Visit Devils Marbles, Tennant Creek | Northern Territory, Australia

Discover ancient granite boulders and the Northern Territory’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Known as Karlu Karlu to the Warumungu people, the Devils Marbles are a sacred site in the Northern Territory, where enormous granite boulders have been shaped over millions of years.

Explore the self-guided walking trails and discover the geology behind these remarkable formations. Stay at the scenic bush campground to watch the rocks transform in the colours of sunset.

After dark, look up to experience the Northern Territory’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, where exceptionally dark skies offer unforgettable stargazing in the heart of the outback.

Why visit Karlu Karlu?

Karlu Karlu is home to the Northern Territory's first Dark Sky Sanctuary and is a must-see destination for visitors to Australia.

Video : Karlu Karlu - Devils Marbles

Frequently asked questions

Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) is one hour south of Tennant Creek by car (96km). There are companies that run tours over multiple days from Alice Springs or Darwin that include a visit to Karlu Karlu.
The closest town to Karlu Karlu is Tennant Creek, which is one hour north (96km), while Alice Springs is 4½ hours south (403km).
Karlu Karlu is a perfect day trip from Tennant Creek.
Once there, the best way to see Karlu Karlu is by foot. There are no official walks, so take one or more of the informal self-guided tracks. Remember that the local Aboriginal community ask you to refrain from climbing on the boulders.
Entry into Karlu Karlu requires an NT Parks Visitor Pass. This is a separate pass to the Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta park passes. If you wish to camp at the campground, you must book online and pay a fee to camp. We recommend that you do this before you go, as you won’t be able to pay at the site.
Tourists and travellers to Karlu Karlu are frequently surprised by just how many different rock formations there are. Make sure you have enough time to explore the whole area.

Karlu Karlu is one of the best dark sky locations in Australia and is located in the Barkly Tablelands, 95km south of Tennant Creek. If you’re looking for the best stargazing spots in Australia, you need to add Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve to your bucket-list. The region is perfect for astrophotography and is one of the only Dark Sky Sanctuaries in Australia.
Bring plenty of drinking water, a hat, sun-safe clothing and sunscreen. There’s free wi-fi access at the site, so bring a camera and share your photos online.
The climate around Karlu Karlu boasts blue skies for most of the year, so you can explore the region at any time, regardless of the season. Be sure to pack plenty of water if visiting in summer.
Heading south from Karlu Karlu gives you the perfect opportunity to check out the Red Centre, including Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the West MacDonnell Ranges. If your appetite for ancient rock formations is strong, don’t miss Kunjarra (The Pebbles), which are less than an hour south of Karlu Karlu.