Wolfe Creek Crater is a geological formation formed by a meteor impact, popular with travellers in the Tanami Desert region of Western Australia.
The almost perfectly circular crater, some 880 m (2887 feet) in diameter and 60 m (196 feet) deep, forms the focus of the Wolfe Creek Crater National Park.
Oh, and chill out - the movie Wolf Creek is completely fictional.
Understand
Wolfe Creek Crater was only discovered by science in 1947 as a result of aerial surveys. The feature had been known to local Aborigines since time unknown, under the name Kandimalal.
It is thought that the crater was formed some 300,000 years ago when a meteor weighing in excess of 50,000 tonnes (55,116 tons) impacted the earth's surface at 15 km/s (9.3 mi/s).
The crater partly inspired the name and setting of a 2005 horror film, Wolf Creek, depicting serial killings in the Outback regions of Australia.
Whilst toilets exist at the site, note that there is no water made available at the crater.
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Get in
Wolfe Creek Crater is located some 145 km south-south-east of Halls Creek via an eastern offshoot of the Tanami Track to Alice Springs (gravel, only accessible to conventional vehicles during the dry season from May-October). Look for signs to the crater. The drive takes 2-3 hours to complete and should only be undertaken after notifying the authorities of travelling intentions and with sufficient water reserves.
Fees and permits
Get around
See
- 1 The crater.
- Wildlife resident within the crater
Do
Sightseeing, walking, photography, nature observation. Viewing from the crater rim is a must.
An alternative, spectacular way to view the crater is to take an aerial flight from Halls Creek.
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
A camping ground is available in the national park.