KARLU KARLU (DEVILS MARBLES)
These spherical rocks, nicknamed the Devil's Logs at Tennant Creek, are sacred to the four local Aboriginal groups.
Karlu Karlu are spherical rocks as far as the eye can see, which the explorers who installed the telegraph in 1870 nicknamed the 'Devil's Logs', because of the harshness of the local environment during their journey. The place is sacred to the four local Aboriginal groups, each of which has a different interpretation of the site, but none of them are referring to the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent (contrary to what one often reads). The importance of the site is demonstrated by the controversy of the rock used as a memorial for John Flynn, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctors. A rock, sacred to the Aboriginal women linked to Karlu Karlu, had indeed been removed from the site in 1952 to be moved to Alice Springs (near Desert Park). After 45 years of negotiations, it was the Arrernte, the Aborigines of the Alice Springs area, who solved the problem by offering a (non-sacred) rock for the memorial, and the sacred rock was finally returned to Karlu Karlu.
Many of these stories are kept secret. It is highly recommended to stop and explore these boulders, formed by erosion over thousands of years, which are between 50cm and 6m in diameter. Enjoy a different panorama by taking the various small paths around the boulders. Don't pass by without stopping or even better camping. The campsite is part of the national park (book on the NT Parks booking system), and the 360 degree view at sunrise and sunset is breathtaking. You will also be surprised to find wifi at Karlu Karlu.
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Un petit camping basique et peu cher (3,30$/adulte) permet d'assister au spectacle au premières loges.