Wycliffe Well, located 130km south of Tennant Creek in Australia's Northern Territory, is known as the "UFO Capital of Australia." Originally a watering point for the Overland Telegraph Line in the 1860s, it became an army farm during World War II and later developed into a roadhouse in the 1960s. It was around this time that stories of strange sightings in the sky began to emerge.
During World War II, servicemen stationed at Wycliffe Well kept a journal documenting numerous unidentified object sightings, prompting an investigation by the Royal Australian Air Force. Although the original journal was stolen in 1990, a new book recording UFO sightings from the 1990s onwards is still maintained.
As the town's reputation for UFO activity grew, Lou Farkus, the owner of Wycliffe Well Holiday Park, capitalised on the phenomenon by installing alien models, erecting UFO signage, and selling extraterrestrial-themed merchandise to visitors. Sightings documented by visitors include reports of lights in the sky, cigar-shaped objects, and crafts that change size and shape, often seen with flashing, pulsating lights in various colours.
Mr. Farkus explained that Wycliffe Well’s location on intersecting ley lines and its flat terrain with unobstructed views of the sky contribute to the frequent sightings. Additionally, the nearby Woomera Prohibited Area, known as Australia’s "Area 51," may also be linked to the sightings due to its use as a weapons testing range.
Though Mr. Farkus sold the property in 2009, Wycliffe Well remains an intriguing stop for travellers. The roadhouse features statues of green aliens, UFO-themed paraphernalia, and aged newspaper clippings detailing sightings. The town's brochure claims that UFO sightings are so common that it's considered unlucky not to see something if you stay up all night.
While Wycliffe Well may not be a destination in itself, it’s a quirky place to visit while exploring the Stuart Highway. Its proximity to attractions like the Devil's Marbles Conservation Reserve and the Davenport Ranges makes it a convenient base for travellers, offering a unique glimpse into the mysteries of the universe.
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