Kings Canyon is situated within the Watarrka National Park, and is a huge canyon 270m high. Kings Canyon had been known to white settlers since the mid-19th century, but it was not until John Muir first visited in 1873 that the canyon began receiving attention.
Watarrka National Park is an important conservation area with rock holes and gorges providing refuge for over 600 species of plants and many native animals. The sheer red rock face of Kings Canyon soars over 100 metres above dense forests of palms, ferns and cycads; sheltering them from the surrounding desert conditions.
The walk around the rim of the canyon is definitely worth it as the views are spectacular, although it can take 3-4 hours and should only be attempted early in the morning during the summer months. On your way around the rim of the canyon you will pass the tropical pools of the Garden of Eden, and the beehive rock formations called the Lost City. The views from the canyon are also spectacular, overlooking the beautiful landscape.
Alternatively you can take the walk through the canyon gorge looking up to the towering canyon above you. This walk is a slightly more reasonable 1 hour walk. Another way to see the canyon is from helicopter. There are numerous flights leaving from both the Kings Canyon Resort and Kings Creek Station. This shouldn't be missed, as you get to fully appreciate the scale of the canyon.
From Alice you can get to Kings Canyon by following the Stuart Highway until the turn off for the Ernest Giles Road. This then joins upto Luritja Road, which takes you right to the canyon. For a more scenic route from Alice take the Mereenie Loop through the Western MacDonnell Ranges, although you will need a permit to use this road. From Uluru you would follow the Lasseters Highway until the turn off for Laritja Road.
Once in Kings Canyon you can either stay at the Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station. Kings Canyon Resort has a wide variety of styles of accommodation as well as a selection of restaurants and cafes to eat out at. Kings Creek Station offers cabins and camping and has a small shop selling supplies. Both are reasonably close to the canyon carpark.
Featured Kings Canyon Activities
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4 Day 4WD Red Centre Safari(EX1015) (Adventures) Spend four days exploring the highlights of the Red Centre - Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon in a comfortable 16 seat 4WD vehicle. Get off the beaten track and travel along the less travelled Meree...
Yulara (Ayers Rock) To Darwin Safari(EX1161) (Adventures) The 11 day Yulara (Ayers Rock) to Darwin package has the best of what the Red Centre and Top End has to offer and time to enjoy it. Package includes 4 Day 4WD Red Centre Safari, 3 day Alice Springs to...
Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Lake Amadeus, Kings Canyon Scenic Flight(EX2185) (Scenic Flights) With its brilliant sights, this is the ultimate Outback adventure! Kings Canyon’s steep cliff faces, the Garden of Eden and the Lost City are all a must see from an aeroplane.
During this ultimat...
Purchase this DVD that showcases this unique part of Australia. Includes footage of Kakadu, with its lush rivers, billabongs and wetlands. Yellow Waters, Twin and Jim Jim Falls. The mysterious paintings of ancient Aboriginal artists including Arnhem Land at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock.
Visit Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge and the warm waters of Mataranka Thermal Pool, plus the sandstone shapes in the Lost City near Cape Crawford.
Experience Darwin, the capital of Australia's Tropical North with it's many attractions. Learn about Alice Springs, where legendary tales of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station can be heard. The MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm and Glen Helen Gorge, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the magnificent domes of Kata Tjuta ( The Olgas ) also feature.
