TOWNSVILLE TO TENNANT CREEK
Via The Barkly and Flinders Highways
The road between Townsville and the Northern Territory crosses the Great Dividing Range and heads due west into Australia's famed Outback.
Along the way you will notice the surroundings getting progressively harsher as you near Hughendon and Mount Isa, and it will get hotter.
Whenever you take roads into the outback in Australia you should be certain to make sure you have adequate spare parts and tyres, plenty of petrol, and water and oil.
While this road is well used and there is little chance of your getting into serious trouble, it is wise to be well prepared. This said, there is much of interest along the way and you will pass through some of Australia's best known and loved towns.

The following summary of the road includes general information and links to some of the towns and attractions along the way

TENNANT CREEK
One of the Territory's larger cities and where you can get advice and supplies for your trip. It is about 20km. south of the junction of the Barkly Highway with the Stuart Highway at Three Ways.

MOUNT ISA
A large commercial and mining centre across the border into Queensland. There are roadhouses at Barkly Homestead and Camooweal between Tennant Creek and Mount Isa.
CLONCURRY
Historic town at the junction of the Landsborough, Barkly and Flinders Highways where Australia's International Airline 'QANTAS' began. A road leads north to Normanton and Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria and it is possible to get a conventional vehicle across the ranges to Cairns.
JULIA CREEK
Medium size town with accommodation and commercial services.
HUGHENDEN
CHARTERS TOWERS
Education and commercial centre along the Flinders Highway
TOWNSVILLE