Karlu Karlu becomes Northern Territory’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) Conservation Reserve, one of the Northern Territory’s most remarkable natural landmarks, has been designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International, recognising the exceptional quality of its night skies and commitment to protecting its nocturnal environment.

Located around 100 kilometres south of Tennant Creek, Karlu Karlu is renowned for its ancient granite boulders scattered across a wide, shallow valley beneath the vast skies of the Barkly region. The designation makes Karlu Karlu the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Northern Territory and only the third in Australia.

“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 Karlu Karlu 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.

Visitors are welcome to camp at Karlu Karlu, and experience the night sky at its most spectacular, with no light pollution, brilliant stars and breathtaking views of the Milky Way galaxy that are increasingly difficult to experience elsewhere. By day, they can explore the landscapes further along short self-guided walking trails. Campsites are available to book online, an NT Parks Visitor Pass is also required.

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality led the submission process for International Dark Sky Sanctuary designation, with support from the reserve’s Traditional Owners, Central Land Council, Barkly Regional Council, Tourism Central Australia and the Devils Marbles Hotel.

“DarkSky International’s Sanctuary designation of Karlu Karlu Conservation Reserve is fantastic news both for the visitor economy and future conservation of this special place. The international recognition puts the region on the map, adding to our offerings for visitors seeking unobscured star-filled skies and experiences,” said Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop.

Central Australia has become a destination where light, darkness and landscape come together in extraordinary ways. From the natural brilliance of the Milky Way above Karlu Karlu to Parrtjima, a cultural light festival, set against the MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs, Bruce Munro’s Light-Towers at Kings Canyon, and Field of Light and Wintjiri Wiru at Uluru, visitors can experience the desert after dark in ways found nowhere else. 

These experiences sit alongside some of Australia’s clearest and darkest night skies, demonstrating why protecting darkness is so important: it preserves the natural and cultural values of these landscapes, and creates a remarkable canvas for Central Australia’s stories, stars and carefully designed light experiences to shine.

Achieving the designation followed an extensive year-long process led by NT Parks and Wildlife, including six months of night-sky readings to measure darkness levels, an audit of artificial lighting and an assessment of future risks to preserving the night sky.

Philip Cowan, Senior Director, NT Parks and Wildlife Operations, said the designation would help ensure Karlu Karlu’s extraordinary night skies are protected into the future.

“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,” Mr Cowan said.

International Dark Sky Sanctuaries recognise places with an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment protected for its scientific, natural or educational value, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.

Sanctuaries are typically located in very remote areas with few, if any, nearby threats to the quality of their dark night skies. The designation is designed to increase awareness of these fragile sites and promote their long-term conservation.

As part of the Dark Sky certification, interpretive signage will be developed at Karlu Karlu adding additional information focused specifically on night-sky viewing and the importance of preserving dark skies.

Karlu Karlu will also fall within the path of totality for the total solar eclipse on 22 July 2028, when the Moon will completely obscure the Sun over the reserve for almost five minutes, providing another extraordinary opportunity to experience the skies above the Barkly region. More information on the best ways to experience the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse in the Northern Territory will be available on northernterritory.com soon.