Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) Conservation Reserve, one of the most remarkable natural landmarks in Australia’s Northern Territory, has been designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International, recognizing the exceptional quality of its night skies and commitment to protecting its nocturnal environment. The designation makes Karlu Karlu the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Northern Territory and only the third in Australia.
Located approximately 62 miles south of Tennant Creek along the Stuart Highway, Karlu Karlu is a popular stop for travelers exploring the Northern Territory between Alice Springs and Darwin. The reserve can also be incorporated into wider Red Centre itineraries, including journeys to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
The journey to Karlu Karlu offers travelers the opportunity to experience one of the Northern Territory’s most distinctive landscapes. A short self-guided walking trail takes visitors among the reserve’s enormous granite boulders, with interpretive signage providing insight into the geology and cultural significance of the site. The formations have been shaped over millions of years, creating the rounded and precariously balanced structures for which Karlu Karlu is known.
After sunset, the experience transforms, with minimal artificial light across the surrounding landscape providing exceptional conditions for experiencing the night sky.
The designation also comes ahead of one of Australia’s most anticipated celestial events. On July 22, 2028, Karlu Karlu will fall within the path of totality of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon will completely obscure the Sun over the reserve for almost five minutes. The event will provide travelers with a rare opportunity to experience totality against the dramatic landscape and dark skies of the Northern Territory.
“This award is an excellent example of how dark sky conservation can complement the protection of culturally and environmentally significant places. Its exceptionally dark skies, deep cultural connections, and iconic landscape make it a natural fit for International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification. As the first certified site in the region, this creates an exciting opportunity to build broader awareness of dark sky conservation locally,” said Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places Program Manager.
Almost all of the 1,800-hectare (4,448-acre) reserve is a registered sacred site and is significant to the Kaytetye, Warumungu, Warlpiri and Alyawarra Traditional Owners, whose ancestors have managed the area since creation time.
Karlu Karlu is a cultural landscape central to Traditional Owners’ identity, with stories and traditions, sacred sites and related Dreamings forming important elements of the reserve’s cultural value. The Traditional Owners have given their full support to the International Dark Sky Sanctuary designation.
The reserve is also home to approximately 116 native plant species, 83 bird species, 10 native mammal species, 30 reptile species and four frog species, as well as one drought-surviving crab species.
As part of the Dark Sky certification, interpretive signage will be developed at Karlu Karlu.. This will include Dark Sky Sanctuary signage and additional interpretation focused specifically on night-sky viewing and the importance of preserving dark skies. Future interpretation will also provide opportunities for Aboriginal-led storytelling around the night sky.
“This is a stellar achievement, to see a Dark Sky Sanctuary designated at Karlu Karlu. It’s a big deal for tourism and it’s yet another reason why the Northern Territory truly is a one-of-a-kind destination,” said the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, and Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby.
“Our night skies are some of the darkest in the world – a stargazer’s dream! And with wide-open spaces like Karlu Karlu, there’s no shortage of exceptional viewing opportunities for visitors to Barkly.,” she said.
The designation followed an extensive year-long process led by NT Parks and Wildlife, including six months of night-sky readings, an audit of artificial lighting and an assessment of future risks to preserving the night sky.
“This designation will help protect the night sky at Karlu Karlu, ensuring any future development must adhere to strict lighting guidelines, ensuring preservation of the night sky for future generations,” said Philip Cowan, Senior Director, NT Parks and Wildlife Operations.
The designation also adds Karlu Karlu to a broader range of Northern Territory experiences that invite travelers to experience the destination after dark. In Kakadu, visitors can enjoy outdoor dining around the full moon alongside Indigenous culture and storytelling, while Nitmiluk offers multi-day canoe adventures with overnight camping beneath the stars. Remote properties such as Bullo River Station also offer opportunities for stargazing in areas with minimal light pollution.
Other nighttime experiences are being developed across the Territory, including the Ganyil Big Sky Dinner on Jawoyn Country at Nitmiluk and an eco-luxury experience combining wildlife, nocturnal safari experiences and dark-sky stargazing.
Looking further ahead, the Northern Territory’s connection to major celestial events will continue beyond 2028. On July 13, 2037, another total solar eclipse will cross Australia’s Red Centre, with the path of totality passing over iconic landscapes including Uluru and bringing approximately three minutes of darkness to the region.
