Overview
Pull in at Tennant Creek, a friendly hamlet on the main artery between Alice Springs and Darwin, and discover a rich history shaped by gold mining, Aboriginal culture and the NT’s original cattle kings.
Australia’s last gold rush took place right here in the 1930s, earning the town its title of ‘the Territory’s heart of gold’. Re-live the gold rush era on an underground tour at the Battery Hill Mining Centre, which houses Australia’s last operating ten-head gold stamp battery. Try fossicking for your own gold to take home. Trawl through gold mining artefacts and memorabilia at the Tuxworth-Fullwood Museum, which was once a camp hospital during WWII.
Climate
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Summer
Dec—Feb40°C Avg. High35°C Avg. Low -
Winter
Jun—Aug25°C Avg. High20°C Avg. Low
Places to go
Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
Discover ancient granite boulders that seem to have dropped from the wide blue skies of the Barkly Tablelands, 95km south of Tennant Creek. Wander around Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles where you’ll find boulders that are precariously balanced and defying gravity, scattered across a wide, shallow valley.
The Devils Marbles are a sacred site known as Karlu Karlu in the language of the traditional owners the Warumungu people. Formed over millions of years, they continue to crack and erode making for a unique view each time you visit. Take your time to explore the region’s most famous landmark. Follow the walkways and learn via the information boards how the granite formations have withstood the eroding forces of wind and rain, unlike the surrounding sandstone. The fascinating geological marvel can be explored through a short self-guided walking trail with informative signage.
Tips
- Karlu Karlu is open to visitors year-round, but it’s best to visit during the cooler months (April to September) to avoid extreme heat. Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to experience the best lighting for photography and to avoid crowds.
- Facilities at Karlu Karlu include picnic areas, toilets, and information boards. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal amidst the ancient rock formations while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Wycliffe Well
Wycliffe Well, located 130km south of Tennant Creek and 380km north of Alice Springs, has built a reputation around extra-terrestrial sightings in the area. Wycliffe Well began as a market garden to supply the troops going to and from Darwin during World War II. As the highway developed further after the war, it became a roadhouse supplying fuel and provisions to travellers. Eventually as tourism increased, it has transformed into a substantial and well-equipped holiday park.
Located nearby is the Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve and the gateway to the Davenport Ranges National Park (Iytwelepenty). Explore hidden waterholes and discover the large variety of birdlife and black-footed rock wallabies in the national park.
Tips
- Due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, Wycliffe Well offers excellent conditions for stargazing. Bring along a telescope or simply lie back and marvel at the clear night skies, keeping an eye out for any unusual phenomena.
- While Wycliffe Well is a small settlement, it offers basic facilities such as a petrol station, convenience store, and a pub. However, it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials before arriving, especially if you’re planning to explore more remote areas.
Renner Springs
Renner Springs is 150km north of Tennant Creek along the Stuart Highway. It was originally established by Dr Frederick Renner whilst working on the Overland Telegraph line in 1877. The Renner Springs Desert Inn itself is a World War II army hut relocated from Banka Banka Station (established in 1885) 50km away.
Renner Springs provides fuel, meals, bar facilities, motel accommodation and campsites to the traveller on the Explorers Way. Motel rooms are air-conditioned and there’s a pool on site. The Renner Springs lagoon and springs walk is a great way to stretch your legs after a day on the road.
Tips
- Use Renner Springs as a base to explore nearby attractions such as the Devil’s Marbles (Karlu Karlu) or the historical towns of Tennent Creek and Alice Springs.
- Take advantage of Renner Springs’ remote location to enjoy outdoor activities such as birdwatching, bushwalking, and stargazing.
Barkly Tableland
Drive across the never-ending plains of the Barkly Tablelands. Take in the rugged beauty and watch the colour of the landscape change as the sun sets. Experience the big skies and far horizons of the outback at Barkly Tablelands, rolling plains of grassland that stretch east of Tennant Creek and are home to some of the Territory’s premier cattle stations.
Travellers are drawn to the Barkly for its rugged beauty and to experience the sense of freedom that comes from driving through its long stretches of uninhabited land. Watch as the colours of this immense landscape change with the sun, as rocky hillsides pick up the rays between daybreak and evening. Drive through the Mitchell grassland, through which hardy stockmen drove their cattle along the tablelands’ endless stock routes not so long ago.
Tips
- Be aware of road conditions, especially if you’re planning to drive in the Barkly Tableland. Some roads may be unsealed or subject to closures during the wet season (November to April). Check road conditions and weather forecasts before travelling and adjust your plans accordingly.
- The Barkly Tableland experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot temperatures during the day and cooler nights. Be prepared for extreme heat, especially during the summer months, and bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of drinking water.
Davenport Ranges
Load up the 4WD for an adventure in the real Outback. Camp under the stars, explore the network of bush tracks, and cool off in peaceful waterholes. Experience the quiet beauty of the Davenport Range National Park, east of Tennant Creek. With access via high-clearance four-wheel drive only, this out-of-the-way place attracts intrepid lovers of outdoor adventures and is a great place to unwind and recharge.
Explore the park’s network of permanent waterholes and beautiful outback landscapes on some of the best four-wheel drive tracks in the NT. A network of tracks criss-cross the 1,120km2 park, including the challenging 17km Frew River loop track to the Old Police Station Waterhole, the park’s best-known attraction. Stop to appreciate spectacular vistas from rocky ridgelines.
Tips
- Accommodation options near the Davenport Ranges may be limited and often consist of camping grounds or remote stations offering basic facilities. Plan your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re camping, and be prepared for a more rustic experience.
- The Davenport Ranges are home to several Indigenous communities, each with its own rich cultural heritage. Respect Indigenous culture and seek opportunities to learn about local traditions, art, and history through guided tours or cultural experiences.
Elliott
Elliott, the halfway point between Darwin and Alice Springs, 250km north of Tennant Creek, is predominantly a service provider to surrounding pastoralists. The town has a population of 339 and was named after Army Lieutenant Snow Elliott, who established an army staging camp in the area for northbound troops during World War II. Prior to this, Elliott was just ‘Number 8 Bore’ on the massive Newcastle Waters Station. Kulumindini is the traditional Aboriginal name for Elliott, and the town lies on important Dreaming tracks.
Tips
- Use Elliott as a base to explore nearby attractions such as the historical town of Tennant Creek, which offers museums, art galleries, and cultural experiences. Consider visiting nearby natural attractions such as the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) or the Barkly Tableland.
- Elliott experiences a hot desert climate, with scorching temperatures during the day and cooler nights. Be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
Newcastle Waters
Newcastle Waters township is located 282km north of Tennant Creek just off the Explorers Way. It’s part of the vast, historic Newcastle Waters Station in the Barkly Tablelands. The explorer John McDouall Stuart reached the area in 1861 and was excited to find a large body of water in Lake Woods nearby and named it after the Duke of Newcastle, the then Secretary for the Colonies.
Stuart established a basecamp near the present site of the station. With the development of the pastoral industry, a small township sprang up and thrived as a supply point at the junction of major droving routes. The introduction of the road train in the 1960s, however, rendered droving obsolete, and Newcastle Waters quickly became a ghost town and is no longer inhabited.
Tips
- Newcastle Waters has historical significance as a former telegraph station and World War II staging post. Explore the area to discover remnants of its past, including historical buildings, telegraph lines and war memorabilia.
- Take necessary precautions when exploring Newcastle Waters and the surrounding Outback, including being aware of weather conditions, wildlife hazards, and remote travel risks. Plan your activities accordingly and let someone know your travel plans if venturing into more isolated areas.
Tips & Suggestions
- Consider renting a car or joining a guided tour to explore the area at your own pace. If driving, be prepared for long distances and limited services along the way.
- Explore the natural beauty of the surrounding Outback by embarking on outdoor adventures such as bushwalking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Visit nearby parks and reserves, including the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve and Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles.