Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park National Park

Address: Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater (Kandimalal), ~145 km S of Halls Creek, Western Australia

Website: https://parks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/wolfe-creek

Hours: Open daily, 24 hours

Admission: Free (no vehicle entry fee)

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.

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.

• 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.