Hermannsburg

Introducing Hermannsburg

The Aboriginal settlement of Hermannsburg (Ntaria), about 125km from Alice Springs, is famous as the one-time home of artist Albert Namatjira, the birthplace of anthropologist Ted Strehlow and the site of the Hermannsburg Mission.

Although the town is sited on restricted Aboriginal land, permits are not required to visit the mission, general store or supermarket, or to travel through. Groceries, fuel, Mereenie Tour Passes and takeaway food are available from Ntaria Supermarket (8956 7480; 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5.30pm Sun) on the main road into town. You’ll also find an ATM and internet access here.

The whitewashed walls of the mission (8956 7402; adult/child/family $10/5/25; 9am-4pm Mar-Nov, 10am-4pm Dec-Feb) are shaded by majestic river red gums and old date palms. Among the low, stone buildings are a church, a school and various houses and outbuildings. The ‘Manse’ houses an art gallery and a history of the life and times of Albert Namatjira as well as examples of the work of 39 Hermannsburg artists. The Kata-Anga Tea Room (meals $7-13; 9am-4pm), in the old missionary house, serves highly recommended apple strudel and Devonshire tea. Distinctive paintings and pottery by the locals is also on display here and is for sale.

Last updated: Apr 19, 2010