Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater

In the remote red heart of Western Australia, Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater is one of the most perfectly preserved impact craters on Earth. This immense bowl, nearly 900 metres across and 60 metres deep, was formed some 300,000 years ago when a meteorite slammed into the desert. Today, it's a hauntingly beautiful sight — a near-perfect circle of rust-red rock rimmed with spinifex and mulga, set against a vast, empty sky. The crater is accessible via a 4WD track from the Tanami Road, and the journey itself is an adventure through the outback.

Highlights & What to See

• Walk the Rim — A 3.6 km trail around the crater's edge offers staggering views into the bowl and across the endless plains. The contrast of the dark red crater walls against the blue sky is unforgettable.
• Descend into the Crater — A steep but manageable track leads to the crater floor, where you can stand at the epicentre of the impact. Look for shatter cones and other evidence of the cataclysmic event.
• Interpretive Signs — Learn about the geology and the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories associated with the crater, which the local Djaru people call Kandimalal.
• Stargazing — The crater's remote location means exceptionally dark skies. On a clear night, the Milky Way arcs directly overhead — a cosmic reminder of the crater's origins.
• Wildlife Spotting — Keep an eye out for red kangaroos, dingoes, and a variety of desert birds, especially around dawn and dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend about 2–3 hours at the crater, which is enough to walk the rim and descend to the floor. However, given the remote location and the effort required to get here, many travellers choose to camp overnight at the nearby free campground (no facilities) to fully absorb the silence and the stars. If you're self-driving, plan a full day for the return trip from Halls Creek or the Tanami Road.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Halls Creek — The nearest town, 150 km north, with fuel, supplies, and accommodation. Also worth a stop for the China Wall and the old gold rush sites.
• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) — About 300 km north, this World Heritage-listed park features the iconic beehive-shaped domes. A classic outback pairing.
• Tanami Desert — The vast, remote desert crossed by the Tanami Road. The journey itself is an experience, with red sand dunes and desert oaks.
• Wolf Creek Crater National Park — The crater sits within this small park, which also protects the surrounding spinifex and mulga woodlands.

Please check official sources for current details.