Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

protected area in the Northern Territory, Australia

Devils Marbles (also known by the Aboriginal name Karlu Karlu) is a reserve protecting a natural landmark in the Barkly Tableland region of the Northern Territory, located just off the Stuart Highway. With an area of 18.02 km² and established in 1961, it is located just 100km south of Tennant Creek.

Understand

A pair of balanced boulders

Devils Marbles are large granitic boulders precariously balanced on top of one another, which glow fiery red as sunset hits. They make for a nice stopover on the long Stuart Highway, and are culturally significant to the traditional Aboriginal owners, the Warumungu, who believe that these are the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent – a creature of a Dreamtime story.

History

Landscape

The 'marbles' themselves are the main landscape feature. The surrounding is mostly flat desert.

Flora and fauna

Climate

The area is a desert. In the summer, temperatures get very high, while nights can get very cold.

Get in

Easy to access by car on the A87 Stuart Highway, and it's the only way to get into the reserve and is about 100km south of Tennant Creek. No buses, trains or whatever.

Fees and permits

Get around

The area is not big, and can be walked.

See

  • Devils Marbles. The Devils Marbles are large granitic boulders that form the exposed top layer of an extensive and mostly underground granite formation. The natural processes of weathering and erosion have created the various shapes of the boulders. Some of the boulders are naturally but precariously balanced atop one another or on larger rock formations, while others have been split cleanly down the middle by natural forces. The boulders are situated in a wide and shallow desert valley, and are found in scattered groups mainly in the western side of the reserve. (updated Sep 2021)

Do

Buy

Eat

No places to eat. You'll need to bring your own food.

Drink

Sleep

  • Camping is permitted (fees apply), offering a great way to enjoy this ancient landscape, since one of the best times to explore or photograph these unique formations is at sunrise and at sunset.
  • Alternatively, the nearest town, Wauchope, offers a limited range of accommodation and facilities.
  • 🌍 Karlu Karlu Campground. (updated Sep 2021)

Stay safe

This area is hot and dry - drink a lot of water.

Go next

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