Unmissable is the stark beauty of the KINGS CANYON. Red tinted cliffs spiral down to an oasis. Remote, natural and off the beaten tourist track. Imagine an ancient landscape weathered by nature and pop the KINGS CANYON on your bucket list.
Kings Canyon is part of Watarrka National Park. This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
KINGS CANYON, NORTHERN TERRITORY HIGHLIGHTS
- A strenuous hike up to the rim of the canyon. Your calves burn and you are drinking plenty of water then the world opens up to spectacular views of sheer rock walls. The cliff walls are 100 metres above the lush ‘Garden of Eden’
- Ancient sandstone deep red domes
- The knowledge the landscape is 400 million years of erosion in the making
- Garden of Eden with over 60 rare plants. Imagine an oasis complete with a waterfall. It’s an extraordinary contrast between the arid desert landscape and the permanent watercourse at the bottom of the canyon.
Visitors are not allowed to swim in the Garden of Eden waterhole. Enjoy elevated boardwalk walks and take in the lush colours of the oasis.
Hiking the Kings Canyon is moderately strenuous. Wear closed firm footwear, a hat (there is no shade), sunscreen and loose cotton clothing that covers legs and arms. Plus plenty of water.
The ideal time to start the hike of the Kings Canyon is in the dawn. The hot dry conditions (35+ c) can mean the rangers will close access to the rim walk by 9.00 am.
KINGS CANYON RIM WALK
The rim walk is 6km. You will descend a steep path with a number of steps to the bottom of the canyon. There is no shade and the walk is the best early morning.
There are warning signs about the danger of approaching cliff edges due to the crumbling nature of the rocks. Please check the supplied brochures for details. Kings Canyon is a must do destination for lovers of the Aussie outback, a landscape filled with colour and light.
- Trail is marked with blue arrows
- You must walk clockwise
- Graded moderate to difficult due to the steepness of the hike and the harsh climate
IS THERE A SHORT BUSH WALK IN KINGS CANYON THAT IS NOT DIFFICULT?
The Kings Canyon has an easy family friendly walk (KINGS CREEK WALK)
This walk is marked with red markers.
Distance: 2.6 km
Grade: Easy
Suitable for families and people wanting an easy picturesque walk.
HOW FAR IS KINGS CANYON FROM ULURU?
Kings Canyon is 3 ½ hours from Uluru is a #visitaustralia stop for visitors
374 km, 3 hrs, 30 minutes
Kings Canyon is located 374 km north east of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and 320 kilometres south west of Alice Springs.
Uluru Tours & Trips – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEARBY THE KINGS CANYON?
Kathleen Springs is located 21 km by road from Kings Canyon. Here the relics of old stockyards can be seen along the pleasant walk to the permanent waterhole. The full length of the path is paved, and accessible by wheelchair and pram.
The waterhole holds special significance for the local Aboriginal people and is important for wildlife, so swimming is not permitted.
Watarrka National Park Tours – BOOK NOW (free cancellation)
CAN YOU STAY NEARBY THE KINGS CANYON?
There are several accommodation options nearby the KINGS CANYON. Camp or stay in the local resort.
Overnight Watarrka National Park
Premium – glamping to simpler camping options available. Kings Canyon Resort offers tent sites, caravan or motorhome powered sites as well as comfortable en suite chalet style accommodation.
WHAT CAN YOU DO NEARBY NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK?
- Explore Katherine with its Heritage Museum and galleries. Learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of the gorge for its traditional owners, the Jawoyn and Dagomen people.
- Go birding and observe the tropical plumage of blue-winged kookaburra, black-tailed treecreeper. Walk slowly and look down and up.
- Visit the historic gold rush settlement of Pine Creek, a quiet rural settlement with a great backstory.
- Enjoy exploring Edith Falls, Visit Leliyn (Edith Falls) in Nitmiluk National Park . Snap your own selfie as plunge into the beautiful pools, surrounded by the red tinted escarpment. To get there, follow the Stuart Highway north from Katherine for 40km then take another sealed road for 20km.
- Explore Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, 30 km from Katherine is home to over 170 species of birds, including the vulnerable hooded parrot.
- Soak in nature’s treat, the natural hot springs located in the Elsey National Park.
HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS WHEN VISITING THE RED CENTRE, ULURU & KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA
Uluru Weather Forecast | Today’s Local Weather Forecast check the weather forecast, summer temperatures are deadly
The best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is between May and September when the days are dry and warm, but not scorching. Summer trips are possible however soaring daytime temperatures in excess of 40+ c will lead to walks being closed from 9.00 am due to heat stress danger.
Outback Tours & Adventures – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
- Flies and the Northern Territory. Carry a mosquito head net with you. Carry spares for yourself and the kids.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. Plan to spend the afternoon at the pool relaxing before the sunset moments
- Freeze water in the hotel / accommodation fridge and carry lots and lots of water.
- Make sure you are well-protected against the sun. You should wear long-sleeved cotton shirts, a sun hat, and sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen SPF 50+.
- Sturdy closed footwear as you might have to negotiate loose rocky terrain.
Conditions and access to parks in the Northern Territory (NT) can change at short notice.Extreme weather conditions can be experienced in the region. When you plan your trip and before you leave home, you should check:
- IS THE PARK OPEN, CHECK HERE
- The road conditions on the Road Report website
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