Place Names Register Extract

Ilparpa Road

Extract date: 11/06/2026

Name Ilparpa
Type Designation Road
Place Id 6565
Place Type Road
Status Registered
Date Registered 23 December 1981
Locality / Suburb  
  Arumbera
  Ilparpa
  White Gums
Local Government Area  
  Alice Springs Town Council
History/Origin Named after Ilparpa Camp near Alice Springs. The camp itself, after being referred to as "The Commonage Camp" or "The Welfare Camp" in 1957 was officially named Ilparpa by the Commonwealth NTA District Officer in Alice Springs, R K McCaffery, at the suggestion of the then Administrator.

There are a number of versions as to where Ilparpa originates from
1. It is believed the name is the native word for Mount Blatherskite, in the vicinity of the camp, and means a round stone.
2. Incorrect translation of "Irrparle" - Aranda word for food source (Petrick, Jose - "The History of Alice Springs through Landmarks & Street Names"),
3. Incorrect translation by Olive Pink of Illaba, as mentioned by Spencer and Gillen for a claypan SW of Alice Springs
4. Incorrect translation of "Irpalpa", the Arrente (Aranda) name for the area between Mt Blatherskite and Temple Bar Gap, including the swamp and range.

Register & Gazettal information

Date Gazettal Comment
23/12/1981 NTG51
16/12/1992 NTG50 Part Closed
28/02/1996 NTG9 Extension to Bullen Road

The Northern Territory Gazetteer is maintained by the Place Names Section,
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment.
GPO Box 1680, Darwin NT 0801. Ph 08 8995 5333.
place.names@nt.gov.au

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