TENNANT CREEK Northern Territory

Find accommodation here for Tennant Creek

Tennant Creek is located about 500 klms north of Alice Springs and around 1,000 klms south of Darwin, and the town has an interesting history shaped by Aboriginal culture, pastoralism and gold mining.

Tennant Creek is a neat little town with about 3 500 people, with more than half being Aboriginal people. It is worthwhile visiting the Battery Hill underground mining centre just out of town, off the Stuart Highway. Ray, if he is still there when you visit, is a real character and can tell you anything about the history of the mines as he has worked in them for over 30 years. Ray is very entertaining and will talk all day if you want him to. You can then chip up some of the hard rock above ground which has very fine gold and take it with you as a souvenier.

There are many places to explore in the Tennant Creek region. Wycliffe Well, well known for numerous UFO sightings is an interesting caravan park. Ti Tree which services several Aboriginal communities; a great place to stop and sample their local wines and mango products. Newcastle Waters which is a historic settlement that is now virtually a ghost town and Elliott which was established during World War II as a camp for troops. Visiting these places provides an opportunity to enjoy the unique character of the outback.

About 100 kilometres south of Tennant Creek is the region's most spectacular landmark, the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve. Turn left off the Stuart Highway if driving south, and follow the loop around to the highway again. These rocks are very intriguing and well worth a dozen or more photographs.

WYCLIFFE WELLS, NT

Wycliffe Wells Holiday Caravan Park NT is about 98 klms from Tennant Creek and a short distance from the Devil's Marbles; like an oasis in the desert. Want to know its amazing story? Read More.

The Devil's Marbles
Near Tennant Creek

The Northern Territory