Tennant Creek and the Barkly region are preparing for about 10,000 visitors expected during Australia’s total solar eclipse on Saturday, July 22, 2028. Tennant Creek and Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles will be inside the path of totality.
The event could benefit local hotels, restaurants, tour operators and Aboriginal tourism businesses. It will also test the remote region’s limited campsites, fuel, water, toilets and emergency facilities.
What time is the eclipse in Tennant Creek?
The partial eclipse is calculated to begin at approximately 11:16am ACST. Maximum eclipse is expected around 12:49pm, with the partial phase ending at about 2:17pm.
Tennant Creek should experience approximately three minutes and 25 seconds of totality. Exact timings will vary slightly at Karlu Karlu and other viewing locations.
Why Karlu Karlu could attract large crowds
Totality occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright surface. Daylight briefly fades and the solar corona may become visible when skies are clear. Locations with 99 per cent coverage will not experience the full effect.
Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles is about 100 kilometres south of Tennant Creek beside the Stuart Highway. Its open landscape and position beneath the eclipse path make it an attractive potential viewing location.
Devils Marbles Hotel co-manager Jo Oldham said booking enquiries began after the current management took over in October 2024. The property accommodates about 60 people and is expected to be fully occupied during the eclipse.
Temporary camps and transport plans
Northern Territory tourism officials have opened expressions of interest to identify land and facilities suitable for temporary accommodation and eclipse viewing.
The projected 10,000 visitors is a planning estimate rather than a confirmed attendance total. Tour operators have started selling packages, but official viewing sites, temporary camps, additional flights, shuttle buses and traffic arrangements have not been finalised.
Travellers considering an eclipse package should confirm that the operator has permission to use the advertised site. They should check whether water, toilets, meals, transport and eclipse glasses are included, along with cancellation and refund conditions.
Camping and cultural responsibilities
The existing Karlu Karlu campground cannot accommodate thousands of visitors. According to the official Karlu Karlu visitor and camping rules, campsites must be booked and paid for online before arrival. Interstate and international visitors also require an NT Parks Visitor Pass.
Generators and drones are prohibited, while pets are not permitted in the campground. Visitors must stay on designated roads and tracks.
Karlu Karlu means “round boulders” and is jointly managed with Kaytete, Warumungu, Warlpiri and Alyawarra Traditional Owners. Visitors are asked not to climb the boulders or enter Aboriginal land and private property without permission.
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How to watch the eclipse safely
Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing a solar eclipse. Certified solar glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 standard must be worn during the partial phases.
Glasses may be removed only during complete totality and must be replaced as soon as direct sunlight returns. Cameras, binoculars and telescopes require purpose-built filters fitted over the front of their optics.
Unlike an Australian total lunar eclipse, a solar eclipse cannot be watched safely with unprotected eyes.
People choosing a remote location may find the practical site and visibility advice in this meteor shower viewing guide useful.
Visitors should wait for confirmed announcements about campsites, tickets, road restrictions, transport and emergency arrangements before finalising remote travel plans.
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