Karlu Karlu designated as Australia's third International Dark Sky Sanctuary

A remote natural landmark in the Northern Territory has been officially crowned an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it the Territory’s first and only the third in Australia.

Karlu Karlu conservation reserve, also known as the Devils Marbles, is located about 100km south of Tennant Creek and is known for its ancient granite boulders.

Almost all of the reserve’s 1,800 hectares is a sacred site, significant to the Kaytetye, Warumungu, Warlpiri and Alyawarra traditional owners.

International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are places recognised for their exceptionally clear night skies and protected natural environments. The sites are typically in remote areas with little light pollution and are valued for their scientific, environmental, educational or cultural significance.

The designation is difficult to achieve, with only 24 recognised locations worldwide.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, located in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, which sits atop the Jump-Up mesa in Queensland, are the only other designated locations in Australia, achieving that status in 2023 and 2019 respectively.

The NT designation follows a submission led by the Department of Tourism and Hospitality, with support from the traditional owners and local councils.

Being granted the designation involved “an extensive year-long process” led by NT Parks and Wildlife. It includes six months of night-sky readings to measure darkness levels, a review of artificial lighting and an assessment of future risks to preserving the night sky.

Philip Cowan, the senior director of NT Parks and Wildlife Operations, told Guardian Australia that the designation represents “a commitment to protect and promote the night sky”.

Light pollution will need to be considered in any future development, he said.

“Karlu Karlu has some of the darkest skies in the world,” Cowan said. “You can view the Milky Way and the constellations free from any light pollution, and we are excited to share them with our visitors.”

Cowan said keeping the night sky free from light pollution “helps our native animals and is also good for human health”.

Tourism and Events NT’s CEO, Suzana Bishop, called the outcome “fantastic news both for the visitor economy and future conservation of this special place”.

“The international recognition puts the region on the map, adding to our offerings for visitors seeking unobscured star-filled skies and experiences,” she said.