Northern Territory » Barkly Tablelands and Surrounding Area
The Barkly Tablelands are an enormous expanse of cattle stations and scrubby grasslands to the north-east of Tennant Creek in the Tennant Creek region. This place of endless skies and plains allows you to truly experience the beauty and vastness of the outback. The area is rich in history - not too long ago herds of cattle were moved by drovers along stock routes through the Tablelands.
A great way to get acquainted with the area is to head east along the Overlander’s Way (Barkly Highway), which retraces the original route of the early stockmen. Barkly Homestead, at the junction of the Overlander's Way and the Tablelands Highway, is the only service centre on the Barkly Tablelands.
Tennant Creek is an old gold mining town, home to the largest open-cut gold mine in Australia up until 1985 when mining stopped. The mine is Nobles Nob, which made one-eyed Jack Noble and blind partner William Weaber a small fortune.
There are plenty of things to do in Tennant Creek, many about gold mining. You can visit the old Gold Stamp Battery, Peko Road, and have a guided tour around at 9.30am or 5.00pm. If you want hands on experience head to the Moonlight Rockhole along Warrego Road, where you can fossick for gold yourself. You will need a permit to do this, so head for the Department of Mines and Energy first. There are also a couple of mining tours that you can take.
Other attractions include visiting the National Trust Museum, one of the 12 remaining telegraph stations in Northern Territory, as well as horse riding or visiting Devil's Marbles. Devil's Marbles are huge boulders at the side of the road, said by Aboriginal mythology to have been put there by the Rainbow Serpent.
There is a campsite in the Devil's Marbles Conservation Park or pub accommodation at Wauchope. South from Devil's Marbles is the Stuart Memorial, and Barrow Creek where another telegraph station still stands. In August the Barrow Creek Races are very popular and something you have to see.
There is a range of accommodation in the area, from camping and hostels to hotels and motels. There are also several good places to eat out both during the day and in the evening.
Tennant Creek Weather Forecast featuring todays current weather conditions in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory.
The Tennant Creek Weather Forecast also features a four day planner, including current temperature, wind, rainfall and predicted temperature and weather conditions for Tennant Creek.
Weather Forecast
Tennant Creek Ap
Friday's Summary
Min 18.1°C
Max 28°C
Rainfall 0.0mm
Normally in March
Average Min 23.2°C
Average Max 34.3°C
Rainfall 55.5mm
So far this March
Average Min 24.7°C
Average Max 36.4°C
Rainfall 3.8mm
Tennant Creek Ap 20:59 CST
Temperature 25.4°C
Dew point 4.4°C
Humidity 26%
Feels like 25.4°C
Winds ENE 13km/h
Wind gusts 15km/h
Pressure 1016.2hPa
Rainfall 0.0mm
Events
Desert Harmony Art and Cultural Festival (EVENT)
DATE / TIME: 28 August 2008 - 07 September 2008 (TBA)
LOCATION: Tennant Creek, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory - Australia
DESCRIPTION: Join in the celebrations of a town’s cultural diversity. The Desert Harmony Art and Cultural Festival in Tennant Creek is an annual event that is growing with interest from both the local community and visitors. Many visitors time their stay in Tennant Creek to coincide with this festival. The town ...
Barkly Campdraft and Rodeo (EVENT)
DATE / TIME: 03 October 2008 - 05 October 2008 (TBA)
LOCATION: Tennant Creek, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory - Australia
DESCRIPTION: A chance to see cowboys doing what they do best. The Barkly Campdraft and Rodeo is an annual family event held in October. Activities during the day and night include bull and bronco riding, barrel racing, the stockman's challenge, and an assortment of campdraft events. Full bar, catering and camping faciiites are available. Dance the night away with live entertainment on Friday night.
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