Kings Canyon National Park
Most of Watarrka’s visitors come to view the spectacular Kings Canyon with its towering vertical walls and pockets of ‘lush’ vegetation protected in sheltered gullies amidst the vast and harsh desert that surrounds the Park.
There are two walking tracks at the Canyon , both offering visitors an opportunity to escape the crowds and experience first hand the beauty and solitude of the Australian bush. Signs along both tracks highlight features of interest.
All walkers are advised to carefully read the information on the two walks before starting out. The Kings Canyon walk has many steep sections and is recommended for reasonably fit and healthy walkers. Tracks are constructed to a suitable standard with stairs and boardwalks to make your walk safe and comfortable and to protect sensitive vegetation and waterholes.
Saftey Please read this information carefully before commencing these walks. Drinking water, a hat, sunscreen and robust footwear are essential on all walks.
The Canyon Walk (6 km loop Approx. 3-4 hrs duration) This walk begins with a steep climb to the top of the Canyon, then follows the Canyon rim around before descending to the carpark. Approximately half way along the walk is the ‘Garden of Eden’, a delightful area of cool waterholes and riverine vegetation communities. This walk requires a medium to high level of fitness with some strenuous sections. Extreme care should be taken in the hotter months (Sept - May) when walkers should consider other shorter walks as alternatives during the middle of the day.
The Kings Creek Walk (2.6 km return Approx. 1 hour duration) This walk meanders along Kings Creek ending at a lookout point, then returns by the same route. It can be rough underfoot, so sturdy footwear is essential. Information signs on the Aboriginal cultural uses of the area are located at several points along the route. This walk has wheelchair access for approximately half the walk with the remainder being suitable for families.
Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Alice Springs Office
Arid Zone Research Institute
Tom Hare Building
South Stuart Highway
Alice Springs NT 0870
PO Box 2130
Alice Springs NT 0871
ph: (08) 89518211 fax: (08) 89518268