72
DEVILS MARBLES: ED NORTON / GETTYWHEN TO GO
With average daytime maximum
temperatures around 25°C, winter
is the best time to visit. But be
prepared for night-time temperatures
that fall to as low as 6°C. December–
January can be unbearably hot, with
daytime temperatures climbing to
higher than 40°C.GETTING THERE
Tennant Creek is an 11 hour-drive
from Darwin along the Stuart
Highway. The drive from Alice Springs
follows the Adelaide–Darwin route of
explorer John McDouall Stuart. Most
roads between major towns are
sealed, but conditions can deteriorate
quickly – particularly during summer-
time flooding. Petrol stations can be
great distances apart, so travel with
extra provisions. Check regularly with
the road report website. Chart Air
operates two return services a week
from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
Airport – on Monday mornings and
Wednesday afternoons. Air North
plans to begin flights between Darwin
and Tennant Creek in the near future.POINTS OF INTEREST
1 Pebbles (Kunjarra)
2 Old Telegraph Station
3 Lake Mary Ann
4 Anzac Hill
5 Rodeo, Jubilee Park, in October
6 Battery Hill Mining Centre
7 Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre
8 Kelly’s Ranch
9 Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles (105km)WHERE TO STAY
There is a range of motels, motor inns
and roadhouses available in and
around the town. Several caravan
parks offer cabins, campsites and
dorm accommodation. A youth hostel
also offers a range of budget options.USEFUL LINKS
Tennant Creek and Barkly Tourism
http://www.barklytourism.com.au
Barkly Regional Council
http://www.barkly.nt.gov.au
NT Road Report
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/roadreport
Discover caravan parks and campsites
at http://www.turu.com.au72 Australian Geographic
TENNANT CREEKOutback dreaming. Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation
Reserve (top) is a sacred site for Aboriginal people. The view
from Anzac Hill (above) reveals Tennant Creek’s straight streets.