Northern Territory’s Mining Heritage
PINE CREEK
- Pine Creek National Trust Museum
Pine Creek is the only original mining town remaining in the Top End from the gold rush era of the 1870s. The National Trust Museum has excellent displays which relate to the mining and the Chinese in the area. The building was originally the home of the Mining Warden in Burrundie and was moved to Pine Creek in 1913.
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Pine Creek Miners Park
This park is located next to the Railway Station and houses historic mining machinery from old mines in the Pine Creek area. Interpretive signs and displays give a comprehensive picture of life on the goldfields and the history of mining in the region. It is the venue for the Australia day festivities and local gold panning championships held each year.
TENNANT CREEK
- Battery Hill Mining Centre
Located in Tennant Creek, Battery Hill Mining Centre is a heritage site with guided tours of a ten head stamp battery and underground mine. The collection consists of 200 items of machinery pertaining to the mining industry.
ALICE SPRINGS REGION
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Arltunga Historic Reserve
The Reserve is located 110km east of Alice Springs and can be easily reached in 2WD vehicles. Arltunga was officially central Australia’s first town, born out of a gold rush after alluvial gold was discovered in a dry creek bed in 1887. Fortune seekers had to travel 600km from the Oodnadatta railhead, often on foot. Mining activity continued in the area for 30 years.The Visitor Centre gives an introduction to the Reserve and mining era through displays and a self-operated slide show. Walking tracks explore the Government Battery and Cyanide Works, Police Station, old mine workings and residential areas. Self-guided walks are established at most attractions.
