Mary Ann Dam Recreation Lake

Mary Ann Dam Recreation Lake is a cool oasis, five kilometres north of Tennant Creek. This man made dam is a pleasant surprise in a rugged, Central Australian environment, offering an ideal picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. The area is large enough to allow canoeing, windsurfing and other water sports.

Address: Mary Ann Dam Rd
Getting there: 5km North of Tennant Creek, via Stuart Highway
Price: Free entry

Directions Suggest a nearby place

Listing from Wikivoyage: Tennant Creek, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

Close by

Drink
Tennant Creek Hotel
One of the most historic establishments in town, legend has it that Joe Kilgariff, a figurehead of local prominence, founded the Tennant Creek Hotel in 1934 on the site where his beer wagon had become bogged down in the mud. The Tennant Creek Hotel contains two bars: Jackson's Bar, which features an open fireplace and a patio and serves the midday crowd, and the Faye Lewis Bar, which is open evenings and features occasional live entertainment.
See
Winanjjikari Music Centre
The Winanjjikari Music Centre offers a profound cultural exchange with authentic, traditional Aboriginal people. You’re welcome to come and see the daily life of the musicians, have a chat with them and even join in a song.
Free entry
Eat
Fernandas Cafe and Restaurante
With dishes ranging from South African to Portuguese, Indian to Thai and a comprehensive wine list which complements the menu makes this a night out to remember. For those less adventurous their menu also includes Australian cuisine. There is a choice of either dining indoors or relaxing in the Al Fresco area under the palms.
prices mid range
See
Bill Allen Lookout
Offers a clear 360-degree view across the landscape and town - it's especially worthwhile to do this at sundown.