Barkly Tableland

Stretching across the heart of the Northern Territory, the Barkly Tableland is a vast, ancient landscape of grassy plains, red dirt, and endless horizons. This remote region, named after the explorer John McDouall Stuart's sponsor, offers a raw outback experience where cattle stations cover areas the size of small countries. Here, you'll find a stark beauty in the solitude, with dramatic sunsets painting the sky over Mitchell grass plains. The small town of Tennant Creek is the main hub, providing services and a glimpse into the region's gold mining history.

Highlights & What to See

• Devil's Marbles (Karlu Karlu): A sacred site to the Warumungu people, these precariously balanced granite boulders are mesmerizing at sunrise or sunset, when the light turns them a deep orange.
• Tennant Creek: Visit the Battery Hill Mining Centre to learn about the gold rush, and see the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre for insights into local Aboriginal culture.
• Lake Woods: A massive ephemeral lake west of Tennant Creek that attracts huge numbers of waterbirds after rain – a surprising oasis in the arid landscape.
• Barkly Homestead: A classic outback roadhouse and rest stop on the Barkly Highway, offering a cold beer and a chance to chat with locals and travellers.
• Brunette Downs Racecourse: One of Australia's most remote horse racing tracks, hosting the annual Brunette Downs Races in August – a true outback social event.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least two days to explore the Barkly Tableland properly. This allows for a relaxed drive along the Barkly Highway, with stops at the Devil's Marbles for sunset, a morning exploring Tennant Creek, and time to soak in the vastness of the plains. If you're driving between Darwin and Alice Springs, this makes a perfect one-night stopover; for a deeper experience, add an extra day to venture to some of the remote stations or Lake Woods.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Davenport Ranges National Park: Rugged ranges and waterholes south of Tennant Creek, ideal for bushwalking and birdwatching.
• Katherine: Further north on the Stuart Highway, gateway to Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park) and hot springs.
• Alice Springs: The red centre's hub, about a 5-hour drive south, offering the West MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs Desert Park.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: A longer detour but iconic – the rock and domes are about 8 hours southwest via the Stuart Highway.
• Camels at Alice Springs: If you're heading south, consider a camel ride or visit to the Camel Farm.

Please check official sources for current details.