Wolfe Creek Crater

Those 3 words – Wolfe – Creek – Crater, may make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. We haven’t seen the movie, we don’t want to see the movie; but we were definitely going to camp there overnight.

Located at the end of the Tanami Track in Western Australia, 156 km south of Halls Creek, a 50,000 tonne meteorite impacted 300,000 years ago. The second largest meteorite crater in the world (Arizona, USA has the largest) 875mtrs diameter – 60 metres deep. It was on our checklist of extremes of Australia to tick off – another significant rock formation to photograph.

Walking up to the rim the steep slope was covered in rusty coloured rocks made of iron oxide known as “shale balls.” On the other side across the crater floor and up onto the opposing rim was all red sand dune.

In the middle of the crater is a white sandy patch with deep green vegetation and purple fluffy wildflowers called Tall Mulla Mulla. Contrast is incredible!

The Jaru Aboriginal people call the crater Gandimalal and tell the story of two rainbow snakes moving across the land to form Sturt Creek and Wolfe Creek. Gandimalal is the place where one of the snakes came out of the ground.

We didn’t bump into John Jarrett, thank goodness, but we did meet some Yarwun/Benaraby folks on holiday- it is a small small world.

Some of the unexpected sites were a couple of feral cats dressed up in animal print pyjama’s, very entertaining for the camping venue.

Early morning was the best time in winter to photograph the crater as the green vegetation centre was in full sun. The afternoon setting sun highlights the rusty red round boulders with green tufts of spinifex in between.

Note: always visit significant rock formations twice - morning and afternoon sun gives you varying colours to your photographs.

There is bush camping only and as a national park no pets allowed. Compost loos only, no water available.

Halls Creek has an exceptional visitor centre well stocked with souvenirs and information of the Kimberley region. Halls Creek is a major hub of supplies and repairs with 2 supermarkets, hospital, mechanical repairs workshops plus much more - all essential services needed for tourists travelling. Must try a “The Lot” pie from the bakery – very good!

For more information: Halls Creek Tourism