Bordered by the Barkly Table Lands on one side, Tennant Creek has a moniker touting its “Heart of Gold”. Once part of the gold-rush era, Tennant Creek still showcases mining culture and fossicking, as well as Aboriginal culture and nature reserves.

Things to do

Aboriginal communities are an integral part of life in Tennant Group. You can visit sacred sites and the Nyinkka Nyunyu Culture Centre to learn about native history, stories and art. The award-winning centre offers interaction with Aboriginals and a full immersion in the ancient cultures of nine different tribes.

Visit The Battery Hill Mining Centre for a look at the mining history of Tennant Creek and to hear stories about earlier workers labouring on the Overland Telegraph Line. You can even go fossicking for gold on your own or with a guide.

Take a self-guided trek in local nature reserves and national parks, where you’ll spot native birds, flora and fauna. Navigate through rocky ranges to see the Devils Marbles, a group of enormous granite boulders balanced on top of one another. Rent a 4WD to traverse rugged trails in Davenport Range National Park, and keep an eye out for the Old Police Station Waterhole on the Frew River.

Cattle station outings offer an authentic experience for travellers. Book space at Banka Banka Station for a night of camping under the stars, grilling steaks outdoors and relaxing on the expansive veranda of the mud-brick homestead.

Getting around

Tennant Creek is a small community and is relatively remote, so it’s advisable to bring your own car or rent one in Alice Springs, about 500 kilometres away. Buses and trains service the town a few times per week.