The only way to reach Tennant Creek is via Alice Springs, Darwin or Mt Isa in Queensland. A 4WD will come in handy, however, the main roads are sealed. Helicopter and small plane trips are a popular way to reach remote destinations and you get to take in the spectacular landscape.
By plane
There are now flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Darwin to Tennant Creek with Vincent Aviation.
By train
The Ghan (http://www.gsr.com.au), the running on the famous Adelaide-Darwin route passes by Tennant Creek twice each way per week and will stop on request. Serious enthusiasm for train travel is required to book in advance, arrive at 2AM in the morning, and then catch the next onward train out at 2AM three or four days later. The Ghan, being a tourist train rather than a regular form of transport, also charges a significant premium to the bus, and takes considerably longer.
By bus
Greyhound (http://www.greyhound.com.au) services the highway between Adelaide and Darwin, with a stop in Alice Springs. Northbound the coach arrives in Tennant Creek at 2.10am, and departs at 3.25am. Southbound, its a similar time, with the coach arriving at 2.00am and departing at 3.20am.
By car
Cars can be hired at Alice Springs or Darwin. It is possible to hire at one and drop off at the other for a fee, but probably best to check with the company beforehand. Tennant Creek is 500km north along the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs and 1000km due south from Darwin. Car rental companies in the Northern Territory have daily distance allowances after which a surcharge is payable, however, if you book with the government wholesaler, Territory Discoveries (http://www.territorydisco...), you can get unlimited rates.