Visitors and locals are invited to a free heritage talk being held at the Old Owen Springs Homestead ruins in Owen Springs Reserve, Sunday 16 August.

Parks and Wildlife Commission NT senior ranger Sheridan Martin said those attending would be given an insight into the Reserve’s fascinating early European history.

“Sunday’s talk is a great opportunity for people interested in hearing about early European history and how heritage places and archaeological sites are protected and managed,” Ms Martin said.

“The main speaker on the day is local senior heritage officer Malcolm Connolly, who will talk about how heritage places like Owen Springs Homestead are documented and conserved.

“Along with Malcolm, a local Ranger will be on hand to give an insight into the Reserve’s fascinating early European history, covering more than 1570 square kilometres; Owen Springs Reserve was formerly a cattle station.

“The Old Owen Springs Homestead ruins are the site of the first station homestead built in Central Australia.”

The free heritage talk on Sunday 16 August starts at 11am at the Old Owen Springs Homestead ruins car park.  Bookings are not required but a four wheel drive is essential to access the Reserve.

“With the heritage talk finishing at 12 noon, it is a great opportunity for visitors to continue on a drive through the reserve after the talk at their own leisure,” Ms Martin said.

Owen Springs Reserve is a 40 minute drive, 60km south west of Alice Springs and provides an outback four wheel drive experience, a quiet bush setting for camping without facilities and ideal picnicking and bird watching opportunities.

More information about Owen Springs Reserve or guided walks and talks is available at www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au

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Media note – For further information/interviews please contact Sheridan Martin, Senior Ranger on 89567300.