Rising gently from the spinifex plains, Wolfe Creek Crater doesn't look like much from a distance. Climb the rim, though, and an almost perfect circle opens up below you. WA Parks and Wildlife recognises the Jaru people as the Traditional Owners of the park. The crater, Kandimalal, is a place of cultural significance woven into Aboriginal creation stories.
How the crater formed
Parks and Wildlife says the crater was formed by a meteorite of about 50,000 tonnes smashing into the earth around 300,000 years ago. It was travelling at about 15 km a second, fast enough to cross Australia in five minutes. Europeans only "discovered" the crater in 1947, but Aboriginal people have long known it. Parks and Wildlife describes it as the second-largest crater in the world from which meteorite fragments have been collected.
The rim walk
- A 400 m return walk climbs steeply over rocks to the top of the crater rim.
- Climbing down into the crater isn't permitted. The steep terrain and loose rocks make it dangerous.
- Sunrise from the rim is a highlight if you camp overnight.
Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and avoid the heat of the day.
Wildlife
Look for brown ringtail dragons, small lizards, around the rocks. If you're lucky, you may hear Major Mitchell's cockatoos. Parks and Wildlife says these pink cockatoos feed on seeds from the wattles and paperbarks on the crater floor. Birdwatching is best early and late in the day.
Getting there
Parks and Wildlife says the park is 145 km from Halls Creek via the Tanami Road and an access road. Both are gravel, and generally only accessible to conventional vehicles in the dry season. It's a two- to three-hour drive each way.
Before you go:
- Check the Main Roads WA travel map and the Shire of Halls Creek's road reports for the Tanami Road.
- Fill up in Halls Creek.
- Carry spare tyres, water and food.
- Expect corrugations, and lower your speed and tyre pressures as needed.
See fuel, permits and road conditions.
Camping
There's a campground near the crater. Staying overnight lets you see sunset and sunrise light on the rim, and the night skies are superb. Facilities are basic. No water is available and no bins are provided, so bring plenty of water and take your rubbish with you. Check the Parks and Wildlife website for current campground information.
Best time to visit
Parks and Wildlife says the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is fine and temperatures are moderate. The wet season can make the gravel roads impassable, and summer temperatures are extreme. See wet season and road closures.
Park rules
- No entry fee.
- No dogs or other pets.
- No climbing into the crater.
- Leave rocks and cultural artefacts as you find them.
- Take all rubbish out with you.
Safety
Parks and Wildlife recommends considering a personal locator beacon (PLB). The area is very remote, mobile coverage is limited, and help can be far away.
- Tell someone your plans.
- Carry plenty of water, at least several litres per person per day plus extra.
- Avoid walking in the heat of the day.
- Don't drive at night. Cattle and wildlife are a hazard.
See remote area travel safety.
The Wolf Creek films
The crater became widely known after the Wolf Creek horror films, which are fiction. The real park is a peaceful, culturally significant place. Respect it.
Wolfe Creek in Jaru Country
DBCA acknowledges the Jaru people as the Traditional Owners of the park. Kandimalal is a place of cultural significance, woven into creation stories. Leave rocks and cultural artefacts where you find them.
Halls Creek Tourism recalls a remarkable local story. Respected Djaru elder Jack Jugarie, then aged over 70, walked unaided more than 350 km from Wolfe Creek Crater to Wyndham for the 1996 ABC documentary The Human Race. He carried only a swag and a litre of water, and navigated by the stars. A statue of him stands in the Halls Creek town park.
Plan your visit
- When: May to October, when DBCA says conditions are fine and temperatures moderate.
- Vehicle: the 145 km route from Halls Creek is gravel beyond the highway, and DBCA says it's generally only accessible to conventional vehicles in the dry season. Allow two to three hours each way.
- Supplies: no water or bins are provided. Bring ample water and take your rubbish out.
- Fees: entry is free.
- Pets: no dogs or other pets are allowed.
- Contact: Kununurra Parks and Wildlife Office.
Combine with
- Halls Creek: the China Wall and Old Halls Creek.
- Purnululu (the Bungle Bungles), north of Halls Creek.
- The Tanami Road to Alice Springs.
- The Kimberley road trip and the Kimberley.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wolfe Creek Crater worth visiting?
For many Kimberley travellers, yes. It's a vast, near-perfect circular crater formed by a meteorite around 300,000 years ago, with a short rim walk, sunrise views and a remote campground. The road is rough gravel, so allow a full day or stay overnight.
Can you walk into Wolfe Creek Crater?
No. Parks and Wildlife says climbing down into the crater isn't permitted, because the steep terrain and loose rocks make it dangerous. The 400 m return walk to the top of the rim gives views across the crater floor.
Is there a real Wolf Creek crater?
Yes. Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park protects a real meteorite crater in the Kimberley, about 145 km from Halls Creek. It became widely known after the Wolf Creek horror films, which were fiction. The crater has long been known to Aboriginal people and is woven into creation stories.
What is the road like to Wolfe Creek Crater?
Parks and Wildlife says the park is 145 km from Halls Creek via the Tanami Road and an access road. Both are gravel and generally only accessible to conventional vehicles in the dry season. Allow two to three hours each way, and check road conditions first.
Is Wolfe Creek Crater free to visit?
Yes. DBCA says entry to Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park is free. Pets aren't allowed, and there's no water or bins, so bring supplies and take your rubbish out.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park — Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (WA)
- Travel map — Main Roads Western Australia
- Halls Creek history — Halls Creek Tourism
