While Collingwood's players and coach said farewell to the Barkly region on Thursday, it was hardly a good.

Nathan Buckley, James Aish, Brodie Grundy, Darcy Moore, Jackson Ramsay and the Magpies' support staff embarked on a 508km journey from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs.

They leave behind many memories, lasting relationships and structures to help grow a sustainable Next Generation Academy in Barkly.

Before jumping into the car, the travelling party meet and mingled with Tennant Creek locals from all walks of life.

You can view Collingwood Media's best photos from the day's activities in the gallery below.



Coach Nathan Buckley with local fans at the Pulkapulkka Kari aged-care home in Tennant Creek.



A Tennant Creek local today, this man migrated to Australia from Italy over 60 years ago.



Meanwhile, Brodie Grundy and Jackson Ramsay spoke to prisoners at the Barkly Work Camp correctional facility.



A big smile for a small face. Bucks makes a young kid very happy.



Brodie Grundy learns more about the workings of the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre.



A talented local painter works on her next masterpiece.



Grundy tries his hand at traditional Aboriginal painting.



Brodie shows his curious teachers the art he creates during his spare time in Melbourne.



Jackson Ramsay and members of the Art and Culture Centre.



A pit-stop at Devils Marbles on the journey to Alice Springs was a popular choice for James Aish and the rest of the travellers.



We can only assume this looked A LOT better on Bucks' phone.



Brodie and Darc in grave danger...



The pair luckily recovered to become Collingwood Media's newest employees.



An introduction to Alice Springs at the top of ANZAC Hill.



The coach and his chargers.