Devils Marbles

Scattered across a wide valley like a giant’s forgotten marbles, the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) are one of the Northern Territory’s most surreal and sacred landscapes. These colossal, rounded granite boulders—some balancing precariously on top of one another—glow deep orange at sunrise and sunset, creating a photographer’s dream. For the Warumungu people, this is a site of profound spiritual significance, and walking among the boulders with that awareness adds a layer of reverence to the experience. The reserve is easily accessible via the Stuart Highway, just a short detour from the Lasseter Highway route, making it a perfect stop on a self-drive journey between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

Highlights & What to See

• Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve – Wander the self-guided walking tracks that weave through the boulders; the 20-minute Walkabout Track offers a quick but rewarding introduction.
• Sunrise and Sunset Viewing – The boulders transform into fiery hues; the main carpark and elevated platform provide front-row seats for the show.
• Balancing Boulders – Marvel at the seemingly impossible rock formations, such as the famous ‘egg’ perched on a pedestal.
• Aboriginal Cultural Significance – Read the interpretive signs that explain the Dreamtime stories of the Ancestral Devil Man (Arrange) who scattered these rocks.
• Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, the reserve is a designated Dark Sky area; the boulders silhouetted against the Milky Way are unforgettable.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring the walking tracks and soaking in the landscape. To fully appreciate the site, time your visit for late afternoon, watch the sunset, and stay a little after dark for stargazing. If you’re driving the Lasseter Highway, this is an ideal short stop that fits easily into a day’s drive between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tennant Creek – 100 km north; a historic gold-mining town with the Battery Hill Mining Centre and the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre.
• Alice Springs – 400 km south; the Red Centre’s hub, gateway to Uluru, and rich in Aboriginal art and outback history.
• Wycliffe Well – 120 km south; Australia’s ‘UFO capital’ with quirky alien-themed memorabilia and a caravan park.
• Davenport Ranges National Park – 200 km east; rugged ranges, waterholes, and 4WD tracks for adventurous travellers.
• Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) Campground – A basic bush camp right at the reserve; perfect for sunset and sunrise without driving.

Please check official sources for current details.