Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Karlu Karlu is a perfect day trip from Tennant Creek.

Karlu Karlu is free and you don’t need a permit to visit. If you wish to camp in the campground, there’s a small charge which is payable onsite (cash only). Bookings are not required to camp.

Once there, the best way to see Karlu Karlu is by foot. There are no official walks, so take one or more of the informal self-guided tracks. Remember that the local Aboriginal community ask you to refrain from climbing on the boulders.

Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) is one hour south of Tennant Creek by car (96km). There are companies that run tours over multiple days from Alice Springs or Darwin that include a visit to Karlu Karlu.

The closest town to Karlu Karlu (The Devils Marbles) is Tennant Creek, which is one hour north (96km), while Alice Springs is 4½ hours south (403km).

Tourists and travellers to Karlu Karlu are frequently surprised by just how many different rock formations there are. Make sure you have enough time to explore the whole area.

Bring plenty of drinking water, a hat, sun-safe clothing and sunscreen. There’s free wi-fi access at the site, so bring a camera and share your photos online.

The climate around Karlu Karlu boasts blue skies for most of the year, so you can explore the region at any time, regardless of the season. Be sure to pack plenty of water if visiting in summer.

Heading south from Karlu Karlu gives you the perfect opportunity to check out the Red Centre, including Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the West MacDonnell Ranges. If your appetite for ancient rock formations is strong, don’t miss Kunjarra (The Pebbles), which are less than an hour south of Karlu Karlu.