Barkly Tablelands

Stretching across the heart of the Northern Territory, the Barkly Tablelands is a vast, ancient landscape of red earth, spinifex, and endless horizons. This is quintessential outback Australia, where cattle stations are measured in thousands of square kilometres and the night sky blazes with stars. For travellers, it offers a raw, authentic experience of remote station life, prehistoric fossils, and the stark beauty of the semi-arid plains.

Highlights & What to See

• Devil's Marbles (Karlu Karlu) – A sacred site and geological wonder, these precariously balanced granite boulders glow fiery orange at sunrise and sunset. Walk among them and feel the ancient energy of the landscape.
• Barkly Homestead – The iconic roadhouse and pub at the crossroads of the Stuart and Barkly Highways. It's a classic outback stop for a cold beer, a hearty meal, and a chat with locals and travellers alike.
• Elliott – A small town on the Stuart Highway known for its birdwatching and the nearby Longreach Waterhole, a serene spot for a swim or a picnic.
• Brunette Downs Race Club – Experience the legendary outback race meeting held in August on a red-dirt track. It's a true bucket-list event with camping, live music, and a convivial atmosphere.
• Lake Woods – A massive ephemeral wetland that attracts thousands of waterbirds, including brolgas and pelicans, after good rains. It's a paradise for birdwatchers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least two to three days to properly explore the Barkly Tablelands. This allows time to drive the main highways (Stuart and Barkly) with stops at key sites like the Devil's Marbles and Barkly Homestead, plus a detour to Lake Woods or a station stay. If you're heading between Alice Springs and Darwin or across to Queensland, plan to break your journey here for a night or two to soak in the outback atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tennant Creek – A historic gold-mining town 100 km north, with the Nyinkka Nyunyu Culture Centre and the Battery Hill Mining Centre.
• Alice Springs – The Red Centre's hub, about 400 km south, offering the Larapinta Trail, Alice Springs Desert Park, and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
• Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park – Around 600 km north, famous for Katherine Gorge, hot springs, and the Cutta Cutta Caves.
• Camels, Cattle and Canefields Route – The Barkly Highway heads east into Queensland, leading to Mount Isa and the Gulf Savannah.

Please check official sources for current details.