Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)

An enigmatic place of breathtaking scenic beauty, the precarious piles of huge granite boulders wide open skies and golden sunlight make Karlu Karlu an unforgettable place to visit.

An easy short (15 minutes return) self guided walk commences from the carpark on the western side of the road (the day use area) with signs explaining the formation of the 'marbles'. Visitors can wander around the site along a network of informal walking tracks.

A simple, unpowered bush camping area with fire places and pit toilets is located at the southern end of the Reserve (fees apply - cash only). No water or firewood is provided, and campers should come well equipped. Bookings are not required.

Plants and animals found in the Reserve are those generally encountered in the arid centre of Australia. The large clumps of rocks, however, create a variety of miniature refuges and cooler, more sheltered environments.

Cultural significance

The Devils Marbles are known as Karlu Karlu in all four local Aboriginal languages. This remarkable site is a sacred place to Aboriginal traditional owners.

Traditional Owners maintain their responsibilities for the site, an unbroken tradition that has continued since creation time. In a historic ceremony held here on the 27th October 2008 ownership of the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve was officially given back to the site’s Traditional Owners. The Reserve will now be leased back the Territory Government under a 99 year lease agreement.


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Location: This 1,802 hectare Reserve extends along both sides of the Stuart Highway approximately 393 km north of Alice Springs. The nearest settlement is Wauchope, 9km to the south, where fuel and limited stores can be obtained.

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