Close
Aerial Plenty Highway

Living in the
Barkly Region

Living in the Barkly Region

The Barkly region, situated approximately 1,000 kilometres south of Darwin, on the Stuart Highway heading south, beckons aspiring rural generalists to experience the authentic beauty of the Australian outback. Home to the Warramungu Aboriginal people, this region is characterised by expansive grasslands, Australian bushland, and stunning rocky hillsides that transform with the colours of the setting sun. A sight not to be missed.

Barkly boasts million-acre cattle stations, gold mining heritage sites, Iconic rock formations and the outback town of Tennant Creek. The Barkly Tableland, known for its importance in cattle grazing, extends east from the town of Tennant Creek toward the Queensland border. Tennant Creek offers a laid-back lifestyle, surrounded by the comforts of country culture, where weekends can be spent swimming at Mary Ann Dam or exploring the Davenport ranges through 4WD adventures.

Reaching Tennant Creek is possible by car, with the town located 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs and 1,000 kilometres south of Darwin along the Stuart Highway. Greyhound Bus services and charter flights are also available, providing convenient access to this remote yet inviting destination.

Tennant Creek, a close-knit town with a population of 3,000, is steeped in the ancient traditions and beliefs of its traditional custodians, primarily the Warramungu people. With a strong Aboriginal presence, the region is an ideal place to learn about Aboriginal life, history, land, traditions, and culture. The diverse Aboriginal groups in the area contribute to making Tennant Creek a rich cultural hub.

Tennant Creek Hospital, a 20-bed facility, offers emergency services and acute care in various clinical specialties. The hospital also hosts a 16-chair renal unit providing dialysis services to the Barkly region. Additionally, three Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services - Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, Ampilatwatja Health Centre Corporation, and Urapuntja Health Service - contribute to rural generalist primary care services in the region.

Tennant Creek provides opportunities for employment in mining, energy, tourism, administration, retail, education, and the military police. The town offers a variety of family homes for rent and sale, allowing individuals to secure their own piece of land and build their homes. Working in the health industry will provide some residential accommodation opportunities depending on your needs.

Tennant Creek features a primary school and a high school, Tennant Creek High School. Additionally, remote schools provide online learning opportunities for students in the region.

The Barkly region experiences two distinct seasons. The dry season, with low humidity and cool nights, is ideal for outdoor activities. The wet season, from November to April, brings an increase in humidity and refreshing monsoonal rains and storms, revitalising Barkly's landscape.

Download Regional Guide

The  following guide contain even more information around what its like to live and work in each region, with additional information about shopping, dining, attractions, Aboriginal  language groups and more.

You can travel to Tennant Creek by:

Car

Tennant Creek is roughly 505 kilometres north along the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs and roughly 990 kilometres due south from Darwin. Travelling from Alice Springs will take just over 4.5 hours, while travelling from Darwin will take over 10 hours.

Bus

Book onto a Greyhound coach.

Train

Tennant Creek has an airfield, and charter flights are easily arranged from either Darwin or Alice Springs. AirNorth has scheduled flights from Tennant Creek to Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.

Culture

The Barkly region presents aspiring rural generalists with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the real Australia, characterised by vast landscapes, Aboriginal culture, and a welcoming community in Tennant Creek.

Devil's Marbles