Davenport Ranges

Rising abruptly from the red sand plains south of Tennant Creek, the Davenport Ranges offer a raw, off-the-beaten-path Outback experience. This ancient, weathered landscape is etched with dry riverbeds, rocky gorges, and stands of ghost gums, and it remains one of the Northern Territory’s least-visited gems. For self-drive adventurers, it’s a place to truly feel the vastness of the interior, with 4WD tracks leading to secluded waterholes and Aboriginal rock art sites that speak to millennia of continuous culture.

Highlights & What to See

• Kurundi Station – While not a formal attraction, the historic pastoral station offers a glimpse into outback station life and is a good base for exploring the ranges.
• Rock art at Nardoo Creek – Search for ancient ochre paintings on sheltered rock faces, a tangible link to the traditional owners, the Warumungu people.
• 4WD tracks through the ranges – The main draw; follow the Davenport Ranges 4WD route (check conditions) past spinifex-clad hills and dry creek crossings to remote campsites like Frew River.
• Birdwatching at waterholes – After rains, ephemeral waterholes attract flocks of zebra finches, budgerigars, and the occasional brolga.
• Stargazing – With zero light pollution, the night sky here is a dazzling canopy of stars – a highlight for any traveller.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors allocate a full day for a self-drive loop from Tennant Creek (allow 6–8 hours including stops). For a deeper experience, pack camping gear and spend two nights – one to explore the central ranges, another to soak up the solitude and night sky. The 4WD tracks are slow going (20–30 km/h), so plan your route carefully and carry ample water, fuel, and food. A high-clearance 4WD is essential; the tracks are not suitable for 2WD vehicles.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tennant Creek – The nearest town (about 100 km north), with the Battery Hill Mining Centre and the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre.
• Devil’s Marbles (Karlu Karlu) – A spectacular field of giant granite boulders, just 100 km south of Tennant Creek along the Stuart Highway.
• Kunjarra (The Pebbles) – A smaller, quieter version of the Devil’s Marbles, located near Tennant Creek and sacred to the Warumungu people.
• Lake Mary Ann – A popular swimming and picnic spot just south of Tennant Creek, perfect for a cooldown after dusty 4WDing.

Please check official sources for current details.