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The Barkly Region extends from Barrow Creek in the south, to Newcastle Waters in the north and east to the Queensland border. It is a vast region, steeped in both traditional Aboriginal culture and prime cattle country.

The region covers over 300,000 square kilometres, yet it is sparsely populated by only approximately 7000 people. Half live in Tennant Creek; the rest are scattered across remote communities and cattle stations.

The climate is dry and warm in winter, with huge open skies that are clear and brilliant blue during this Dry season; and spectacularly stormy during the Wet (summer), and never better viewed than at night-time when you’ll marvel at the millions of stars you normally can’t see in built-up areas! The land is red, rich in minerals and steeped in the history of the last great gold rush of this nation.

Tennant Creek is the central hub of the Barkly Region. It sits on Warumungu Country, with all twelve of the adjacent different Aboriginal languages spoken, as over the years, people have migrated into town from surrounding areas. The town has a relatively short history, having been born out of that last gold rush back in the 1930s, so local Aboriginal people still follow traditional customs and lore.

You will find a lively community of interesting locals . The Golden Heart reputation began with the mining era, but these days it is held sacred in the generous nature of the local inhabitants.

Take your time travelling through this region, it is a great place to slow your pace, take in the vast surroundings and enjoy the peaceful sound of the wind through the gumtrees, or whistling around the spinifex grass. There are plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife and take beautiful photos.

It is a timeless landscape, which invites you to take your time. Have a yarn with the locals, there is always someone to chat with, whether a fellow traveller at a rest stop, or a local at the bar!

Whether you travel the bitumen highways, or go off-road on the Binns Track, you will find yourself in locations with no mobile or internet service, a disadvantage to some in the modern world, but a blessing for all those who long to switch off, to take in the surroundings and bask in the sunshine of our beautiful seasons.

Fuel supplies are a long distance between in the NT, so top up the tanks whenever you get the opportunity.

Mobile network coverage is limited from the outskirts of most outback towns. Download all maps, guides, fact sheets, audio guides while you have mobile coverage. Look for Wi-Fi hotspots located in more remote tourist sites.