From Kings Canyon Resort, join a guide on a rocky climb to the rim of Kings Canyon for superb views of Watarrka National Park. The walk takes up to three hours and requires a good level of fitness, but you'll be rewarded with a panorama of sandstone cliffs and other landscapes of Australia's Red Centre. If you prefer something easier, a creek bed walk is offered as an alternative.
In the heart of Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon lies in an ancient Australian landscape that is sacred ground for the Ulpanyali and Lilla indigenous people. With your guide, make the rocky trek up to the rim of the canyon for marvelous views over the park.
During the 3.7-mile (6-km) journey, you'll climb up a 328-foot (100-meter) cliff face and walk around the canyon rim. Be wowed by the scenery of sandstone walls, grottos, chasms, and cliffs, and look deep down between the cliffs where sits the Garden of Eden, a natural waterhole surrounded by vegetation such as gum trees, bonsai-style trees, and enormous prehistoric ferns, creating a bit of green amid the red environment.
For those who do not wish to do the rim walk, the boulder-strewn creek bed is an easier, shady walk following the trail between the two sheer walls of the canyon. The creek bed is ideal if you’re interested in something more relaxing. After taking in the sights, set off on a 1.2-mile (2-km) stroll along the creek bed, with views of the canyon rim.
Please note: During the hotter months of the year when temperatures can reach and exceed 97° F (36° C), the Watarrka National Park rangers strongly advise that visitors do not take part in the Kings Canyon rim climb. In this drier desert climate, heat exhaustion in the hotter months is a very high possibility and a danger in such remote regions. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all, a guided walk along the Kings Canyon creek bed is offered as an alternative.
A trip to central Australia is a journey of delights. Kings Canyon Guided Rim Walk brought forward the true majesty of the land, highlighting the deep oranges of the rocks the mighty natural formations along with a chance to achieve varying levels of challenges, depending on your ambition. The steep climb at the beginning is the toughest part and all over in 8 - 10 minutes. The rest of the walk is so breath taking showing off ancient rock formations, deep dark pools and prehistoric cycads. Our guide explained so much to our small group because he cared so much about the region with its history, geology and the First Nation people who have so much history behind this amazing walk.
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