Devils Marbles and Tennant Creek

A 15 minute self-guided walk is accessible from the western side of the road (in the day use area) and there is a network of walking tracks for you to find some solitude in this most special place. The environment at Karlu Karlu provides shelter for a diverse range of wildlife. The boulders provide a secure breeding ground for Fairy Martins and Zebra Finches, as well as many breeds of lizards. They also host many species of flora including native Rock Fig. To gain the most form your visit to Karlu Karlu, participate in a guide talk which is available in the cooler months. Check with the Visitor Information Centre (08) 8962 1281 for dates and times. You can also pick up a fact sheet on any of the NT Parks.

Tennant Creek

The Experience

Travel north of Alice Springs along the Explorer’s Way (Stuart Highway) and include the Barkly Region to your NT holiday itinerary.

Challenge your perception and be pleasantly surprised. Discover within its vast boundaries Aboriginal culture, gold mines, historic stock routes, flora and fauna and fascinating bush pubs and characters. 

The Barkly sure is a big place and home of the Devils Marbles, an outstanding geological feature.
The boundaries stretch from the Overland Telegraph Station at Barrow Creek to the south spreading northerly to the historic township of Newcastle Waters while unfolding east to the Queensland border. Tennant Creek, at the heart of the region, has a population of 3000 people.

In 1860, John McDouall Stuart named a watercourse Tennant Creek, but it was not until 1872 when the Telegraph Repeater Station was built, that there was any European settlement in the area.

With the discovery of gold in 1932, the humble beginnings of Australia’s Last Goldrush Town were assured.

Modern facilities and services nestle within our township where, art galleries, music, murals and festivals portray our heritage and culture.

While proudly boasting of its mining heritage the town is also host to the amazing age old culture of the Aboriginal people. With a long association to the area they are well represented locally. Both lifestyles are showcased at the town’s two major attractions.

Battery Hill Mining Centre offers an insight into the rugged lifestyle of those early miners who mined the precious minerals of the region,
with few comforts & facilities. Visitors can join an Underground Mine Tour which exhibits working machinery & explains how the miners extracted gold from the incredibly hard rock. (Day & Night Tours Available).

Nyinkka Nyunyu Aboriginal Art & Culture Centre is a world class showcase of the history of the Warumungu people, traditional owners of the land that is now Tennnat Creek. Rich in history, the Warumungu culture is alive today. Visit Nyinkka Nyunyu to engage with these traditional people and learn of their relationship to the vast landscape of the outback.

While in Tennant Creek, visit Bill Allen Lookout for a spectacular view of the countryside, have a round of golf or a game of bowls with the locals, admire the artwork of Aboriginal ladies at the Pink Palace, grab a key and explore the Telegraph Station, drop into the Tuxworth Fullwood House museum and lastly take a self-guided town walk to discover the history behind the buildings.

Roadhouses and Wayside Inns are spread along the Stuart Highway, offering true outback hospitality. Take time to travel through the Barkly. Visit the stock route junction ghost town of Newcastle Waters with its eight foot bronze Drovers Memorial statue and two historic buildings.

The Landscape is magnificent, with the best shows at dawn or dusk when the sun brings the Landscape to life with fiery colours. The land is rich in both traditions and minerals.

Those who love 4WD, visit the Davenport Ranges (proposed national park) east of the Stuart Hwy for outback off-road adventure.There is plenty to do to fill a couple of days and you will be glad you came. Reward yourself at the end of each day with a visit to the oasis of the desert, Lake Mary Ann. Surrounded by lush green lawns and shady trees, it is the perfect spot for a swim or just enjoy the prolific birdlife. In the evening, join the legendary and delightful Jimmy Hooker for a presentation of unique poetry and bush tucker.

Relish the charm of small outback communities where the pace is steady. Talk to the locals, who are justifiably proud of their friendly reputation, for the real gold of this region today is the friendliness of the locals!

Visitor Information Centre

When travelling, always call into the local Visitor Information Centre for up-to-date information.  The Tennant Creek Visitor Information Centre is located at Battery Hill Mining Centre on Peko Road. 

The staff, renowned for their friendly service, are always willing to assist you with any enquiries you may have and are a great source of local current information.

They have informative displays, souvenirs, maps & written information on hand, covering the Barkly Region and beyond, to assist you with your travel plans.

Please drop in and say hello!

Phone: (08) 8962 1281
Fax: (08) 8962 2022
Email: info@barklytourism.com.au