Giant round granite boulders puzzle hikers in the Warumungu area of Australia's Northern Territory. Boulders are scattered across the valley as if dropped by aliens from the skies. Some of the natural rock formations are balanced on one another, defying gravity. Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, or Karlu Karlu, is located about 65 mi(105 km) south of Tennant Creek, The area is part of the rolling plain known as Barkly Tablelands.
The best time to visit the Devils Marbles is during the cooler season, from May to August. During the Australian summer, the average temperature during the day in this area reaches 99°F (37°C), with December being the hottest month.
The origin of Devils Marbles can be explained by the historical significance of this place, which used to be one of the oldest religious sites for Aboriginal people. In the Aboriginal language, it's called Karlu Karlu, which means round boulders. The boulders were formed millions of years ago and owe their shape to erosion. They were first described in 1870 during the Australian Overland Telegraph Line expedition by John Ross, who said: "This is the Devil’s country; he’s even emptied his bag of marbles around the place!"
Practical info
What is the meaning behind the name 'Karlu Karlu' given to the Devil's Marbles?
The site of the Devil's Marbles, located in the Australian Northern Territory, is considered sacred by the Aboriginal people, who call it Karlu Karlu or round boulders. The site holds religious significance to the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarra and Warlpiri people, who have a deep relationship with the land, and see it as an ancestral place where the landscape, plants and animals were created. For the indigenous people, Karlu Karlu is amongst the oldest religious places. Show more
How were Devil's Marbles formed and what makes these rock formations distinct?
The Devil's Marbles, also known as Karlu Karlu, are unique rock formations located in Australia's Northern Territory, formed through millions of years of erosion and weathering. These giant granite boulders have a distinctive red color caused by the oxidation of iron minerals. The rocks' special features are due to their unique physical composition, setting them apart from all other monoliths globally, with the shapes and unusual balancing of these boulders making them even more incredible. Show more
When is the ideal time to visit Devil's Marbles and why?
During the months between May and August, cooler and more comfortable temperatures are suggested for tourism at the Devil's Marbles in the Australian Northern Territory. Summers can be scorching with temperatures reaching up to 99° F (37°C) during December, making hiking or outdoor activities challenging for visitors. The recommended cooler period offers spectacular hiking trails, clear skies, and fewer insects. Additionally, in August, the area hosts the Desert Harmony Festival in Tennant Creek, a popular event attracting visitors to the district. Show more
Where is Devil's Marbles located and what is the significance of this site to the Aboriginal people?
Karlu Karlu or the site of the Devil's Marbles is positioned in the Warumungu area of the Australian Northern Territory, with a distance of approximately 105 kilometers from Tennant Creek. The location holds an enormous significance in the culture and religion of the indigenous communities as the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarra, and Warlpiri people regard it as a sacred site. They believe that the site's creation was a Dreamtime story and the place is among the oldest religious centers for the Aboriginal people. The site is maintained and protected by a visitor's code of conduct to ensure that the rock formations remain intact. Show more
How did Devil's Marbles get their name, and what led to their popularity as a tourist spot?
The Devil's Marbles, located in the Australian Northern Territory, were named by John Ross, who discovered and described the natural rock formations while on the Australian Overland Telegraph Line Expedition in 1870. The name became popularized and is now a feature on most tour guides, attracting tourists worldwide who are thrilled and captivated by the distinct landscape and natural beauty. The park is a 'must-visit' spot for tourists, offering hikes, beautiful viewings of sunsets, and a stargazer's delight with close encounters with the beautiful night sky. Show more
