Tablelands
NT 862 • Northern Territory
About Tablelands
Tablelands is a vast remote locality in the Barkly Region of the Northern Territory, covering approximately 33,394 square kilometres of rolling grassland plains — making it one of the largest localities by area in Australia. It is located about 858 kilometres south-east of Darwin, east of Tennant Creek in the Barkly Tableland. With a 2021 Census population of 188 spread across this enormous area, the population density is extremely low at under 0.01 persons per square kilometre. The locality encompasses several major pastoral stations, most notably Brunette Downs.
The Barkly Tableland region is synonymous with the Australian cattle industry — the sweeping grasslands support some of the Territory's premier beef stations, and the landscape is defined by big skies, open plains, and red dirt roads stretching to the horizon. Tennant Creek, approximately 100 kilometres to the west, serves as the nearest regional centre providing essential services. The locality experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers, seasonal rainfall, and minimal infrastructure beyond what the stations themselves provide. Tablelands appeals to those drawn to the vast, remote outback pastoral life of Central Australia.
Tablelands falls under postcode 862 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barkly electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- No public bus service — N/A N/A
Commute to Darwin CBD
🛣️ Light aircraft is common for station access; Barkly Highway and Stuart Highway are the main road routes; Tennant Creek Airport is the nearest regional airport
An extremely remote outback locality with no urban infrastructure; vehicles (and often aircraft) are the only practical transport
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
No schools listed for this postcode.