Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon Gallery

Kings Canyon Facts and Figures

Kings Canyon (also known as Watarrka), one the Northern Territory's most impressive natural features, is located about 450 km southwest of Alice Springs. Watarrka National Park contains Kings Canyon and part of the George Gill Range. The scenic landscape of Kings Canyon contains gorges, rocky ranges, and rockpools, and is a refuge for many species of plants and animals. Kings Canyon features ancient sandstone walls shaped by the elements, rising 100m to a plateau of rocky domes. Kings Canyon was named by explorer Ernest Giles in 1872.

Kings Canyon rises above the valley of Kings Creek, and is spectacular at sunrise and sunset. Many beautiul water holes sustain an amazing variety of fauna and flora, including more than 600 species of native plants. The abundance of fauna in Kings Canyon is due mainly to its location, which combines the flora of the Western Desert region with that of the MacDonnell Ranges and Simpson Desert.

Getting To Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is accessible by 2WD vehicles via the Luritja Road from Yulara and Lasseters Highway, both sealed bitumen roads. It can also be reached via Larapinta Drive which runs through the West MacDonnell Ranges and joins the Mereenie Loop Road, a gravel road for which 4WD is recommended. Kings Canyon can also be accessed via the Ernest Giles Road, a dirt road for 4WD is essential, and the Luritja Road. Careful driving should be practiced at all times on gravel roads.

Kings Canyon is generally accessible throughout the year. The cooler months (Apr to Sep) are the most pleasant. Accommodation is available at Kings Canyon at the Kings Canyon Resort and at nearby Kings Creek Station. Most visitors come to see the spectacular Kings Canyon itself, with colossal sheer vertical walls and stands of lush relict vegetation in sheltered gullies protected from the vast and harsh desert that surrounds Kings Canyon.

Kings Canyon Walks

Kings Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in Central Australia. To experience it fully, visitors should spend at least a full day and complete both the Canyon and the Creek walks if fit and adequately prepared. The Creek Walk is about 1.5 km and follows a track along the centre of Kings Canyon to a lookout which offers a view of the spectacular cliff face at the end of the Kings Canyon.

The second walk, known as the Canyon Walk, commences with a steep 300-400 metre climb up ... be warned that this walk can be difficult and that comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and drinking water are necessities. For the fit and well prepared, this is a magnificent walk through the domes on the top of Kings Canyon which includes excellent views into Kings Canyon from the walls at the top of the canyon. This walk takes around 4 hours at a leisurely and sensible pace. The central attraction of the Kings Canyon walk is the 'Lost City', a group of rock domes which resemble the ruins of an ancient city. The Kings Canyon walk also includes a valley known as the 'Garden of Eden' which has stands of palm trees shading a quiet and beautiful rock pool.

There is also a walk to Kathleen Springs, recommended for visitors with limited mobility, such as families with young children. Signs along the track inform visitors about the story of Aboriginal culture and the more recent cattle industry. This walk leads to a beautiful spring-fed waterhole at Kathleen Gorge.