Grandpa’s Guide to Driving in Tennant Creek

What makes Australia, Australia? For me, personally, besides the koalas and the kangaroos, it’s mostly about the outback. That’s right, the vast, dry, ruthless terrain that’s the stuff of legendary stories. Where can we find this type of stereotypical Aussie outback? Well, I think another guide is in session!

Tennant Creek is the fifth largest town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It’s located a thousand kilometres away from the territory capital, Darwin and was named after a watercourse closeby.

In Tennant Creek, tourism is a promising industry. They focus on location, history, scenery and the culture to give tourists the best Australian outback experience. This is where you can get to see Australia at its most gloriously raw.

But before you set off on your Tenant Creek adventure you must get yourself a car rental. Looking for a great selection of cars at agreeably affordable prices? Look no further than http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au where you’ll surely find the deal that’s right for you. No more fuss, no more worries. No more problems of getting around. A car rental already has you sorted!

So, to start your adventure, I’ve handpicked the best places Tennant Creek has to offer. Follow my advice and your visit to Tennant Creek just might be one of the most memorable experiences in your life!

1. Mary Ann Dam

To start the ball rolling, you should definitely head to Mary Ann Dam. It’s a hit recreation spot for tourists. It’s quite accessible from the town, one quick drive and you’re already there!

At Mary Ann Dam there’s just loads to do! You can pop in for a swim, have a tasty barbecue, or a quaint little picnic, or go on an entertaining bush walk. Whatever you choose to do, it’ll be fun either way. You can’t go wrong kicking things off at Mary Ann Dam.

2. The Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

Just within the vicinity of Mary Ann Dam lie the mysterious structures of Devils Marbles.

They’re clusters of peculiar rock spheres scattered about through a wide, shallow valley. It’s truly quite a sight because you’ve got boulders precariously balanced on top of one another. You’ll come across this phenomenon and the first thing you’ll ask yourself is, “What if it falls?” Turns out, this is the product of millions of years of erosion.

Pay an extra fee and you can get to camp out on the ancient landscape. Be one of the lucky few who get to see these magnificent structures at sunrise and sunset. Be sure to take pictures.

So if you’ve got an eye for the unusual, the baffling Karlu Karlu is definitely a must-see!

3. Battery Hill Mining Centre

A kilometre and a half from town is the Battery Hill Mining Centre. This is your last stop. Here you can pretend to go back a few years to experience life in Tennant Creek’s outback gold rush in the 1930s. This is seriously going to top your Aussie adventure!

Go on an underground mine tour so that you can delightfully see the machinery in action. Walk through the two museums, Flies, Fortitude and Freedom—to have a look at the society on the goldfields during the early years, and the McLaughlin Minerals Collection—a stunning array of mineral samples from across the world. And the best part is… you can try to pan for your own gold! You can even get to keep what you find!

If that doesn’t get you excited enough, I don’t know what will.

So come on down to Tennant Creek. See the sights, hear the sounds, breathe the air of the true Australian outback! Have fun, you all! Do send me a message if you’ve managed to hit the jackpot and pocket home some gold. I’d really like to hear about that, yeah?

See you around!

- Grandpa Benjamin