Wolfe Creek Crater: Location, getting there, size & entry fee

The Wolfe Creek Crater in the Western Australian outback is 875 metres in diameter. The second largest meteorite crater on earth is hard to get to, however.

The Wolfe Creek Crater is the second largest meteorite crater on earth. You’ll probably have to go a fair distance out of your way to see it, though – this impact crater is a long way from anywhere in the Western Australian outback.

Where is the Wolfe Creek Crater?

The Wolfe Creek Crater is in Wolfe Creek Crater National Park, Western Australia. The nearest settlement of any reasonable size is Halls Creek in the Kimberley region.

The drive from Halls Creek to Wolfe Creek is 145km long, and takes two to three hours depend on what sort of condition the Tanami Road is in. Do not even attempt to drive down it in a conventional vehicle outside of the dry season – it is 4WD only during the wet.

How big is the Wolfe Creek Crater?

The Wolfe Creek Crater is the result of a major meteorite crashing into Earth approximately 300,000 years ago. Aboriginal Australians had known of its existence, and woven it into their creation stories for a long time, but European settlers only discovered this Western Australian meteorite crater in 1947.

The Wolfe Creek Crater has an average diameter of 875 metres, and a depth of 60 metres. It makes a very obviously visible dent in the outback landscape.

Can I go inside the Wolfe Creek Crater?

Visitors are not permitted to go inside the Wolfe Creek Crater. The rim walls are too steep, and there are lots of loose rocks. Given the remote location, the Western Australia Parks and Wildlife Department has justifiably decided that going inside the crater is too dangerous.

However, you can take a 400 metre walk up to the top of the rim. Again, this is steep – don’t go expecting a relaxing stroll.

There is no entry fee for the Wolfe Creek Crater, but be aware that there are no bins on site. You need to take your own rubbish out with you. There is also no water in Wolfe Creek National Park – you need to bring your own drinking supplies.

For further information, visit the Parks and Wildlife Service website.