Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve - protected area in the Northern Territory, Australia
Devils Marbles (also known by the Aboriginal name Karlu Karlu) is an 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
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 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. 2021-09-21
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, -20.568128°, 134.264113°. 2021-09-21
Stay safe
This area is hot and dry - drink a lot of water.
Go next
Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve
Date Time:Please wait...Timezone:Australia/DarwinCoordinates:-20.57, 134.27
Northern Territory
Primary administrative division