4WD Experience | The “Ambalindum” 4-Wheel Driving Experience |
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Within the 3,000 plus square kilometer expanse of Ambalindum, there are literally hundreds of kilometers of private roads and tracks, passing through spectacular scenery, from rugged ranges to rolling plains, from deep gorges to river crossings (almost always dry and sandy). The tracks vary from graded station access roads to very rugged and rocky tracks – rarely used and a true test of 4WD skills! Detailed area topographical maps are available, showing all private tracks, with GPS points shown, and color-coded for the ‘degree of difficulty’ of each track, so you can choose your route and the degree of 4WD challenge that suits you! Within an hour or two of driving from Old Ambalindum, the 4WD tourist can enjoy the spectacular sights of Ruby Gorge, N’Dhala Gorge, Trephina Gorge, Ross River, and many other lesser-known, but notable landforms and sights of the nearby hills and ranges. Located only 20 minutes away is the historic “Arltunga” gold mining area. Arltunga was the product of a gold rush after alluvial gold was discovered in a dry creek bed in 1887. Fortune seekers had to travel the 600 kilomtres from Oodnadatta railhead, often on foot. Arltunga once supported about 300 people, and was officially Central Australia’s first town. The Arltunga Visitors Centre gives an introduction to the reserve and gold mining area through cultural and historical displays. While gold fossicking is not allowed in the reserve, visitors can try their luck at Paddy’s Creek to the South of the reserve. Currently, Old Ambalindum is the closest available camping and accommodation to the Arltunga Historical Reserve. Situated exactly on the newly promoted “Binns Track”, Old Ambalindum provides an ideal stopping-off point for 4WD adventurers taking on the challenge of the “Binns Track”.             For another 4WD experience try travelling into the beautiful eastern MacDonnells from Gemtree via the Cattlewater Pass or nearby Binns Track to the Arltunga goldmining ghost town and Old Ambalindum, where you can camp overnight on a cattle station and experience further 4WD options, providing an interesting alternative route to Alice Springs. |
