With Tennant Creek at the centre of the region, this area captures the essence of the vast outback with some iconic geological features (the Devils Marbles / Karlu Karlu and Kunjarra / The Pebbles), Indigenous Art and Culture, and European history.

The Tablelands
The Barkly region is synonymous with the cattle industry, that is sustained by the rich grassland of the ‘Barkly Tableland’. This vast region can now be transverse by sealed road stretching just east of Tennant Creek taking you into the lush tropical coastal region of Queensland, all the way to Townsville. The drive follows the original stock route of the pioneers and stockmen, who drove their cattle from the East Kimberley in Western Australia to the east coast, giving rise to many of Australia’s premier cattle stations.

Mining also made an unique contribution to the area, starting in the 1930’s when gold was discovered, setting off Australia’s last gold rush. Mining and exploration in the region continuing to this day. Visitors to Battery Hill Mining Centres are offered an insight into the lives of those early miners.

The traditional owners of the area surrounding Tennant Creek are the Warumungu people whose culture continues today and visitors are welcomed at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre.

The Stuart Highway that runs through the centre of the region links South Australia’s Port Augusta in the south with the Northern Territory’s Darwin in the north.

Check out our listing of Barkly Region accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel guide information, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information.