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These balancing boulders are officially the NT’s best stargazing spot

Credit: Wild Australia Photography

Jessica O'Donnell Jessica O'Donnell
Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) are now home to the Northern Territory’s darkest skies.

One of the Northern Territory’s most iconic natural landmarks, Karlu Karlu, also known as the Devils Marbles, has just been given an exciting accolade: it’s officially one of the best places to stargaze in Australia. Designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International, a nonprofit organisation that works to preserve and protect the nighttime environment, this award recognises the exceptional quality of the night skies and commits to protecting them from the impact of artificial light.  

Crucially, the designation makes Karlu Karlu the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the NT and only the third in Australia, joining more than 270 designated Dark Sky Places around the world.

Why Karlu Karlu has been named a Dark Sky Sanctuary 

a stargazer wearing a headtorch and looking at the stars
Being named an International Dark Sky Sanctuary helps to protect Karlu Karlu from light pollution. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT, @domandjesso)

It only takes one look at the breathtaking expanse of stars over Karlu Karlu to understand the importance of protecting this view. 

However, achieving the designation was no mean feat. The year-long process, led by NT Parks and Wildlife, included six months of night-sky readings to measure darkness levels, as well as an audit of artificial lighting and an assessment of potential future threats to the night sky.

The new status will also help keep it that way. Any future development at Karlu Karlu will have to adhere to strict lighting guidelines designed to preserve its dark skies for generations to come.

The 1800-hectare reserve is also a place of immense cultural significance. Almost all of Karlu Karlu is a registered sacred site, significant to the Kaytetye, Warumungu, Warlpiri and Alyawarra Traditional Owners, whose ancestors have managed the area since creation time.

As part of its Dark Sky certification, new interpretive signage will also be developed at Karlu Karlu, providing visitors with more information about night-sky viewing and the importance of preserving dark skies.

How to experience Karlu Karlu after dark

Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) at night
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Milky Way. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT, @domandjesso)

Visitors are more than welcome to camp at Karlu Karlu as long as they’ve paid the fee online and picked up an NT Parks Visitor Pass. The area isn’t just for night owls, with the surrounding landscapes offering self-guided walking trails that make it ripe for a full day-to-night adventure.

The real show begins once the sun goes down. With no light pollution to compete with, campers can experience brilliant stars and breathtaking views of the Milky Way galaxy – a sight that’s becoming increasingly difficult to experience elsewhere.

The new Dark Sky designation should make it easier for visitors to get more from the experience, too. Interpretive signage will be developed at Karlu Karlu with information specifically focused on night-sky viewing and why preserving the area’s darkness is so important.

And if you’re planning particularly far ahead, mark 22 July 2028 in your calendar. Karlu Karlu will sit within the path of totality for the total solar eclipse, when the moon will completely obscure the sun over the reserve for almost five minutes. The Northern Territory will release more information on how to experience the eclipse closer to the event.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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The details

Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) at night
Karlu Karlu is the NT’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. (Credit: Wild Australia Photography)

Location: An hour south of Tennant Creek or 4.5 hours north of Alice Springs, directly off the Stuart Highway in Warumungu. 

Best for: Anyone looking to experience a glittering night sky free from light pollution, with views of the Milky Way galaxy that are becoming increasingly difficult to find. 

Good to know: Visitors are welcome to camp at Karlu Karlu and enjoy the stars all night long. Campsites are available to book online; an NT Parks Visitor Pass is also required. 

Cost: A one-day NT Parks Visitor Pass is $10 for adults, $5 for kids and $8 for concession, with more deals available for families. The camping fees are the same prices as the visitor pass, so for both it’s $20 for adults, $20 for kids and $16 for concession.

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Jessica O'Donnell

Jessica O'Donnell

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Untouched wilderness & unexpected pub crawls: 8 experiences you’ll only find in the NT

(Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Sean Scott)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    The Northern Territory isn’t just different – it’s a whole new world. From the friendly locals and varied landscapes to its cultural layers, there’s nowhere else in Australia quite like it.

    The Northern Territory has to be experienced to be believed. The majesty of Uluṟu doesn’t quite hit until you’re standing before it. The untouched beauty of Arnhem Land strikes the heart in a way you can’t imagine. The quirky and friendly locals and the festivals they throw impart stories that won’t be forgotten. And that’s just the beginning. From natural hot springs and local larrikins to deep cultural ties and ancient stories, these are the experiences to be discovered only in the NT.

    1. Swim in pristine natural hot springs

    woman swimming in Katherine Hot Springs only in the nt
    Dive into Katherine’s crystal clear thermal springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Backyard Bandits)

    The NT’s natural hot springs are truly picturesque. Katherine’s crystal clear thermal springs sit on the banks of the Katherine River, framed by nature. Picnic grounds and scenic walking tracks make it easy to linger.

    In Elsey National Park, the teal waters of Bitter Springs have long been popular with locals. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles as you drift with the gentle current, palm trees waving on the banks. The park also contains Mataranka Thermal Pool, a sandy-bottomed swimming hole sitting at a cosy 34°C year-round.

    2. Explore the Red Centre Light Trail

    Light Towers Kings Canyon
    Head to Kings Canyon to see the Light Towers. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is more than just a place; it’s earned its name as Australia’s cultural heart. Here, a wealth of stories is held by its Traditional Owners, the Aṉangu. And while there are many ways to connect, in more recent years, the Red Centre Light Trail has offered visitors one more way to interpret all this landscape holds.

    Wander the Light Towers at Kings Canyon and watch the Field of Light transform the land before Uluṟu as day turns to night. Also, be sure to take in Wintjiri Wiṟu by light artist Bruce Ramus, sharing the Aṉangu’s Mala story.

    Arrive in April to experience Parrtjima, a free annual 10-night festival of light, featuring installations, workshops and more.

    3. See unrivalled views from a helicopter

    helicopter ride over kakadu only in the nt
    See Kakadu from the air. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Sean Scott)

    There’s no better place in the world to hit the skies in a helicopter. Soar over thundering waterfalls, world-famous wetlands and the floodplains of Kakadu National Park. A bird’s-eye view brings a special type of magic to this one-of-a-kind landscape.

    You can also meet local characters on the pub crawl of a lifetime as you fly between some of the NT’s best and most remote pubs.

    4. Discover the start of Western Arrarnta art

    Hermannsburg Potters only in the nt
    Book ahead to visit Hermannsburg Potters. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Felix Baker)

    Hermannsburg is one of the most unique towns in Australia. This historic mission town holds several claims to fame, including being the birthplace of Western Arrarnta art – a renowned style of Indigenous art using vibrant, naturalistic watercolours to depict Central Australian desert landscapes. Book ahead from April to September to visit Hermannsburg Potters, a collective of dedicated Western Arrarnta artists.

    Other options to see this art style near Alice Springs include the Araluen Arts Centre, Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye).

    5. Spot crocs on a cruise

    Crocodile being fed on a cruise on the Adelaide River nt
    Spot wild crocs up close. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

    The NT is the only territory that feeds wild crocs, putting the ‘wild’ in wildlife spotting experience. Join a cruise along the Adelaide River, just an hour from Darwin, to see these not-so-gentle prehistoric giants in their natural habitat.

    Be sure to stop into Humpty Doo or Noonamah for lunch on your way back to Darwin. Here, you’ll experience a real NT roadhouse.

    6. Experience local Indigenous cultures

    young participant at the Garma Festival Nhulunbuy arnhem land
    Time a trip to Nhulunbuy for the Garma Festival. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    The NT offers some of the best opportunities to experience the world’s most ancient living culture. Head to Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem mid-year for the Garma Festival, Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering, with four days of song, dance and art sharing Yolngu culture. Stop into Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre in nearby Yirrkala while you’re there, current home of the Yirrkala Church Panels. Painted in 1963, they form one of the first ‘title deeds’ to Country.

    Join a celebration of Indigenous music, art, culture and sport at the Barunga Festival, 80 kilometres from Katherine, every June. And year-round, book an Indigenous-led tour through Ubirr, one of the oldest rock art sites in Australia.

    7. Meet the larrikins of Alice Springs

    competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta
    Henley on Todd Regatta might be one of the NT’s whackiest events. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/

    Head to Alice Springs at any time of year and you’ll be guaranteed to meet some colourful locals. But to really get to the heart of the eccentricities, mark a few dates on your calendar.

    March brings one of the best Pride events in the world, fabAlice. Inspired by the iconic Aussie movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which was filmed in Alice Springs over 25 years ago, the festival has a strong focus on the art of drag and celebrates LGBTQI+ communities, as well as self-expression in general.

    Come August, Todd River’s typically dry, sandy bed comes alive with the world’s only dry river boating event, the Henley on Todd Regatta.

    8. Swim in a waterfall with no one else around

    Upper Cascades in Litchfield National Park
    Swim in the Upper Cascades with no one else around.

    So few of Australia’s most beautiful places remain untouched, but that’s not true in the NT. Take a short hike through monsoon forest in Litchfield National Park (just over an hour’s drive outside of Darwin) to reach the secluded Cascades swimming area. Here, take a dip in the lower or upper cascade pools, both surrounded by rugged bushland. And you’ll probably have it all to yourself.

    Plan your Northern Territory trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com.