in Northern Territory, Australia
Kings Canyon
Spectacular red rock canyon with 100-meter high sandstone walls, hidden palm valley, and ancient rock formations. Hike the rim walk for breathtaking views of the Australian outback.
Kings Canyon rises from the flat red plains of Australia's Northern Territory interior within Watarrka National Park, approximately 320 kilometres south of Alice Springs via the Ernest Giles Road and Luritja Road. The canyon's ancient sandstone walls reach up to 100 metres in height, their sheer orange and red faces sculpted over 400 million years of geological time into domes, crevices, and overhangs. The Luritja and Pertame peoples have a deep spiritual connection to this country, and the national park takes its name — Watarrka — from the Luritja word for the umbrella bush plant that grows throughout the canyon. The Rim Walk is the signature experience, a 6.5-kilometre loop trail ascending steeply from the canyon floor at the trailhead before traversing the rim, descending into the Garden of Eden, and returning along the opposite canyon wall. The total circuit takes three to four hours for most walkers. The initial climb — approximately 500 rough stone steps in the first 500 metres — is the most physically demanding section and is undertaken in the first 20 minutes; the remainder of the rim walk and the descent are considerably easier. The path is clearly marked with cairns and information panels throughout. The Garden of Eden occupies a sheltered gorge within the canyon walls where a seasonal waterhole, cycad palms, and ferns create an unexpected lush oasis surrounded by red rock. Rock wallabies shelter in the crevices above, often visible to patient observers at the waterhole edge. The view from the rim's highest points extends across the broad valley of the George Gill Range to flat red plains with no visible habitation in any direction — one of outback Australia's most profound impressions of remoteness. The Kings Creek Walk offers an alternative experience on the valley floor, a flat 2.6-kilometre return trail following the creek bed into the canyon with striking views of the surrounding walls from below, suitable for all fitness levels and not subject to the heat closure policy. The Rim Walk is closed when temperatures at the park reach or are forecast to reach 36°C, a common occurrence from November through March.
Hours: Park open 24 hours; walk best started early morning
Best for: hikers, photographers, adventure seekers, nature lovers
Location
Watarrka National Park, NT 0872
-24.2617, 131.5117 — View on map
Highlights
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk — 6.5-kilometre loop traversing 100-metre sandstone walls above the canyon with panoramic outback views
- Garden of Eden — sheltered gorge oasis with cycad palms, seasonal waterhole, and rock wallabies
- Kings Creek Walk — flat 2.6-kilometre return trail suitable for all fitness levels with canyon wall views from below
- Ancient sandstone dome formations in ochre and deep russet most vivid in morning and late afternoon light
- Profound sense of outback remoteness with uninterrupted views across the George Gill Range
Tips
- Start rim walk before 9 AM - closed if over 36°C
- Bring plenty of water - at least 2 liters per person
- Garden of Eden offers shaded rest spot halfway
FAQ
How difficult is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?
The Rim Walk starts with a steep climb of roughly 500 stone steps, rated moderate to difficult. The circuit along the rim and through the Garden of Eden is considerably easier. Total distance is 6.5 kilometres and takes three to four hours. Sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and at least two litres of water per person are essential.
What is the heat closure policy for the Rim Walk?
The Rim Walk closes when the forecast temperature at the park reaches or exceeds 36°C. This closure commonly applies to many days between November and March. The Kings Creek Walk on the valley floor remains open during closures. Visitors should check conditions at the park entrance before beginning any walk.
Can visitors experience Kings Canyon without doing the Rim Walk?
Yes. The Kings Creek Walk follows the flat valley floor for 2.6 kilometres return, offering views of the canyon walls from below without the steep climb. It is suitable for most fitness levels including older visitors and families with children. Viewing platforms near the car park also provide canyon vistas with minimal walking.
Accessibility
The Kings Creek Walk along the valley floor is largely flat and accessible to most visitors, though the sandy creek bed surface is uneven in places and is not suitable for standard wheelchairs. The Rim Walk involves a very steep initial climb and uneven rocky terrain throughout and is not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with significant mobility limitations. Accessible parking and toilet facilities are available at the canyon car park.
When to visit
May to September offers ideal walking conditions with daytime temperatures typically between 15°C and 25°C and cold but manageable nights. Avoid November through March when the Rim Walk frequently closes due to extreme heat exceeding 36°C. Sunrise in the cooler months illuminates the canyon's orange and red walls most dramatically.