Hermannsburg (fondée en 1877) était à l'origine une mission luthérienne et fut la première ville d'Australie centrale, avant Alice Springs.
Il abritait également le célèbre aquarelliste aborigène Albert Namatjira.En 1982, la zone a été rendue aux aborigènes et en 1988, les bâtiments blanchis à la chaux de style allemand ont été restaurés dans leur état d'origine du XIXe siècle.Il est maintenant inscrit au registre du patrimoine national.Plus d'une douzaine de bâtiments, dont l'église, les bâtiments scolaires, la tannerie, la viande et diverses résidences de la mission, peuvent être explorés.Ces bâtiments datent des années 1880 et 1890.En vous promenant dans les bâtiments, découvrez les peines et les joies des premiers missionnaires, mais surtout apprenez comment le peuple local d'Aranda et les Européens ont travaillé ensemble pour survivre et prospérer.
Choses à voir et à faire à Hermannsburg
Travellers’ stories
Questions fréquemment posées
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Yes, you can camp in Hermannsburg. The Ntaria Camping Ground has picnic tables, shelters, toilets and showers. This is within walking distance of the historic precinct.
Hermannsburg also has a supermarket and fuel station just 1 min drive from the historic precinct, but be sure to check the opening hours.
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You can access Hermannsburg via 2WD. You can walk around the historic precinct and take a short drive to Hermannsburg Potters. If you want to travel on to nearby Finke River National Park, you’ll need a high clearance 4WD.
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Hermannsburg is located 125km from Alice Springs and takes about 1½ hours’ drive.
- From Alice Springs, head west on Larapinta Drive
- Before you get to the Finke River, turn right at the sign to Hermannsburg and drive all the way to the "T" intersection
- Turn left and proceed about 800 metres, and you’ll see the carpark and historic precinct on your left.
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The historic precinct is a sacred site known as Ntaria. Here you can explore the restored buildings and stop by for lunch. The Kata Anga tea rooms are found in Pastor Carl Strehlow’s original homestead, and their apple strudel and scones are justly famous.
Visit the Hermannsburg Potters studio, but ensure you phone ahead to make an appointment. You can also find their artworks in the shops at the historic precinct.
A house built in 1994 by famous aboriginal artist Albert Namijira is located 3km west of Hermannsburg.
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Pastor Carl Strehlow, a founder of the mission and the first person to document the Aranda language, had a son named Teddy who received sacred objects from local indigenous people in the 1930’s. These artefacts are now in collection at the Strehlow Centre in Alice Springs, which is run by the Museum of Central Australia.
Hermannsburg hosts the annual Ntaria sports day in early May, bringing people from communities in the MacDonnell Ranges, Western Desert, and sometimes further to compete in basketball, softball and AFL competitions. The Aranda Bulldogs football club in the Central Australian AFL competition has weekly games you might be able to watch during the season.
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Hermannsburg is such a unique place that any time is good to visit. If you prefer cooler weather, a visit from April to September would suit you best.
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If you have a 4WD you can explore the Finke River National Park with attractions like Palm Valley featuring the main gorge with waterholes, high red cliffs, river red gums and a number of walks.
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Hermannsburg stands out as one of the first inland European settlements in Australia. It provides a fascinating insight into the pioneering days in the Northern Territory and the relationship between the missionaries and local “Aranda” Aboriginal people. Hermannsburg is also the birthplace of renowned Aboriginal landscape artist, Albert Namatjira.