To get a full overview of the Territory’s pastoral and mining history, a drive up from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek is a must. In this four day itinerary you can visit one of the Territory’s spectacular rock formations, a lake in the middle of the desert, an old gold mining battery and learn the history of the region from the local Aboriginal perspective.
Day 1
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Alice Springs to Devils Marbles
Depart Alice Springs this morning, heading north on the Explorer’s Way (Stuart Highway). Cross the Tropic of Capricorn; discover pioneering history at Ryan’s Well Historic Reserve; taste fruits of the desert at Ti Tree and explore the Overland Telegraph Station at Barrow Creek. The time just before sunset is the most dramatic time to be at the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, so plan to camp overnight at the nearby campground.
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Day 2
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Devils Marbles and Aboriginal heritage sites
Continuing north to Tennant Creek and spend the morning, exploring the Aboriginal heritage of the area at the Julalikari Arts and Craft Centre and the Winanjjikari Music Centre, finishing up at Nyinkka Nyunyu Cultural Centre. Spend the afternoon at the Battery Hill Mining Centre, learning about the gold rush days. Remember to pick up a key for the Telegraph Station for your day tomorrow. This evening, catch the Bush Tucker Talk at the Outback Caravan Park. |
Day 3
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Lake Mary Ann and Telegraph Station
This morning explore the Tuxworth-Fulwood House. Then make your way out to Lake Mary Ann, just 5km north of Tennant Creek via Stuart Highway. If you brought your bike, cycle to the lake on the Ted Ryko Cycle Track. This afternoon, head off to the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station and relive the life of a pioneer and Overland Telegraph worker. Then, continue on to The Pebbles (Kunjarra), a sacred place to the Waramungu Aboriginal people, before heading back to Tennant Creek for the night.
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Day 4
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Tennant Creek and Ryan’s Well Historic Reserve
You can take another look around the town this morning or depart straight away and take your time driving back to Alice Springs. Suggested stops on the return trip include the 17-metre high statue of the Anmatjere Man at Aileron and Glen Maggie homestead at Ryan’s Well Historic Reserve.
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