Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve
Heat warning
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April.
It can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily.
Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Travellers on the Stuart Highway can experience a range of the Territory's amazing natural landscapes, especially the impressive sight of the Devils Marbles or Karlu Karlu.
These gigantic boulders have become an internationally recognised symbol of Australia's outback and are spectacular when the light of the morning and evening sun highlights their deep red colour.
Karlu Karlu translates to 'round boulders'.
This name is shared by the Kaytete, Warumungu, Warlpiri and Alyawarra traditional owners of the area. Traditional owners ask that the karlu (marbles) are not climbed.
In a historic ceremony held here on 27 October 2008, ownership of the Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve was officially given back to the site's traditional owners.
The reserve is now jointly managed with the traditional owners and Parks and Wildlife rangers.
The rocks are a cooler, sheltered environment for plants and animals.
Keep an eye out for small black-headed goannas in boulder crevices.
You may also see zebra finch and painted finch throughout the reserve. Fairy martins create bottle-shaped mud nests on the underside of overhanging boulders.
This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
Get the Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles fact sheet and map PDF (1.6 MB).
Find out about camping in parks and reserves.
Check if the park is open
Phone: 08 8951 8250
| Park sites | Status | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve | Open | - | |
| Campground | Open | Note that northern end of campground remains wet and muddy after heavy rainfall to early April 2024. | - |
All year round.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months from April to September.
Karlu Karlu is 100km south of Tennant Creek off the Stuart Highway.
You can see and do all of the following at Karlu Karlu:
- short walks
- geological features
- wildlife spotting
- camping
- ranger-guided activities
- campground hosting.
Camping is available at Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve.
A campground host site is open during peak season (May to September).
Find out how to be a campground host.
Book before you go
You must book online and pay a fee to camp.
Do this before you go. You can't pay at the site.
Learn more about camping in parks and reserves.
Karlu Karlu has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- public toilets
- picnic tables
- camping
- caravan sites
- walking tracks.
When visiting the reserve, remember all of the following:
- visitors to the NT require a parks pass
- stay on designated roads and tracks
- historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
- fires are only permitted in designated fire pits
- pets are permitted in the day-use carpark only and must be on a lead
- pets are not permitted in the campground
- generators are not permitted
- drones are not permitted.
You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Karlu Karlu by doing all of the following:
- observe park safety signs
- carry and drink plenty of water
- wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable clothing and footwear
- avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
- think about your health and fitness when choosing a walk
- use free interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet.
Phone: 08 8951 8250
Last updated: 05 April 2024
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