Is Tennant Creek a safe stop over?

I've stayed there at least three times and found no problems at all.

Having said that, the caravan park there has a large fence around it and it is patrolled at night by security guards.

Stayed a couple of nights there last year. Felt that the caravan park was quite secure. We three adults did walk from caravan park to shops on main highway - did not feel at all threatened (2F,1M). However, we did think that the atmosphere of the town had deteriorated considerably since our previous visit in 2000 (5 days). More closed shops, more evidence of effects of "sit-down money", many more vandalised houses. If you do not need power, showers, for your overnight stop, and can cope with composting toilets, what about the Devils Marbles? You do need to get there before mid-afternoon, though, as it gets crowded. Another option to consider is Banka Banka Station, north of Tennant Creek; it has campground facilities.Either of these might be a more attractive, "interesting" option.

Each time we have visited Tenant Creek we have stayed in the Outback Caravan park and never had a problem plus no person in the town has worried us. However we have never ventured out after dark. Been there at least 5 times and the last time we were not able to get Alcohol before 12.30pm. Also the fuel there is usually around 10 cpl cheaper than 3 ways.
Must admit we spend a fair bit there as mostly we have been bush camping for at least a week.

I have never stayed at tennant creek, what we done, and what i would prefer to do is drive another hour up the road to 3 ways roadhouse, a nice overnight stop over, i'm sure both you and your parents would be much happier with this option, it has powered sites and motel style accomadation.

I did a job there about a year ago and stayed for a week, in a motel.
I went out in the dark down the main drag every night, mostly on my own. I never had any problem. Was approached a few times by indigenous locals asking for a smoke or a beer but nothing worse than when I lived in Cairns.

Gday,
From what you have said....You wont have a trouble and Im sure your oldies will feel secure.
Tennant isnt probably one of the better places to walk down the street at night, but it all depends on whats happening around town,
Appart from that its not much different than most places in the NT at the moment.

Cheers