Watarrka

Watarrka Gallery

Watarrka Facts and Figures

Watarrka (Kings Canyon) is among the Northern Territory's most stunning natural features. It is located about 450 km southwest of Alice Springs. The road to Watarrka follows the southern side of the Gill Ranges which gradually rise over a distance of 50 kms to over 100 metres by the time they reach Watarrka. Watarrka National Park contains Kings Canyon and the western end of the George Gill Range. The scenic landscape of the area contains rocky ranges, rockpools and gorges, and is a refuge for many plants and animals. Watarrka features ancient sandstone walls, sculptured by the elements, rising up 100m to a plateau which was named by Ernest Giles in 1872 of rocky domes. Watarrka was named Kings Canyon by explorer Ernest Giles in 1872.

The Watarrka walls rise above the valley of Kings Creek and are spectacular at sunrise and sunset. Watarrka has many beautiul water holes and an amazing collection of fauna and flora, including more than 600 species of native plants. The abundance of fauna in Watarrka is due mainly to its location, which combines the western desert region with the flora of the MacDonnell Ranges and Simpson Desert vegetation.

Watarrka Walks

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

The second walk, known as the Canyon Walk, commences with a 300-400 metre climb up a steep incline at the edge of Watarrka. This walk can be difficult, so comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunburn lotion, and drinking water are necessities. The effort is worthwhile, however, as this is a magnificent walk through the domes on the top of Watarrka, and includes excellent views into the canyon from the top of the walls. The walk takes around 4 hours at a relaxed pace. The main attractions of this walk is the 'Lost City', a group of rock domes which resemble the ruins of an ancient city, and the valley known as the 'Garden of Eden' which has stands of palm trees shading a quiet and beautiful rock pool.

At Watarrka there is also a walking track to Kathleen Springs. This walk is recommended for visitors such as families with young children. Interpretative signs along the way 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.

How To Get To Watarrka

Watarrka is located about 450km southwest of Alice Springs. It is accessible by 2WD vehicles via the Luritja Road from Yulara and Lasseters Highway, both sealed bitumen roads. Watarrka 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. Careful driving should be practiced at all times on gravel roads.

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