Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the most beautiful natural attractions, culturally important sites, hiking and biking trails, best things to do, local food, where to stay and more.


Introduction to Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is located in the Barkly Tableland region, in the Northern Territory of Australia. This unique reserve is home to thousands of massive granite boulders that are over 1.5 billion years old. The local Aboriginal people consider the site to be of great cultural and spiritual importance, as many of the rocks hold special meaning and significance. Visitors can explore the reserve’s rugged terrain, observe its diverse plant and animal life, and learn about its rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is a vast area with many fascinating places to explore. Here are some of the top attractions to add to your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ampilatwatja Art Centre

Ampilatwatja Art Centre is a must-visit stop to witness the vibrant and mesmerizing artworks created by the Alyawarr people. The centre is a hub of creativity, featuring a gallery space showcasing the works of some of Australia’s most celebrated indigenous artists who call the Barkly region home. The art centre provides visitors with an opportunity to purchase art that reflects the unique culture and traditions of the local Indigenous community.

Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre

Located near the township of Tennant Creek, Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre gives visitors insight into the culture and traditions of the Warumungu people and offers a glimpse into the history of the region. Visitors can learn about bush medicine, weapons, and useful utensils passed down through generations. The art centre features paintings that depict traditional stories and displays an extensive collection of artifacts, personal testimonies, and films depicting the unique culture of the Warumungu people.

Natural Attractions of Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve: Outdoor Adventures, and Scenic Views

Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles

Karlu Karlu or the Devil’s Marbles is perhaps one of the most popular attractions in the reserve. These intriguing granite boulders create an out-of-the-world landscape where visitors can admire nature’s uniqueness and take amazing photos. The rocks are associated with a series of ancient creation tales from the local Indigenous culture. Visitors can take the Karlu Karlu Walk, a 2km trek that will take them around and between some of the most significant rock formations.

Mary Ann Dam

Mary Ann Dam is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. It’s also well known for its accessible nature trail, with magnificent views of the rich wildlife and birdlife in the area.Visitors can also attempt to catch barramundi, bream, or catfish in the reservoir.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Saltbush Walk

This easy-going trail ranges across 1.3km displaying tonnes of saltbush and native plants and is the perfect introduction to flora and fauna of the region. Signage along the way explains more about this bushland and its role in the ecosystem.

Limestone Walk

Another short and easy trail is the Limestone Walk that is 1.5km long and features Devils Marbles, unspoiled bushland, and a small seasonal creek. This is a great track if you’re new to hiking or travelling with children.

Best Things to Do in Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve: Activities and Tours

Astronomy Tour

On a clear night, the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve provides a stunning view of the Southern hemisphere’s stars. Experience the splendour of the Milky Way and night sky with a guided stargazing tour that educates visitors on the history of Indigenous astronomy and the star lore of the local Indigenous people.

Camping

Camping is a picturesque and fantastic opportunity to experience the vast wilderness of the Devils Ambles Conservation Reserve, and nightscapes highlighting the Milky way are a bonus. Visitors can choose from two camping grounds, the Karlu Karlu campground, or the Bush cottages. The campsites offer self-contained cabins and fireplaces that enable visitors to cook their own meals, and modern amenities are available as well.

Week-Long Itinerary for Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

A week is the perfect amount of time to experience the natural beauty, cultural richness, and biodiversity that the Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve offers. Here is a week-long itinerary to get visitors the most of their trip to the reserve.

Day 1: Explore Local Art and History at the Ampilatwatja Art Centre and Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre.

Day 2: Hike the Saltbush and Limestone Walks to discover the diverse plant life in the area.

Day 3: Go on a guided stargazing tour and marvel at the Southern Hemisphere’s sparkling night sky.

Day 4-6: Spend time enjoying the reserve’s natural attractions and numerous trails.

Day 7: Cap off the week-long adventure with a relaxing picnic and swim at Mary Ann Dam.

Food and Drink Scene of Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Must-Try Dishes

Saltbush

Saltbush is a native Australian plant that has been used for centuries to flavour and season food. In the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, visitors can enjoy a hearty Saltbush stew, a savoury Saltbush damper bread, or even Saltbush tea.

Barbecue

Nothing beats a good barbecue in the wilderness. Visitors can bring their own barbecue equipment and enjoy cooking their meals by themselves or use the facilities provided by the Karlu Karlu campground. Freshly grilled meats and roasted vegetables and would make a gratifying meal/snack after a day’s hike.

Local Beverages

Boab Tree Fruit Juice

The Boab Tree, known as the ‘Tree of Life’, is a common sight in the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve. Visitors can enjoy a whole host of drinks made from the fruit of the tree, such as Boab Fruit juices and smoothies.

Lemon Aspen Extract

Lemon Aspen is a robust tree that can grow up to 30-feet tall. The tree produces an edible fruit that has a distinctively spicy and tangy taste. Visitors to the reserve can take advantage of this unique flavour by sampling the Lemon Aspen extract and some of those made into drinks and sauces.

Where to Stay in Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Karlu Karlu campground

Karlu Karlu campground offers self-contained cabins, and campsites are available for travellers who want to experience the reserve’s beauty in an eco-friendly and adventurous way. The campground has modern amenities such as toilets, showers, and fireplaces for cooking meals.

Wauchope Hotel and Roadhouse

This is an historic pub with comfortable rooms and a restaurant that offers hearty and satisfying Australian cuisine. This option is perfect for travellers looking for a bit more luxury.

What to Buy in Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Indigenous Art and Handicrafts

The Ampilatwatja and Nyinkka Nyunyu Art Centre’s galleries offer an outstanding range of unique paintings and handicrafts. Buy a souvenir to bring home that reflects and honours the local Indigenous people’s art and traditions.

Honey

The reserve has a large number of beehives which make their fresh honey everyday. This natural and pure honey can be brought back home as a buyable souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Visitors to the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve are encouraged to respect the local Indigenous community’s traditions and cultural heritage, as the site is of great spiritual and cultural importance to them. Visitors are also encouraged to take the time to learn about the local culture and ways of life as much as possible.

Best Time to Visit Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

The best time to visit the reserve is during the cooler months between April and September, where the days are mild, and nights are cool. Summers between October and March can be hot and humid, which makes outdoor activities like hiking uncomfortable. Visiting during winter can be chilly, but it is still comfortable, and the night sky display of stars is breathtaking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Do:

  • Respect the local Indigenous people’s cultural heritage.
  • Take the trails-only to avoid local fauna.
  • Bring your reusable water bottle with you to prevent littering.
  • Use the eco-friendly facilities provided while camping.
  • Plan your trip, talk to the locals and guides for insights and details.

Don’t:

  • Disturb any wildlife or destroy local flora.
  • Take any souvenirs that are protected under the flora and fauna laws of Australia, including plants and animals.
  • Make noise or play loud music that could disturb other campers and the local fauna.
  • Leave campfires burning or lit without attending to them continuously

Safety and Health

Safety in Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

The reserve is safe to visit, but visitors need to be cautious of the heat. It is recommended to stay hydrated and wear appropriate protective clothing. It is important to avoid touching any wildlife or plant life, especially snakes and spiders. Visitors should also be aware of the presence of crocodiles in certain areas, especially around Mary Ann Dam, which is marked accordingly.

Health in Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Visitors should be aware of the risks of snake bites, heat exhaustion, and dehydration while travelling within the reserve. As such, it is recommended to carry adequate water supplies and make sure to have appropriate medical kit with you.

Getting to Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

The nearest airport to the reserve is the Tennant Creek Airport (TCA), located approximately 100 km to the southwest.

Bus Stations Near Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

Greyhound buses and AAT Kings offer bus tours to Tennant Creek, which is the nearest town. From there, visitors can hire a car or arrange a tour service to reach the reserve.

Other Options

Visitors can also go on a self-drive tour of the reserve by renting a car or 4WD.

How to Get Around in Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

The reserve is vast, and the best way to get around is by car or 4WD. There are numerous trails and walks, bike routes, and tour services available that can take visitors around the reserve.

Where to Go Next from Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to the reserve could consider adding the following destinations to their itinerary for Australian adventure.

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
  • Litchfield National Park
  • Katherine Gorge

Conclusion

Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is a true gem of the Northern Territory. Visitors can explore the area’s striking natural beauty, discover the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous people who call the area home, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and stargazing, sample the delicious local cuisine, and take in all that this special place has to offer. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family or friends, or on a romantic getaway, Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is a must-visit destination.

A pair of balanced boulders A pair of balanced boulders