Who Made The ‘Naked’ Marree Man? Australia’s 3-Kilometre-Long Mysterious Desert Figure No One Claims To Have Made

A massive figure in the isolated desert of South Australia has been silently protecting the Finniss Springs plateau for almost 30 years. This enormous geoglyph, known as the Marree Man, depicts a nude Aboriginal hunter wielding a woomera, a traditional spear-thrower, and measures 2.2 miles (3.54 kilometres) from head to toe. Its size is so huge that it’s best seen from space.

The Marree Man was first spotted by a pilot in 1998. No one knows who created it, how it was built, or why. The lines were carved deep into the desert soil, creating a clear silhouette, but the scale and precision suggest modern tools rather than ancient methods.

Created With Precision In Just Days:

According to satellite data from the US Geological Survey and NASA, the Marree Man was visible from May 27 to June 12, 1998. The figure went from being invisible to fully formed in just sixteen days. With lines that are about 25 centimetres deep and were probably excavated with a grader or bulldozer, its outline covers 28 kilometres.

During the 2016 restoration, a local team used GPS guidance and satellite images to re-carve the fading figure. They discovered 250 bamboo stakes around the perimeter, probably used for surveying. Phil Turner, part of the restoration team, said, “This was no random act. Whoever did it had machinery, mapping skills, and intent.”

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Who Could Have Made It?

One theory points to Bardius Goldberg, a sculptor known for large-scale environmental art, though he never confirmed creating the Marree Man before his death in 2002.

Another theory links the figure to American military involvement, since the nearby Woomera Prohibited Area is used by both Australian and U.S. forces. An anonymous fax sent to local businesses called the figure “Stuart’s Giant” and included coordinates. Its language suggested an American origin, but no one has officially claimed responsibility.

Preserving A Modern Wonder?

By 2013, erosion had faded the lines, prompting the 2016 restoration. The team carved grooves to trap water and encourage plant growth, hoping the desert’s greenery would help preserve the figure. By 2019, satellites showed a clearer outline with visible green edges.

A Monument Without An Owner:

The creator and purpose of the Marree Man are still unknown. Dick Smith, an explorer, offered a $5,000 AUD reward for information in 2018, but no claims were made.

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The Marree Man is still a mystery today; NASA and geoglyph researchers have catalogued him, but he is officially without an artist, copyright, or explanation. As one of the most remarkable anonymous artworks in the world, its presence never ceases to astound travellers, scientists, and adventurers.