Home > Ayers Rock > Kings Canyon Day Trip from Ayers Rock
USD $178.00
Kings Canyon Day Trip from Ayers Rock
Ayers Rock, Australia
Travel into the heart of Australia on a Kings Canyon day trip from Ayers Rock. Your journey takes you to a classic outback cattle station at Kings Creek Station and reveals the amazing landscape of Kings Canyon. For tremendous views over the immense chasm, explore the canyon’s steep cliffs on the Rim Walk or follow an easier route along the canyon’s floor on the Creek Bed Walk. At the end of the tour, you have the option to return to Ayers Rock or continue to Alice Springs.
After an early morning pickup from your Ayers Rock Resort hotel, watch as the desert comes to life on your journey across the desert to Kings Creek Station. Along the way, you might see kangaroos, camels, wild horses and dingoes.
The two-hour trip brings you to the enormous Kings Creek cattle and camel station, established in 1981 and covering 1,115 square miles (1,800 square kilometers). Experience daily life in the outback cattle station, relax with breakfast and coffee in the station cafe (own expense) or take a camel ride with the station hands (optional).
Your tour continues with a 30-minute trip to Watarrka National Park, and the amazing sight of Kings Canyon. Listen to your expert guide's commentary, and hear how the red sandstone gorge is sacred to the local Ulpinyali and Lilla people.
To explore the canyon more closely, choose between the 3.5-mile (6-kilometer) Rim Walk or the easier mile-long (2-kilometer) Creek Bed Walk.
The three-hour Rim Walk takes you up a 330-foot (100-meter) cliff face and along the canyon's sandstone edge, revealing magnificent views over the valley's sheer walls. Follow a steep, rocky trail into the chasm to reach the oasis known as the Garden of Eden, tucked between the sandstone cliffs. The natural spring is surrounded by a unique landscape of gum trees, palms and ferns.
If you choose the more relaxing Creek Bed Walk, your leisurely stroll follows the rocky creek bed to a viewpoint of the canyon's impressive cliffs, and explores the rock-strewn valley floor.
Leaving the canyon, travel to Kings Canyon Resort. Enjoy lunch (own expense), then relax in the afternoon on the return trip to Ayers Rock Resort or Alice Springs.
The walk can be a bit hard-going in places, especially when it's very hot, but it's definitely worth the effort. The views are breathtaking. Be sure to take plenty of water - in the summer it's a requirement and the guides do check you have enough water on you before you're allowed to do the walk.
Review by: carolphillips217, March 2018
An untruthful tour description. It is a very hard arduous trip with a great danger if your not fully fit and agile due to a 45 degree 350 foot climb on rocks placed as steps.
Review by: Tiffany C, March 2018
The tour required us to get up early, but seeing the sun rise while cruising through the outback was fantastic. In the early morning light, we saw wild camels, horses, and dingos. The sky was beautiful as in the time leading up to, and after, the sunrise. Breakfast at the station was good. Once we got to the canyon, the guides set a pace that everyone could keep up with. The interesting facts and stories he shared kept everyone's attention as we made the journey. It was hot, but the buses AC was great.
Review by: Emanuel S, January 2018
was just average. got up at 4 in the morning for a 3 hour drive. the actual visit was nothing special. I took an additional helicopter tour that was fantastic seeing the canyon from the top. if you go take the ride.
Review by: barbaratore1, January 2018
The biggest problem with this trip was that it was misleading. My husband and I got up at three am to take this trip. After a three hour drive we had breakfast at a cattle station which was cool. Then we got to Kings Canyon to realize that there was no way we could do the rim walk. It required a 500 step steep climb and a three hour rim walk in 103 degree heat. So we did the canyon floor walk and that was a bust. It took 40 minutes to go and return and then we were taken to a place to wait for the others. The bar and restaurant did not open till 11am and when they did there was no air-conditioning. The heat was unbearable There was a pool but I didn't know we were suppose to bring our bathing suites so we did not go for a swim._br/_ My advice is do not go on this tour unless you are physically capable of making the three hour canyon rim walk. In fact do not advertise that there is a canyon floor walk because there is nothing there toes._br/_ The guides were great so not their fault but this tour is not advertised correctly
Review by: waydor, November 2017
Very worthwhile trip. Great day !!
Review by: William M, September 2017
Was a great trip and I also did a Helicopter flight overKings Canyon. The photos I have attached were taken from the Helicopter.
Review by: Mary R, June 2017
It's a long time on the bus but the scenery is really nice
Review by: Bonnie C, May 2017
This tour offered two options. One required climbing up 500 steps before the 3.5 hours' walk along the rim. Another option was the Kings Creek walk which last half an hour the most. The rim walk would have a better view of the canyon but you have to be well trained and fit enough to climb the steps. We took the Kings Creek walk which wasn't much to see. Of the whole tour, 7 hours was spent inside the coach.
Review by: Chin-Wan C, May 2017
There are two courses at the canyon: rim and valley. I took the valley course, which was specified as 2 km. It turned out that 2 km was for a round trip. It was too short and there was not much to see.
Review by: Julie M, April 2017
We enjoyed the day at Kings Canyon so much that after walking the rim, we took the helicopter option to get a better perespective of the magnitude of the canyon. Take plenty of water!
Review by: rlopienski, March 2017
Strenuous going up to top of the rim, but worth it. Great views. You will need 3-4 liters water, it's was a hot 3.5 hike.
Review by: aarmsr, February 2017
Absolutely as advertised. The walk is challenging because of the heat, rather than the terrain. Walk includes steps, bridges and steep inclines. Some climbing over uneven ground and loose screed. Plenty to see in the way of wildlife from big lizards to tiny frogs._br/_ Enjoyable journey in air conditioned coach. Interesting but long journey, but worth the ride.
Review by: raymondwslo, February 2017
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is wonderful. Breakfast is provided which are unexpected before. A good trip on the whole.
Review by: Victoria R, January 2017
I would recommend the tour but the heat was stiffling so it kind of took away from the day.
Review by: yva, January 2017
Buyer beware!_br/_ This is a grossly overpriced tour with people left twiddling their thumbs for 3 hours in the middle of nowhere._br/_ There are 2 options - the walk around the top / rim of the canyon which takes a 3.5 hours or the creek walk which barely takes an hour._br/_ Given that both walks start at 8.30am, if one opts for the creek walk then one has 3 hours to spend doing nothing until 1.00am.
Review by: Sejil M, November 2016
this was an amazing tour and the scenery was awe inspiring. the Tour guide Stasia was awesome and well informed about the landscape and kept us on time!!
Review by: acady6, October 2016
This tour was the highlight of our Australian vacation despite it being a long trip by bus around 3.5 hours one way and a very early start 4:15 am!. The AAT Kings coach had comfortable seats and even had USB ports to charge phones/tablets. Our guide Alwyn was really great. We were determined to do the Rim Walk as we heard the views were incredible. We went on a day that was overcast and rained lightly at times which was probably better than on a day in the blazing sun. Note: If you are planning to do the Rim Walk, you are required by the national park service to have 3 liters per person. I'd suggest buying it ahead of time as the rest stop will charge you 6 for a 1.5 liter bottle! We knew the first 500 steps up would be challenging. It wasn't as bad as we imagined and our guide did it at a reasonable pace. We had some folks 60 with us and they managed fine. The Rim Walk is a 6 km walk/hike and you do need a good level of fitness to do it. The views are totally worth it.
Review by: Jenine H, October 2016
Kings Canyon is incredibly beautiful and really worth the very early start. The colours, are amazing. The information provided by the guides about the local aboriginal people and their practices and customs is great. Please be aware that from October - April if you are planning on doing the rim walk you must have 3 litres of water with you, so make sure you are able to carry that amount or you can't do it.
Review by: Juile O, October 2016
Awesome experience, tour guides were very experienced and the early morning sun rise and walks were all very organised. A very special place to visit, thank you.
Review by: Leonardo R, October 2016
Very nice tour, particularly since this is pretty much the only option to join an organized tour from Yulara/Uluru to King's Canyon.
Review by: Peter M, September 2016
Fantastic scenery with knowledgable guides providing all the info you need. Recommend as an option to driving.
Review by: guy G, September 2016
Fantastic day trip Well worth the climb to the ridge The landscape is like another planet and our guide Michael was funny, knowledgeable and entertaining throughout the day
Review by: Moshe Yoseph A, August 2016
Really friendly, personal service from our guide on our tour. Excellent organisation and a memorable day on the station then walking King's Canyon before going to Alice Springs. Best way to get from Uluru to Alice.
Review by: Ziyan Z, July 2016
Before booking the tour I have done a lot of research, and I read all the available reviews online. I knew the first 500 steps would be hard. I knew someone with young kids did the rim walk successfully. But I still was frightened by the Statement I was given to sign on the bus. My poor husband who has zero knowledge prefilled almost want to give up. My 8yo who is too young to be afraid was the only one keen to sign the paper. haha_br/_ But, thank to all the previous reviewer, I really appreciate those useful information help me get enough courage to force the family join the rim walk. Otherwise, we won't be able to enjoy that beautiful view and had this once a lifetime experience. All my family rank this tour the best of all our red centre adventures._br/_ Our tour guide Alicia and driver Trys were very friendly and funny. They told us a lot of stories and informations that hard to get elsewhere. Great thanks here.
Review by: Catherine L, July 2016
Tris and Thomas were very personable, knowledgeable and fun. Day was long but fantastic! So glad I did the rim walk.Australia is beautiful. Learnt lots too about the outback. A must do.
Review by: Victor L, July 2016
This was a impressive and unforgettable trip.
Review by: Jeffrey D, July 2016
Challenging start with 500 steps - great views and scenery on the rim-walk. Good guide provided plenty of info. Coach trip was relaxing, stops for coffee and great breakfast.
Review by: Glen H, June 2016
Long day but an enjoyable one. The six kilometre walk around the rim was great and highly recommended. With a great breakfast and lunch. Tour guides were pleasant and very informative. We took the AAT coach to Alice Springs which made it a longer day but enjoyed the journey.
Review by: Glen H, June 2016
Long day but an enjoyable one. The six kilometre walk around the rim was great and highly recommended. With a great breakfast and lunch. Tour guides were pleasant and very informative. We took the AAT coach to Alice Springs which made it a longer day but enjoyed the journey.
Review by: KAREN R, June 2016
Such a great trip to do. The rim walk is not for those who can and #39;t handle a good work out and climbing over rocks! It is an adventure with beautiful scenery and wildlife to surprise you every step of the way. Such an early start but the reward is to see a beautiful sunrise. You have to do it!
Review by: Emma B, May 2016
The tour was really nice. The long walk is really wonderful, only the start is a little steepy with 500 steps to climb, but the guide did frequent breaks. His explanations were very interesting, and the view absolutely awsome . The timing was perfect. We were only surprised by the fact that the guide, in the bus, did a very scary description of the long walk, to such point I was ready to give up... we have 2 kids with us. I think he did because they were old people in the bus and he may have be afraid they wanted to do the long walk...but it was still puzzling. Also, the bus driver was very nice and had a lot to explain to us, an authentic bushman who lives there for long !We were very happy to have chosen this tour.
Review by: Julie M, March 2016
Large group tour, with an inexperienced guide, who was not able to influence climbers who probably were not suited to this activity, with age related injuries, lacked fitness and even wore inappropriate footwear. Slowed everyone down, reducing the lunch break to less than an hour. Would choose a small group tour in future.
Review by: Joe L, March 2016
First part of walk challenging, but worth it. Walk was done at a fairly quick pace
Review by: Katherine P, February 2016
Be prepared for long day but its only once and you have to beat the heat. I did the canyon walk and that left time for an optional quick flight over the canyon which was good however unfortunately i got a limited view as they tend to fly only one direction so try not to sit behind the pilot if you have a choice. the rim walk is apparently stunning but the start is very steep and 500 steps up up up. you must take at least 3L water with you so I recommend a camel pack or similar if you have one.
Review by: Mallie H, December 2015
A long way from Uluru but worth the ride. Dawn in the desert, brombies and wild camels. Breakfast at the cattle station was good and rustic. Our driver and guide were great. The hike up the canyon is not for the faint of heart...there was the option for a less strenuous walk on the canyon floor. It was HOT and it was only spring, but the hike was great and our guide was informative and attentive. The canyon rim walk is beautiful. We got a real feel of the outback on the drive there and back.
Review by: Rachel B, November 2015
This was my favorite thing I did while in the area! The hike is amazing and the first km is a tough climb but the rest is more relaxed still somewhat challenging and I absolutely loved it!
Review by: Shelby B, November 2015
GORGEOUS canyon! It was very hot just under 36 degrees celsius at 9 in the morning and I participated in the rim walk the longer of the 2 walks. The hike up was very strenuous and challenging, however once you make it to the top, every step you took to get there was totally worth it. The destination is always better than the journey. But the journey was great as well because we were a quick group and had an excellent, knowledgable tour guide who made the tour so much fun! Very funny and enthusiastic while keeping us all hydrated, safe, and motivated. We had a great day but boy were we tired!
Review by: anthony h, October 2015
Well worth the early start, high canyon walk not to difficult, guides very helpful.
Review by: Dennis B, October 2015
It is a very long day from Uluru but enjoyable. It was very hot 46 degrees so walking in the canyon was not so pleasant. We were disappointed we didnt have time at the cattle ranch to see it in full also we beleived we would be able to have a camel ride but this was also nit possible. The advertising was somewhat misleading we thought.
Review by: Rex H, October 2015
Well worth while takng
Review by: Richard K, October 2015
Enjoyed the rim walk very much. The ride from Uluru there and back was long but worthwhile.
Review by: Bronwyn T, September 2015
GREAT!
Review by: pablo.m, September 2015
The guide was very friendly and helpful. The bus comfortable. Everything was superb! like the Kings Canyon
Review by: Peter M, September 2015
Was very happy with the tour and guide
Review by: Rachel M, September 2015
A great day. Driver and tour guide went above and beyond to make sure everyone was catered for. Timing of stops was just right and guides helped to make the walk more interesting with their knowledge of the area and the flora and fauna. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Review by: Haidee W, September 2015
Done with a local tour operator. It's a long day, but well worth it - very entertaining guide/driver who took us out to Kings Canyon station for a hearty breakfast before heading over to do the Rim walk at Kings Canyon - beautiful scenery and a great group on the day. This was followed up by lunch at the Kings Canyon resort Camel burger was pretty good before heading on back. There was a convenient transfer to the Alice Springs bound bus, which allowed me to fly out of Alice Springs direct to Perth.
Review by: Nicolaas W, August 2015
After a small physical challenge climbing 500 rocky steps, the walk around the canyon rim is full of interesting views and places, including the garden of eden rock pools. A real highlight.
Review by: David B, July 2015
Hello fellow travellers,_br/_
My friend and I took this tour. It was absolutely brilliant. It's such a breathetaking and interesting site. The climb although challenging at times, was well managed by our guide. Our driver 'Beau' and guide 'Caity' were awesome, highly informative and fun to share the day with. We had the best day... I highly recommend taking this tour with the local tour operator and Viator. It was truly an amazing experience. Thank you.
Review by: Joyce, June 2015
Guide Gary was informative and respectful.Riverbed walk was perfect pace.Helicopter ride after was worth it.(Friend did rim walk said was challenging -she hikes all the time- and no option for copter).Could have sped up b-fast with scrambled eggs so enough time to check out ranch and animals.
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