Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park was a highlight of our trip to Central Australia. While most people travel to Central Australia to visit Uluru, Australia’s most iconic natural attraction, there is a lot more to explore there, and you can’t miss Kings Canyon renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. While Uluru is a very popular tourist destination, Kings Canyon tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more tranquil and immersive experience especially if you start early.
Kings Canyon is located in Watarrka National Park in the heart of Central Australia halfway between Alice Springs and Uluru.
There are several hikes in Kings Canyon, but the most well-known is Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best one-day hikes in Central Australia.
According to a report by AllTrails, out of more than 250,000 trails reviewed globally Kings Canyon Rim and Creek Walks via Cotterill’s Lookout ranked as the fourth overall most outstanding trail in 2023.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6 km loop hike and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. This hike requires a moderate level of fitness, but rewards hikers with the most stunning scenery.
Best Time to Do Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Understanding the Climate: The Red Centre has a semi-arid climate with scorching summers and chilly winters. During the summer months (December to February), daytime temperatures can soar well above 40°C (104°F), making hiking uncomfortable and potentially dangerous due to the risk of heat exhaustion. In contrast, winter (June to August) brings milder daytime temperatures and cooler nights, making it a more popular time for visitors.
Advantages of Visiting in Winter: Winter is the best time to visit when the weather is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The cooler conditions allow for a more comfortable hike.
Spring and autumn can also be excellent times to visit Kings Canyon. These shoulder seasons provide pleasant weather for hiking, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
Visiting in Summer: Summers in the Australian outback can be scorching, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Besides, Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. While it is possible to visit Kings Canyon in summer, hiking in such extreme heat can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous. You need to be well-prepared for hot weather. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, wear appropriate sun protection, and be aware of the potential challenges of hiking in the extreme heat.
On days when the temperature forecast is 36°C (97°F) or above, you must start the Kings Canyon Rim Walk before 9 am. Especially in summer aim to start hiking as early as possible.
Regardless of the season you choose, always come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to make the most of your Kings Canyon adventure.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a one-way walk and should be taken in a clockwise direction. It starts and finishes at Kings Canyon car park and is marked with blue arrows.
The adventure begins with around 500 steep steps to climb to the top of the rim. This is by far the most difficult part of the hike.
Soon after getting to the top, you will go through Priscilla’s Crack. This place was made famous in 1994 by the iconic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Once you go through Priscilla’s Crack, you get to the lookout with a spectacular view of the canyon south wall.
There is a lot to explore on the top of the canyon. The Lost City is a section of spectacular sandstone domes which resemble mini Purnululu. These domes were formed by wind and rain erosion over millions of years.
Detour 1 – Cotterill’s Lookout
As you continue further through a maze of sandstone domes, you can take a detour (600m one way) to Cotterill’s Lookout which offers a higher vantage point, providing an even more spectacular view of the canyon walls and the canyon floor.
After you return to the main trail, continue along the rim walk and take the stairs down to the canyon floor.
Detour 2 – Garden of Eden
At the bottom of the canyon you can take a detour to the Garden of Eden, a beautiful oasis nestled within the canyon’s walls and featuring a serene waterhole surrounded by lush vegetation.
It’s a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the tranquillity of the place. Even though it is so tempting on a hot day, swimming is not allowed in the waterhole, as the Garden of Eden is a sacred place to the Traditional Owners of the area.
Return back to the main trail and climb the stairs to the top of the South Wall.
The South Wall Return Walk is the final section, which completes the loop of the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Walk around sandstone domes to the car park.
Location and how to get to Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Kings Canyon is located in Watarrka National Park in the heart of Central Australia halfway between Alice Springs and Uluru. There are several options to get to Kings Canyon from Alice Springs.
Sealed Road – 475 km and 5 hours drive from Alice Springs via Stuart Highway, Lasseter Highway and Luritja Road:
- From Alice Springs travel 200 km south on the Stuart Highway, at Erldunda Roadhouse turn right to the Lasseter Highway, and after 108 km turn to Luritja Road.
Two Alternative routes requiring 4WD – the Mereenie Loop (permit required):
- From Alice Springs drive west for 337 km on Larapinta Dr, the last 200 km of this route is a dirt corrugated road known as Mereenie Loop. Total distance: 337km.
- From Alice Springs drive west for 47 km on Larapinta Dr and then turn to Namatjira Dr, drive for about 156km until the intersection with Larapinta Dr, turn right there, and continue to Kings Canyon. This route goes through West MacDonnell National Park. Same as the above route, the last 200 km of this route is a dirt corrugated road known as Mereenie Loop. Total distance: 366 km. We took this route, its advantage is you can add West MacDonnell Ranges to your itinerary.
As Mereenie Loop crosses Aboriginal land, you need a permit to drive on this road. Permit costs $5 and is valid for 3 days from the time of purchase. It is not available online and can be purchased in person only from:
- Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre
- Alice Springs Central Lands Council office
- Standley Chasm Shop
- Kings Canyon Resort reception
- Kings Creek Station reception
What to Pack for Hiking in Kings Canyon
- Plenty of Water: Depending on the season and temperature it is recommended to drink up to one litre of water for every hour you spend hiking. Hydration is crucial in the Australian outback.
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing during hot days and bring a light jacket or windbreaker for cooler mornings or evenings.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Snacks: Pack energy-rich snacks like trail mix, granola bars
- First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
- Camera to capture the stunning scenery and potential wildlife sightings
Accommodation Near Kings Canyon
There are only two accommodation options new Kings Canyon:
Kings Canyon Resort is located about 7 km from Kings Canyon. It offers powered/unpowered camping sites, glamping tents, and private rooms. Facilities include BBQ, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a convenience store, petrol station.
Kings Creek Station is located 40 km south of Kings Canyon. It’s a cattle station offering a range of accommodation options: powered/unpowered camping sites, bush tents, and glamping tents. There is a petrol station and a café offering a variety of home-cooked meals, snacks and beverages.
We stayed at Kings Creek Station at an unpowered site ($27.5 per person). They offer great food at the cafe. There are dingoes walking around the property and you can hear them howling at night. The amenities block is clean and hot shower is not timed.
Camping near Kings Canyon
Unfortunately, there are no campgrounds in Watarrka National Park. However, free 24-hour camping is available at:
Salt Creek Rest Area on Luritja Rd, 113 km south of Kings Canyon carpark. No toilets there.
Ginty’s Lookout on Larapinta Drive, 38km north of Kings Canyon carpark. No toilets there.