Billy Goat Hill (Alice Springs) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Billy Goat Hill |
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| Akeyulerre | |
 Billy Goat Hill
Location in Northern Territory
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| Geography | |
| Location | Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia |
Billy Goat Hill, also known as Akeyulerre in the Arrernte language, is a well-known hill in Alice Springs, Australia. It is located close to ANZAC Hill. Both hills are important to the local Arrernte people. They hold special stories about two sisters and young boys traveling north. These stories describe their journeys and events at these sites.
Billy Goat Hill and ANZAC Hill are the most noticeable hills in the center of Alice Springs. People have used them for a long time. Today, Billy Goat Hill is very near major roads. For many years, it was home to the town's water towers.
History of Billy Goat Hill
How Billy Goat Hill Got Its Name
Billy Goat Hill got its name from the goats that came to town with an Arabana woman named Topsy Smith. She lived near the hill for a short time. Later, she began working at The Bungalow. Topsy Smith moved to Alice Springs in 1914. At that time, Alice Springs was called Stuart. She moved after her husband passed away in Arltunga.
Topsy Smith brought a large herd of several hundred goats with her. These goats were allowed to graze on the edge of town. People often saw them on top of the hill. Because of this, the hill became known as Billy Goat Hill.
Water Tanks on the Hill
During World War II, the Australian government sent many people to Alice Springs. In 1940, they built large water tanks on top of Billy Goat Hill. These tanks were built by workers employed by the army.
The water tanks provided running water to the new hospital. They also supplied water to nearby government houses. This was the first time Alice Springs had running water. These important water tanks have since been removed from the hill.
