Tennant Creek

We left the Camooweal billabong early this morning because we decided to go the 471km to Tennant Creek today. We had planned to stop at the Barkley Homestead but they have recently been battling a colony of flying fox the trees in the carvan park so we decided to give a miss. Luckily for us the road is straight, flat and in quite good condition. Another thing in our favour is the stiff breeze at our back.

Barkley Tableland's Cattle
Barkley Tableland's Cattle in the yards...

The rivers are looking excellent
The rivers are looking excellent...

Barkley Homestead refuel. More like a Gold Coast resort than a outback highway truck stop. Complete with friendly Irish backpacking staff. The place exudes pride in their business.

Goanna sculture
The Big Goanna sculture...

Boganvillea growing in a vase scupture
Boganvillea growing in a vase scupture...

Back on the road again.

Now that's a wide load
Now that's a wide load...

We made excellent time and arrived into the Tennant Creek at about 1.30pm. Tried but happy! We average 90km/hr across the wide open plains. Only one small town between Camooweal and Tennant Creek.

Tennant Creek Sign
Tennant Creek Sign...

Our ultimate destination today is Karlu Karlu (The Devils Marbles) which is only 100km south of Tennant Creek. With time up our sleeve we had a bit of a look around the Tennant Creek landmarks. First stop the Mary-Ann Dam looking for birds.

Zebra Finch are everywhere
Zebra Finch are everywhere...
Peacock are so regal
Peacock are so regal...

Then it's off the visit Kunjarra (The Pebbles)

Kunjarra (The Pebbles)
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The rugged hills around Kunjarra
The rugged hills around Kunjarra ...

From here it is onto the Telegraph Station, part of the great overland telegraph line that stretched from Darwin to Adelaide (3200km). Completed in 1872 it took 7 minuites for a message to travel it's length. It took less than 24hrs for a message to travel from Adelaide to London.

Telegraph Station
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Telegraph Station
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We arrive at Karlu Karlu (The Devils Marbles) early afternoon ready for lunch.