Elliot Creek, Renner Springs, Tennant Creek, Barkly
Smack bang in the middle of the Northern Territory, Elliot lies approximately halfway between Darwin and Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway. This small and friendly regional centre has some good basic facilities including a well stocked supermarket, hotel/motel, camping grounds, and several places to eat. Close by, the enchanting ghost town of Newcastle Waters is well worth visiting.
Further down the highway, the area around Renner Springs is generally considered to be the point where the wet tropical climate of the Top End finally relents to the arid and dusty harshness of Central Australia. With a population of 18, this tiny settlement has little to offer apart from comfortable accommodation and a good meal at the town's roadhouse. Another 136 kilometres south, Three Ways lies at the major junction of the Stuart and Barkley Highways. From here the Barkley Highway heads east to Queensland and the intersection is well known as hitchhiker "get stuck" point. All facilities are again provided by the resident roadhouse.
The only services between Three Ways and Queensland reside at the modern Barkly Homestead. This welcome watering hole on the arid fringes Barkly Tableland features motel and camping accommodations as well as a bar, restaurant and service station.
Back on The Track and 25 kilometres south of the Three Ways Roadhouse, Tennant Creek is one of the few towns along the Stuart Highway which can boast the facilities and comforts of a modern city. A popular myth is that the town was first established by a couple of pioneers who broke down with a wagon load of beer, although the reality is it was settled as a result of a small goldrush around the same time. Tennant Creek's main attractions are synonymous with its gold mining heritage, and fossicking is still allowed at several sites.
