Tennant Creek Court House stands at 53 Paterson Street, the main road through town, and serves the Barkly region. The Local Court does not sit here every day. Judges based in Alice Springs come up on the southern circuit for blocks of sittings, usually a full week at a time, and during those weeks the Tennant Creek court list can be long. This page shows the list for today and the next sitting day whenever the court has sittings in Tennant Creek.
When the court sits in Tennant Creek
Sittings follow the Local Court's southern circuit calendar, which is published each year. In late 2026, for example, the calendar shows Tennant Creek blocks in the weeks of 12 and 26 October, early and mid November and the week of 7 December. Outside those weeks there may be no list at all, which is why this page can be empty on some days. The registry stays open between sittings.
The Supreme Court also sits in Tennant Creek from time to time for serious criminal matters. Those sittings are listed by the Supreme Court, not on this Local Court list.
What is heard
- mentions, pleas and sentencing for summary offences;
- bail applications and bail mentions;
- preliminary examinations for serious charges;
- domestic violence order applications and mentions;
- contested hearings, often grouped into the circuit week;
- civil matters within the Local Court's $25,000 to $250,000 range.
Matters from smaller Barkly communities such as Elliott and Ali Curung are sometimes dealt with at their own sittings and sometimes brought into Tennant Creek, so check where your matter is listed.
How to read the list
Each line gives the start time, the person's surname and initials, the courtroom where one is set, and the type of listing. Most matters are listed at 9.30am or 10.00am and are called in an order the judge sets on the day, so you may wait some hours. Names covered by a suppression order and every youth matter are left off. If you cannot find your name, the matter may have been adjourned to Alice Springs or to the next circuit.
Address, hours and contact
Court House, 53 Paterson Street, Tennant Creek NT 0860. Postal address: PO Box 84, Tennant Creek NT 0861.
- Registry phone: (08) 8962 4377
- Registry hours: 8.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.40pm, Monday to Friday
- Alice Springs Local Court (home registry for the circuit): (08) 8951 5710
The registry closes over lunch and earlier in the afternoon than the larger courts, so call before 3.40pm. Staff can confirm listings but cannot give legal advice. Duty lawyers travel with the circuit.
Getting there
Tennant Creek is on the Stuart Highway, roughly 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs. The courthouse is on Paterson Street, which is the Stuart Highway as it passes through town, so it is easy to find and street parking is close by. People travelling in from outstations for a circuit week should confirm the date with the registry first.
Security
Court security officers screen everyone who enters. Weapons are prohibited, phones may not be used in the courtroom, and recording needs the court's written permission.
Other southern circuit locations
The same judges sit at Ali Curung, Ti Tree, Hermannsburg, Elliott, Yuendumu, Papunya, Kintore, Mutitjulu and Arlparra. Their home court list is the alice springs court list, and every Territory list is linked from the nt court list page.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Tennant Creek court list empty today?
The court only sits in Tennant Creek during circuit weeks. On other days there is no list. Check the circuit calendar or call (08) 8962 4377.
Is there a list for tomorrow?
During a circuit week the next day's list is usually released by late morning the day before. Use the Tomorrow tab.
Can my matter be moved to Alice Springs?
Sometimes, for example if you are in custody there or the matter cannot wait for the next circuit. Ask your lawyer or the registry.
Is the court open to the public?
Yes, apart from youth matters and any matter a judge closes.