Watarrka National Park, NT: What are the best Kings Canyon walks?

The best Kings Canyon walks in Watarrka National Park depend on fitness levels. Want an easy-going taste of the Red Centre? Then go for the Kings Creek Walk. But to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northern Territory, take on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk.

Uluru and Kata-Tjuta tend to be the big set pieces grabbing all the attention in Australia’s Red Centre. But there’s a lesser-heralded third member of the outback trio – Kings Canyon.

Kings Canyon is in the Watarrka National Park, approximately three hours’ drive in a rental car from Uluru or three-and-a-half hours from Alice Springs. It offers something different from the big red rocks, and is all about the rugged gorge scenery.

The essential Kings Canyon checklist

Book your transfer to Uluru (or from Uluru).
Or fix up your bus to Alice Springs.
Book your accommodation at Discovery Parks – Kings Canyon or Kings Creek Station.
Reserve your place on the guided Kings Canyon Rim Walk.
Consider doing the easier canyon floor walk with a guide.
Maybe add the Karrke Aboriginal cultural experience to your trip.

Kings Creek Walk in Watarrka National Park

There are three Kings Canyon walks to choose from in the Watarrka National Park. The easiest of these is the Kings Creek Walk, which follows the gentle slope of Kings Creek. This walk takes is suitable for families, and wheelchairs can take on the first 700 metres. The whole thing should take about one hour for the 2.6km return walk.

Kings Creek Walk in the Watarrka National Park — The Kings Creek Walk is the easy option in the Watarrka National Park, Northern Territory. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

To step things up a bit, there’s the 4.8km South Wall Return Walk. This starts with a steep climb up the south wall of Kings Canyon, and is best left to fit, experienced walkers. Budget two hours and expect to take in many of Watarrka National Park’s geological features.

Sort out your Red Centre transport now

Transfers: Alice Springs to Uluru | Uluru to Alice Springs | Uluru to Kings Canyon | Kings Canyon to Uluru | Kings Canyon to Alice Springs.
Day tours: Uluru from Alice Springs | Kata Tjuta from Uluru | Kings Canyon from Uluru | West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs.

Kings Canyon walks: Kings Canyon Rim Walk

But if you’re going to do the South Wall Return Walk, you may as well tackle the big boy. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6km loop, taking three to four hours. It starts with a brutal climb up what’s sometimes known as Heartbreak Hill, but it’s worth it. Once at the top, you get incredible views from the canyon rim. Highlights along the way include the Lost City – a series of weathered domes – and the oasis-like Garden of Eden.

Get the best rates – book the Kings Canyon Resort today

Again, you need to be fit and experienced to take this walk on. On days when temperatures are forecast to be 36°C or above, you need to start before 9am, as per national park guidelines.

The other way of seeing Kings Canyon is on a scenic flight above the George Gill Range. These helicopter tours pick up from the Kings Canyon Resort, home of the Kings Canyon caravan park. Alternative accommodation and camping is available nearby at the Kings Creek Station.