Boxhole crater
Crater Small meteorite impact crater in central Australia
A meteorite impact crater in Australia’s Northern Territory east of Alice Springs, Boxhole Crater appeals to geologists and off‑road visitors interested in impact features and occasional field trips.
Boxhole crater is a small meteorite impact crater in the Northern Territory of Australia, known for its well-preserved bowl shape and ejecta rim.
The feature is roughly 170 metres in diameter and displays the circular depression and rim typical of a simple impact crater; meteorite material has been recovered from the site.
Dating work has indicated a Holocene age for the impact, often cited at approximately 5,400 years before present.
The crater lies on pastoral land known as Boxhole Station in the Northern Territory.
- Size: The crater measures roughly 170 metres across and is a well-preserved small impact structure from the Holocene.
- Age: Dating studies indicate the impact occurred in the Holocene, commonly cited at about 5,400 years before present.
How to Get to Boxhole crater #
Boxhole crater lies northeast of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Access typically requires a 4WD and navigation from Alice Springs; detailed directions should be obtained locally and respect paid to Indigenous land access rules where applicable.
Tips for Visiting Boxhole crater #
- The crater is on Aboriginal land - be respectful and check local permissions for access.
- Bring a good map: access roads are rough and signage limited.
- Visit in the dry season (April-October) for firm ground and more predictable access.
Best Time to Visit Boxhole crater #
Visit in the dry season for road access and comfortable exploration; the crater is remote and undeveloped.
Weather & Climate near Boxhole crater #
Boxhole crater's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 37°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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February
February is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with 57 mm of rain.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
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October
October is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
