Tennant Creek is the home of Australia's last gold rush, which took place in the 1930's at one time the area was the third largest gold producing region. From its rough and tumble beginnings as a gold rush and cattle town, Tennant Creek has become an important regional centre. Located 507 kilometres north of Alice Springs the town has a population of 4,000 and is the main service centre for the Barkly Tablelands and the sprawling cattle stations there.
It is said that the town of Tennant Creek was established when Joe Kilgariff, a pioneer of the Territory, built a store upon the site where a beer wagon became bogged. This spot became the Tennant Creek Hotel, which still stands to this day.
Tennant Creek has a host of colourful characters such as blind William Weaber and his friend, Jack Noble who between them found the richest mines in the area, including Weaber's Find and Noble's Nob. Visitors to Tennant Creek today can take a tour through an underground mine where various mining techniques and devices from throughout history are on display and in some cases demonstrated. The excellent Nyinkka Nyunyu art and cultural centre provides a useful insight into Aboriginal history and culture of this region. Local arts and crafts are on sale and the centre has a great café.
Today it is a modern town that has lost none of the charm of the outback. Take a break and enjoy the friendly informal lifestyle, great weather, lovely bush and fascinating history.
Things to do
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