Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park
National Park Well-preserved meteorite impact crater with visitor trails
Wolfe Creek National Park preserves a near-circular meteorite crater in the Kimberley region; visitors explore the crater rim, geological interpretation and the night sky.
Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park is a remote protected area in Western Australia that encloses Wolfe Creek Crater, locally known as Kandimalal, a well-preserved meteorite impact structure. The crater is distinctive for its circular rim and accessible walking route that allows close viewing of the depression.
The main visitor experience is a short walk from a nearby car park to the crater rim and viewing points, accompanied by interpretive panels that describe the impact geology and local Indigenous connections to the site. The site is visited for geology, landscape photography and short nature walks rather than extended hiking facilities.
Geological studies estimate the crater to be on the order of a few hundred thousand years old and the structure measures roughly 880 metres in diameter. The park is located in the East Kimberley region of remote Western Australia and is accessed via sealed and unsealed regional roads from the nearest outback service towns.
- Diameter: The crater measures roughly 880 metres across and is one of the best-preserved meteorite craters on Earth.
- Estimated age: Scientific dating indicates the impact occurred in the order of a few hundred thousand years ago, commonly cited as around 300,000 years before present.
What to See #
- Crater rim walk: A short, well-marked walking track leads from the car park to a viewing point on the crater rim that gives a clear view into the bowl-shaped meteorite depression.
- Visitor information and interpretation: Interpretive signage and a small visitor shelter at the car park explain the crater's geology and the local Indigenous name and significance of the site.
How to Get to Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park #
The crater is remote: approximately 145 km south of Halls Creek, accessible from the Great Northern Highway via the Tanami/Wolfe Creek access tracks. Most visitors reach it by 4WD; the final approach is on unsealed roads that can be washed out after rain. There are occasional guided tours from Halls Creek and Broome that include transport and cultural interpretation.
Tips for Visiting Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park #
- A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended - the last 30-60 km are unsealed and washouts are common after rain.
- Time the visit for sunrise or sunset - the low light brings out the crater's rim relief and the colours of spinifex and red earth.
- Respect the site's Indigenous name Kandimalal and any requests from local Jaru custodians; avoid climbing fragile edges.
- Carry extra fuel, water and a spare tyre - Halls Creek services are ~3 hours away by road.
Best Time to Visit Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park #
Best visited in the dry season (May-September) when access is reliable and light is good for photography.
Weather & Climate near Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park #
Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in December) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 12°C to 39°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 35°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is hot, feeling like 34°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (128 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm, feeling like 27°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.