Parks And Reserves Of The Tennant Creek Region

Distances shown are from Tennant Creek, and areas measurements are in hectares.

South

Devil's Marbles Conservation Reserve (1828ha/112km): Huge granite boulders scattered in heaps across the floor of a shallow valley are a photographer's delight. Signs along a short walk tell how the boulders were formed.

Davenport Range National Park (112000ha/163km): A quiet beauty makes this Park a relaxing and attractive place for intrepid tourists and the local residents from Tennant Creek and Alice Springs wishing to get away from it all. Much of the scenic value of the 1120km2 area is related to the waterholes which makes the Park ideal for bushwalking. This significant environmental zone between the Top End and the Centre of the Northern Territory is also an important refuge for fauna, especially water birds due to an extensive network of waterholes

Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve (250km): One of 15 telegraph stations that formed the network from Port Augusta to Port Darwin. The beautifully restored stone buildings were built in 1872 and are set against the backdrop of the picturesque Forster Range.

North

Tennant Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve (1797ha/4km): One of our newest reserves. The 1875 building is gradually being restored. Although not open to the public at present, occasional guided tours operate and interested visitors may join them by prior arrangement with the Tennant Creek Regional Tourist Association, phone 08 8962 3388.

John Flynn Historical Reserve (0.5ha/24km): Features a roadside pillar built as a memorial to the Reverend John Flynn, founder of the Flying Doctor Service and the Australian Inland Mission. His vision and energy gave 'a mantle of safety' to the scattered population of the vast outback.

Attack Creek Historical Reserve (0.2ha/99km): A highway monument commemorating the site where, in 1860, Warramunga tribesmen forced explorer John McDouall Stuart to retreat on the first of his heroic attempts to cross the continent from Adelaide to the northern coast.

Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve (250km): NE of Tennant Creek and east of the Tablelands Highway at Brunette Downs. Although mostly featureless, this Reserves black soil plains support flora of high conservation significance including Mitchell Grass. In seasons after plentiful rain, the Reserve supports small mammals and abundant birdlife. The Reserve can be reached by conventional vehicle, but travel within the Reserve is 4X4 only.