Central Australia’s golden town, Tennant Creek, is
surrounded by large cattle properties, rocky outcrops and
vast outback tablelands stretching as far as the eye can
see. Alice Springs is within a day’s drive south, with
Darwin an easy few days north. For the campervan
traveller, you can choose each day where you want to base
yourselves to explore the rugged Australian terrain or spend
a few days close to town to enjoy the local attractions.
One of the most famous local landmarks, the Devils Marbles,
is located just over an hours drive south of town. These
massive round boulders seem to be suspended in space, and
are impressive at dusk when they seem to glow red with the
sunset. There is a walk here which takes you to the best
viewing spots and there is a great campground if you want to
stay a while longer to enjoy all this region has to offer.
Not far is the Davenport Range National Park, which offers
beautiful scenery, attracting locals and tourists from all
areas. The Old Police Station Waterhole is one of the most
well known features of the Park, and is easily accessible
from the main road. Come here for a picnic and swim to
enjoy the hidden treasures of the central territory.
Head east and you will find the Barkly Tablelands, known
for their rich cattle grazing land. Travel along the
Overlander’s Way towards the Queensland border and you will
be on the same trail as the stockmen who first drove their
herds into the Territory from Queensland. Stop at the
Barkly Homestead for a coffee and chat to the locals, enjoy
the remoteness of central Australia at its best.
There are a number of caravan parks in town, but you might
want to head one of the many camping grounds further out of
town for an outback adventure. Bring all your own supplies
and be prepared for incredible nights under a canopy of
stars, camp fires and fun filled days either exploring the
surrounding terrain or simply relaxing in a deck chair
reading a book.
A great place to stay for the night is the Threeways Tourist
Park, named because you can travel in three different
directions – north, south on the Stuart Highway or east onto
the Barkley Highway. It is perfect base to visit the local
attractions with excellent facilities.
You can’t visit Tennant Creek without panning for gold. You
may not strike a big nugget, but there’s still tales of
visitors coming home with a lot more than they bargained
for. Battery Hill Mining Centre is a few minutes away,
which has an interesting museum and guided mine tours. This
will give you a greater appreciation of the local industry
and history of the area. The Peko and Eldorado Mines are
the most famous, established when Tennant Creek was put on
the map during its famous gold rush.
For a quick getaway, head to the Mary Ann Dam which is only
five kilometres north of town. Bring a picnic lunch and
enjoy a refreshing swim or spot of fishing. With plenty of
wildlife and birdlife here you might want to schedule some
time here. Continue on further north to visit the Pebbles,
which are often referred to as a smaller version of the
Devils Marbles. These large boulders set off stunning
scenery, and being so close to town are worth visiting to
capture the spirit of the outback.
Tennant Creek is a great base to explore much of the
surrounding territory. There are certainly plenty of far
horizons and rugged mountain ranges in every direction, and
the whole region seems to typify the Australian outback at
its best. Its vast stretches of grassy plains and long,
dusty roads beckon you to explore what lies beyond the
horizon. You will love the freedom your campervan brings
to enjoy every day of your trip to the territory.
Jenny Brewer
