockhole Campground

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