Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Protected area near Wauchope, Australia.
Massive granite blocks in spherical form scatter across 18 square kilometers of protected territory, forming an extraordinary geological collection in the Australian Outback of Northern Territory.
John Ross named the rock formation in 1870 during the Australian Overland Telegraph Line expedition, followed by protected status in 1961 and official recognition of dual naming in 1980.
The Warumungu people preserve spiritual connections to this sacred landscape, where traditional narratives describe how Dreamtime beings shaped the granite formations during creation ceremonies.
Visitors find designated camping areas with basic facilities, marked walking trails, and information boards explaining geological processes. Access is via Stuart Highway, approximately 244 miles south of Darwin.
Temperature differences up to 72 degrees Fahrenheit between day and night cause rock expansion and contraction, splitting some blocks into nearly perfect halves while others remain in seemingly impossible balance despite erosion.
Location: Northern Territory
Inception: 1961
GPS coordinates: -20.56667,134.26667
Latest update: November 28, 2025 08:54
Geological formations develop over millions of years through natural processes including erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity. These rocks and stone structures take various forms – arches, monoliths, spheres, and pillars – shaped by wind, water, and time. They document Earth's geological history and provide insight into the forces that have sculpted our planet. From the red sandstone formations of the Australian outback to the granite arches of Central Europe, these sites demonstrate the diversity of geological processes across different climates and landscapes. The collection includes locations such as Uluru in Australia's Northern Territory, a 1,142-foot (348-meter) sandstone monolith of cultural significance to the Anangu people. In Rogaland, Norway, Kjeragbolten is a boulder wedged between two cliff faces. Pravčická Brána in the Czech Republic's Ústí nad Labem region is Europe's largest natural sandstone arch with a span of 85 feet (26 meters). Other examples include the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand, nearly spherical stones along the beach, and El Capitan in California, a 2,900-foot (900-meter) granite wall. These formations serve both geological research and as destinations for travelers interested in exploring natural landforms.
The Australian outback encompasses a vast territory featuring distinctive geological characteristics, including ancient sandstone formations, deep canyons, and expansive salt lakes. This region contains some of Earth's oldest landscapes, from the red monoliths of the Northern Territory to the layered rock formations of Western Australia. Visitors can explore underground settlements created as shelter from extreme temperatures, as well as impact craters dating back millions of years. The collection includes sites such as Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory, which represent massive red sandstone formations. Kings Canyon offers tall sandstone cliffs and gorges, while Purnululu National Park in Western Australia is known for its orange and black striped sandstone domes. Other notable locations include the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu), rounded granite boulders in the Northern Territory, and Wolfe Creek Crater, one of the world's largest meteorite craters. Karijini National Park displays deep gorges with layered rock, while Ningaloo Reef on the western coast hosts a coral reef system. The region also contains rainforest areas such as the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland and wilderness areas in Tasmania.
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