Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater

Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park is a 1,460-hectare protected area in the Great Sandy Desert of the Kimberley-desert interface, Western Australia, centred on the world's second-largest meteorite impact crater. Wolfe Creek Crater (Kandimalal in the Djaru language) is 880 metres in diameter and 60 metres deep, formed approximately 300,000 years ago when a 50,000-tonne iron meteorite struck the Earth. The crater rim rises 25 metres above the surrounding desert plain. The park is managed by DBCA.

Wolfe Creek supports arid-zone fauna typical of the Great Sandy Desert interface. Red kangaroos, emus, echidnas, thorny devils, and goannas are present. The crater itself — with its sheltered interior and modified microclimate — supports some moisture-dependent vegetation not found on surrounding plains. Desert bird species including spinifex pigeons, budgerigars, and diamond doves are resident. The crater is significant to the Djaru people as the landing site of the Rainbow Serpent.

The crater interior supports a distinctive vegetation community: spinifex (Triodia) grassland on the upper slopes, with more diverse vegetation in the moist, sheltered crater floor. Desert trees including desert bloodwood (Corymbia terminalis) and Melaleuca species grow in the crater bottom. The surrounding desert plain is dominated by spinifex over sand with scattered mulga. After rare rainfall, ephemeral wildflowers can be dramatic.

Wolfe Creek Crater was formed approximately 300,000 years ago by the impact of an iron meteorite approximately 20 metres in diameter. The impactor struck with the energy equivalent to many nuclear weapons, vaporising the meteorite and ejecting a ring of crushed and shocked limestone and sandstone. Iron meteorite fragments — including iron shale and meteoritic iron — have been recovered from the crater and surrounding area. The crater is the second best-preserved impact crater on earth after Barringer Crater in Arizona.

Extremely arid climate. Annual rainfall below 250 mm, predominantly from summer cyclonic events. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C. Winters are mild and dry. Water is extremely scarce. The best visiting season is May–August.

Kandimalal is a site of profound spiritual significance to the Djaru and Walmajarri peoples. In traditional cosmology, the crater marks where the Rainbow Serpent (Yarlarloo) emerged from the ground. The crater features in traditional ceremonies and law. The site has been known to Aboriginal peoples for as long as they have lived in the region — far longer than the 300,000 years of European awareness of it.

Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park was proclaimed to protect one of the world's most significant and best-preserved meteorite impact structures. The park is co-managed with Djaru Traditional Owners who have cultural custodianship of Kandimalal.

Crater Rim Walk — a 1.2 km return walk to the crater rim with views into the 60-metre deep crater. Crater Floor Walk — descent into the crater (3.4 km return). The extraordinary scale of the crater and surrounding desert wilderness create an other-worldly experience. The Gibb River Road passes nearby, with Wolfe Creek being a key stop on the iconic Kimberley road trip.

Located 130 km south of Halls Creek via the Tanami Road. The Tanami Road is unsealed and requires a high-clearance 4WD. Car park, toilets, picnic area, and interpretive panels at the crater. No camping. Halls Creek provides accommodation and services.

The primary conservation challenge is protecting the crater from physical erosion by foot traffic — vegetation on the fragile crater rim is sensitive. Visitor numbers have increased significantly due to exposure from the Wolfe Creek Predator horror film series (2005, 2013). Djaru Traditional Owner involvement ensures cultural protocols are maintained at this sacred site.