Tennant Creek

Endless horizons, million-acre cattle stations and local characters as big as the outback country they call home.

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.

Plan your stay

Tennant Creek itineraries

Tennant Creek & Barkly Region 3-day itinerary

Tennant Creek & Barkly Region 7-day itinerary

Frequently asked questions

There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre. Wedged between the two regions, Tennant Creek is likely to be affected by either climate.
In the tropical Top End it's summer from November to April with magnificent thunderstorms, spectacular sunsets and warmer weather. There are smaller crowds during summer (which is considered low season), which is a great time to grab hot deals on flights, accommodation and tours. From May to October is the Dry Season which is warm and pleasant with sunny days and cooler nights. Visit during the Dry to explore all the attractions and national parks when there’s a bustling vibe and a packed calendar of events and festivals.
The Red Centre has 4 typical seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. The Red Centre is prone to extremes, with hot summer days (from December to February) and cold winter nights (June to August). Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight in winter and it can get very cold in the desert. Winter is the most popular time to visit as the days are crisp, cool and not too hot. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) in the Red Centre bring warm days and cool evenings.
By air - Darwin is the international gateway to the Northern Territory and its well-equipped airport hub is the arrival point for most visitors travelling by air. Tennant Creek is connected by air to Darwin with Airnorth. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines, providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world.
By road - Tennant Creek is 990 km south of Darwin and 510 km north of Alice Springs. Journey by road to the NT on well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT, explore these driving routes around the Territory.
By bus - Despite the vast distances, travelling by bus (coach) to the NT is easy and affordable. Major coach and tour companies run coach services between transport hubs in the NT and destinations in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
The only real way to get around Tennant Creek is by driving your own vehicle or a hire car. There is a taxi service, and vehicle hire companies operate from Tennant Creek Airport.
Beyond Tennant Creek, 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the NT, so if you fly into the Territory, arrange to collect a vehicle at the airport then hit the road on one of the Territory’s popular driving routes.
There’s always something happening in the Territory with a year-round calendar of events.
Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.
There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures found throughout the Territory. Visit Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) which is a sacred site to the Warumungu people, one hour's drive south of Tennant Creek, or explore the galleries along the Territory Art Trails.
The Territory welcomes travellers of all abilities and aims to empower visitors with the necessary information to confidently plan your holiday. In the NT accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the compassionate and helpful nature of its locals.
Discover a variety of accommodation, tours and attractions tailored to different access needs, including hearing loss, vision loss, wheelchair access, and high support requirements. You can narrow down your search by region and accessibility preferences. If you can't find your preferred tour or attraction, we suggest contacting the business directly to find out about their accessibility. Many tourism operators are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.
Safety in any destination depends on various factors. Respect the environment, be aware of wildlife hazards, and stay informed about weather conditions and happenings in the local area. By being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy exploring the Northern Territory confidently.
While the Northern Territory has remote and rugged areas, it’s essential to take the usual precautions you’d take anywhere. Tourism hubs are well regulated with facilities and services to help visitors find their way around safely. In national parks, Park Rangers, signage boards and online guides increase safety for visitors. As with any travel experience, exercise common sense, follow guidelines, and you’ll have a safe experience.

Experiences you’ll want to share

On the popular road tripping Explorers Way route between Darwin and Adelaide, check out what other travellers are saying about their Tennant Creek holiday!