Devils Marbles- Northern Territory

Put this one on your Northern Territory Bucket List. The Devils Marbles. Visit this incredible free attraction and explore the gigantic granite boulders that come in various shapes and sizes. You literally can’t miss this place as it’s situated right on the Stuart Highway, Northern Territory, Australia so make sure you pull up, take a break and explore this incredible area.

Devils Marbles History

One of the Northern Territory’s most iconic landmarks, Karlu Karlu or the Devils Marbles as its more commonly known as is a living cultural landscape and the traditional country for the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarra and Warlpiri people. Karlu Karlu, literally translated as ‘round boulders’ are a collection of gigantic rounded granite boulders, many of which are precariously balanced on top of one another.

Geologically, the marbles were formed from an upsurge of molten rock that cooled and became solid beneath a layer of sandstone. The solidifying granite caused vertical and horizontal fractures creating rectangular blocks. Over time water infiltrated the cracks breaking down the sandstone, and then the granite. As a result, rounded granite boulders perched on top of each other have been revealed.

Where to find the Devils Marbles

Located approximately 100km South of Tennant Creek and 393km north of Alice Springs. As previously mentioned, situated on the main highway between Adelaide and Darwin, The Stuart Highway. It’s a perfect location to take a break and go exploring.

Devils Marbles Walking Trail

The Karlu Karlu walk is an easy short guided walk taking around 20 minutes to complete, this walk commences from the day use area carpark. The Nyanjiki Lookout gives incredible panoramic views, so make sure you have your camera handy!

Devils Marbles Campground

Devils Marbles Campground offers low-cost camping in remote Northern Territory. It is quite a popular spot for camping so if your planning to stay here, get in early. The camp is only a few hundred meters off the Stuart Highway and you shouldn’t hear the road noise. You will need pay via an honesty system so please do the right thing! When you do plan to stay, you will need to be fully equipped as there is no running water so ensure you have plenty. You will also need have your own firewood and other necessary supplies. Bush Toilets (Drop Dunnies as well like to call them) are available.

HOT TIP- The Devils Marbles are at the best at sunset and sunrise when the sun highlights their beautiful deep red colour. Get a glimpse of the changing colours on rocks.

Campground Rules & Tips

-You can have your fur baby with you but they will have to remain in the day use car park and not the campground.  If you plan to take them out for a walk they will need to be kept on a lead. Dingoes do inhabit the area so it would be very wise to keep them close to you.

-Make sure you have your camera handy, there is plenty of opportunities to take photos! You will be amazed with the landscape and scenery.

-Free WIFI is available at Devils Marbles. WOOHOO!

-Fires are only permitted in designated fire pits.

-Generators are not permitted, so please don’t use them!

Alternate Accommodation

If you find that the campsite is full, we suggest you stay at the Devils Marbles Hotel. You won’t be disappointed with this oasis in the outback! Read our review here. There is also a quirky holiday park not far down the road called Wycliffe Well Holiday Park. We recommend avoiding this place at all costs! Don’t let the flash signage encourage you, its one of the worst places we have ever stayed at. Even 8 Years later it still hasn’t improved.

Check out our YouTube Video with Drone Footage of Devils Marbles below!