Barkly Highway

The Barkly Highway is a legendary outback route that slices through the heart of Australia's Red Centre, connecting the Northern Territory to Queensland. This remote, sealed road stretches for about 750 km from Tennant Creek to the Queensland border, offering an epic self-drive adventure through vast, empty landscapes, ancient red ranges, and tiny, resilient outback settlements. It's a journey of stark beauty and profound solitude, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the night sky blazes with stars.

Highlights & What to See

• Three Ways Roadhouse: A classic outback pit stop at the junction of the Barkly and Stuart Highways, known for its quirky memorabilia and a chance to fuel up both your vehicle and yourself.
• Devil's Marbles (Karlu Karlu): Just a short detour from the highway, these enormous, rounded granite boulders are a sacred Aboriginal site and a photographer's dream, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Elliott: A tiny town on the highway, famous for its giant 'Big Ute' and as a gateway to the Lake Woods wetlands, a haven for birdlife after rain.
• Barkly Stock Route: This historic droving route parallels the highway, and you can still see cattle being moved along it. Look out for wild camels and kangaroos.
• Lake Nash: A large ephemeral lake that, when full, attracts thousands of waterbirds. It's a stark contrast to the surrounding desert.
• Camels and Road Trains: The highway is a major route for road trains, so drive with caution. You'll also spot feral camels roaming the plains.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travelers drive the Barkly Highway in a single day (around 8-10 hours), but to truly appreciate its remote beauty, plan for at least two days. This allows time for stops at the Devil's Marbles, a night under the stars at a roadside camp, and exploring the quirky towns. If you're heading to Queensland, it's a natural extension of a Red Centre road trip from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tennant Creek: The western terminus of the highway, with gold mining history and the Nyinkka Nyunyu Cultural Centre.
• Alice Springs & the MacDonnell Ranges: A few hours south, offering iconic outback landscapes and Aboriginal art.
• Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park: Head north from the highway for stunning gorges and hot springs.
• Mount Isa, Queensland: The eastern end of the highway, a mining city with the famous 'Riversleigh Fossil Centre' nearby.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: While a significant detour, it's the ultimate Red Centre experience if you have the time.

Please check official sources for current details.