Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Kings Canyon wasnt always on the map of must see places, often overlooked and passed via highways to some of the more globally know landmarks. It has gained more recognition however for its awe inspiring beauty and the largest range of plants in an Australian arid zone.

Kings Canyon Rim Walk

This is by far the most impressive walk associated with Kings Canyon. It takes you around the rim of the canyons sandstone walls, which formed when small cracks over time eroded to create the spectacular Canyons we have today.

The walk has some amazing points of view looking out and over the white and red sandstone cliffs of the canyon, also allowing you to look down the cliffs edges. The sheer height of these cliffs is 270metres, to put this in perspective; it is almost the same height as Australias tallest high-rise in Melbourne city, Eureka Towers.

Sandstone domes that can be found throughout the Canyon are looked at as bee-hive in appearance as well as the impressive weathered formations that resemble the remains of an Aztec city, earning them the apt name Lost City.

Garden of Eden

The Kings Canyon Walk takes you 270 metres down into the chasm, between the sandstone cliffs into a true oasis. Here, a natural spring waterhole surrounded by local and exotic plants and trees such as gums, bonsai looking trees and enormous prehistoric ferns that all create a truly unique landscape.

Sunset Viewing Area

At this point on the cliffs, sunsets casts light over the different types, formations and grains of sandstone resulting in an explosion of colours and hues. The sky of course also ignites into the beauty of a Central Australian sunset.

Walk Difficulty

The walk involves a steep climb up to the canyon rim. It is easier from here, 6km in total which takes an average 3-4 hours. It is of medium difficulty suitable for most people with a general fitness level.

Other Kings Canyon Walks

With the diversity of the Kings Canyon area, there is naturally a few other walks on offer. This includes the Kings Creek Walk which is a much easier and shorter walk; it only should be taking around 1 hour. Kathleen Springs Walk is very similar in difficulty and length to Kings Creek Walk with a fresh water pool, BBQ, toilets and other facilities.

Giles Track is a very easy walk and 22km in length so is taken overnight. There is a camping ground along the way, visitors requiring to equip themselves with supplies including water and food.

Parks Alive!

This is a wonderful opportunity to go on a free guided walk in Kings Canyon with a Park Ranger. For more information see http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/walks/pdf/cent_aust_brochure_09.pdf (requires acrobat reader)

Accommodation

• Kings Canyon Resort is the closest place to stay near the Canyon, just 10km away. There is a range of accommodation to suit different budgets and tastes from camping grounds and dorms with bathroom and kitchen facilities to secluded hotel rooms with spas. There are a number of restaurants and dining options including dinners under the stars. 
  Contacts
  > Website: http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au
  > Phone Bookings & Enquiries:
  > Phone: +61 2 8296 8010, Local Call Australia: 1300 134 044, Toll Free NZ: 0800 700 715 (toll free)
    + Online Booking: http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/bookings/
    + Email: travel@voyages.com.au
    + Fax: 02 9299 2103
• Kings Creek Station is a further 25km from Kings Canyon then Kings Canyon Resort. It offers more affordable accommodation overall in a camping and cabin atmosphere. 
  Contacts
  > Phone: +61 (08) 8956 7474
  > Fax: +61 (08) 8956 7468
  > Email: info@kingscreekstation.com.au
  > Website: http://www.kingscreekstation.com.au/

Getting There

• Kings Canyon is located inside Watarrka National Park
• By Car
  > From the Stuart Highway (which departs from Alice Springs)
  > Turn onto Laseter Highway
  > Then onto Luritja  Road which goes to Kings Canyon
• Tour operators may have Kings Canyon as apart of trips that may include Uluru such as http://www.viator.com/tours/Ayers-Rock/3-Day-Tour-from-Uluru-Ayers-Rock-to-Alice-Springs-via-Kings-Canyon/d359-2230RKA3
• Helicopter tours fancy the thrill of a tour through Kings Canyon via helicopter http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/helicopter-flights/

When to Visit

Kings Canyon is accessible all year around but most comfortable to visit when it is cooler in winter months.

Kings Canyon Photos