Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

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
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.

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

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.

Get around
The area is not big, and can be walked.

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

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.

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

Go next

 * Tennant Creek
 * Alice Springs