Visitors to Australia are sure to be awed by the majestic and unique natural landscapes. However, there is a particularly captivating location known for its massive boulders that seem to defy gravity – The Devils Marbles.
In the harsh, remote lands of Australia, where scorching deserts stretch for thousands of miles and unique wildlife flourishes, lies a mesmerizing natural wonder: The Devils Marbles. These giant boulders, scattered throughout the region like nature’s whimsical artwork, appear to challenge gravity and ignite the imagination of travelers. This is one of the most astonishing sights that this rugged land has to offer.
The Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is a protected area in the Northern Territory of Australia, located in the Warumungu region, about 105 km south of Tennant Creek and 393 km north of Alice Springs. The nearest settlement is the small town of Wauchope, just 9 km to the south.
Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, in the Warumungu region, are remarkable granite boulders, some precariously balanced atop one another, serving as a testament to the fascinating geological history of the area. These are certainly not your ordinary monoliths. The sight is both majestic and somewhat unsettling, as if these enormous rocks, some standing up to six meters (20 feet) tall, could tumble down at any moment.
The Devils Marble holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the Indigenous peoples of this land, and the conservation area protects one of the oldest religious sites in the world, as well as the natural rock formations found there.
About 1.5 billion years ago, The Devils Marbles were part of a vast granite mass that has since been eroded to reveal these impressive shapes. The weathering process, including wind and rain, has sculpted the softer rock surrounding the harder granite core, leaving behind the giant, smooth spheres that we see today.
Many boulders teeter precariously on top of each other or rest on larger rocks, while others are split in half by nature. They are scattered across a vast desert valley, primarily concentrated in the western area of the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, which covers 18 square kilometers (7 square miles).
Karlu Karlu is the local Aboriginal term for the rock features and surrounding area. The term translates to “round stones” and refers to the large boulders primarily found in the western part of the reserve.
The Devils Marbles, also known as Karlu Karlu in the language of the Indigenous guardians, is a site of profound spiritual significance for the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarre, and Warlpiri peoples.
The English name for the boulders comes from a remark made by John Ross, a Scottish-Australian cattleman and explorer, during a telegraph line expedition across Australia in 1870. He exclaimed, “This is the land of the Devil; he even spilled his bag of marbles all over the place!”
This area was originally named the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve in October 1961. The name was changed to Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve on September 21, 1979, under the Northern Territory Wildlife Conservation and Parks Act. In 1980, the reserve was listed in the now-defunct National Heritage Register. By 1982, nearly the entire reserve was registered by the Indigenous Land Corporation as a sacred site.
Visitors to the Devils Marbles can expect to witness an incredible sight, especially at sunrise or sunset when the boulders glow with deep red hues. The site also offers a simple camping area for those wishing to experience the beauty of the marbles overnight. Despite its remote location, approximately 150,000 people visit each year, drawn by the allure of these ancient stones.
For the best experience, it’s advisable to visit this site during the cooler months from May to August, as temperatures can be extremely high at other times of the year. Morning or evening tours are ideal for capturing the stunning reflections of light on the rocks, creating spectacular photographs.
The ownership of Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles was officially transferred from the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service back to the traditional owners in a ceremony held at the reserve in October 2008.
The Devils Marbles are located about 105 km south of Tennant Creek and 393 km north of Alice Springs, where you can take a hot air balloon tour in the early morning. The nearest settlement is the small town of Wauchope, situated just 9 km to the south.
A tour of the Devils Marbles is a truly unique experience, with the gigantic size and unusual shapes of the rocks creating a sense of wonder for visitors. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day paints the landscape with ever-changing colors. Standing among these ancient giants, you cannot help but feel a connection to the profound cultural and geological history of this remarkable site.
