Tennant Creek Information

Tennant Creek is also known as the Territory's heart of gold; a reference to the friendliness of its people and the area's gold mining history. Australia's last gold rush took place here in the 1930s, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about it at attractions around the town. Visitors can even try fossicking for their own gold. Prior to the gold rush era, Tennant Creek's first European residents were workers on the Overland Telegraph Line, which established a communication link between Australia and the rest of the world. The Telegraph Station was built in 1872, and this historical collection of stone buildings can be explored today.

Aboriginal culture is strong in Tennant Creek. The traditional landowners of this area are the Warumungu people, recognised a number of sacred sites in the area, including the region's most famous landmark - the Devils Marbles - about 100 kilometres south of the town. They believe that these are the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent - a creature of a Dreamtime story. The Nyinkka Nyunyu Culture Centre in Tennant Creek is an award-winning attraction that showcases the people's stories and art.

This region is known for the ancient traditions and beliefs of its traditional custodians. Around nine Aboriginal groups call the area home including the Warumungu, Walpiri, Kaiditch, and Alyawarr people. According to Warumungu legend, the town of Tennant Creek grew up around the home of a spiky tailed goanna called Nyinkka - a powerful ancestral being.