Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)

Watarrka National Park, synonymous with its most famous landmark, Kings Canyon, is located 450 kilometres south west of Alice Springs in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta region of the Red Centre in the Northern Territory. The park encompasses the western end of the George Gill Range and is home to a variety of unique native flora and fauna, including over 600 different plant species.

Commercial accommodation is available at Kings Canyon Resort or at nearby Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge. The area has also been home to the Luritja Aboriginal people for the last 20,000 years.

The word Watarrka refers to the umbrella bush that proliferates in this amazing landscape. The canyon's 300 metre high sandstone walls are breathtaking, and the surrounding area is home to diverse flora and fauna. Travellers can hike to the six kilometre canyon rim, follow a walking trail through the scenic desert surrounds, or stroll along the boulder-strewn valley floor.

The shady Kings Creek Walk ambles one kilometre along the valley floor to a viewing platform. Enjoy the 2.6 kilometre walk to Kathleen Springs where historical sites, a spring-fed water hole and barbecues can be found. For fit and experienced walkers there is the Giles Track, an enjoyable 22 kilometre bushwalk between Kings Canyon and Kathleen Springs.

Ranger guided walks and talks occur during May to September as part of the 'Territory Parks Alive' program.

Attraction Opening Times

Daily, 24 hours