Discover the top things to do in Watarrka National Park, from hiking the famous Kings Canyon Rim Walk to relaxing at the Garden of Eden.
Watarrka National Park is a large geographic area with rugged ranges, gorges, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, stretching over 1,000 km and offering beautiful scenery amid scenic landscapes for visitors to explore.
Exploring Watarrka National Park
Watarrka National Park, or Kings Canyon, is approximately 330 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs. It is part of the George Gill Range in Australia’s Red Centre, featuring impressive sandstone walls that rise over 100 meters high, creating the deepest gorge in the area. Many Ayers Rock tours include a visit to Kings Canyon, allowing travellers to experience its dramatic landscapes and scenic walks.
Permanent water holes can be found at the bottom of the Canyon. The Garden of Eden in the upper part of the gorge is filled with lush vegetation. Palms and ferns thrive here, remnants of a past rainforest. The Lost City, located on the plateau above the Canyon, consists of red sandstone rocks shaped like beehive domes due to weathering.
Tourists worldwide visit Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) to see its rugged gorge, rocky domes, and palm-fringed permanent waterholes. The most popular way to explore the park is on foot, with hiking through the dramatic scenery favoured. Additionally, scenic flights and camel safaris provide another perspective of the incredible views, especially during the hotter months from September to May when hiking may be uncomfortable.
Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory is widely considered one of Australia’s most ruggedly beautiful places to visit.
History
Watarrka National Park was considered a sacred site and refuge by the Aborigines during drought. The Luritja people sought shelter in the shady overhangs and gathered around waterholes. They adorned their dwellings and gathering places with rock art, some of which remain visible today. The area was named “Watarrka” by the Luritja people, after a type of acacia tree found in the park.
In 1872, Ernest Giles was the first white man to discover the dry riverbed in the area now known as Kings Canyon, which was named after his sponsor, Fieldon King. His report attracted cattle farmers to the region. Still, it wasn’t until 1960 that the area became accessible to tourists, thanks to Jack Cotterill, who recognized its potential and built a track to the Canyon.
Watarrka National Park has lots to offer
Visit Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is a well-known destination in the Red Centre with stunning scenery. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a popular hike that takes 3 to 4 hours. The 6 km loop provides spectacular views, so plan to enjoy the scenery for at least half a day.
The Rim Walk at Kings Canyon allows visitors to see some of the best sites in the area. The walk starts with a climb of approximately 500 steps to reach the top of the canyon cliffs, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery before continuing.
Kings Canyon features the Lost City, known for its resemblance to an ancient city, and the Garden of Eden. Visitors can descend the stairs to see the watering hole up close or enjoy the views from the cliff tops.
Spot Australian wildlife
Watarrka National Park is home to a variety of plants and animals. There are over 750 species of plants, including desert oaks, acacia, and eucalypts. Rare cycads and ferns can also be found in the park. During the rainy season, wildflowers bloom, adding colour to the red earth. Rock wallabies, dingoes, and various bird species like the crested bellbird, white-fronted honeyeater, and galah inhabit the park.
Visitors to Watarrka National Park may have the opportunity to spot unique wildlife in the area.
Kings Creek Walk is a hike
The Kings Creek Walk is less strenuous than the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This hike is around 3 km long and provides a view of the Canyon from below. You can walk between the tall canyon walls and see the cliffs differently. The towering cliffs and plants along the canyon floor will surround you during the hike.
Places to stay in Watarrka National Park
Watarrka National Park is recommended for hikers to stay as close to the park as possible due to its remote location.
Accommodation at Kings Canyon Resort is the only option within the park boundaries. The resort offers a range of accommodations, from hotel rooms to lodge rooms with shared facilities. You can also choose to stay in air-conditioned permanent tents or camp in the campground. RVs and caravans are welcome, too. The resort has amenities such as restaurants and an outdoor pool. Kings Canyon camping is only allowed within the park at this resort. You can also book tours from the resort, including helicopter flights and cultural experiences.
Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station, is 36 kilometres from the Canyon, making it a fantastic accommodation outside the park. The remote wilderness lodge offers a range of accommodation options, from basic campsites to safari tents and glamping experiences. Activities like quad bike tours, helicopter flights, and camel safaris can be organized here. If you don’t mind driving a few hours to the park, you can also stay in Alice Springs or Uluru, 330 kilometres and 297 kilometres away, respectively.
Visitors to Watarrka National Park can either drive themselves or join a tour. A popular stop on many tours is Kings Canyon, located in the park’s centre. One recommended itinerary is a three-day camping tour exploring Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the surrounding areas.
FAQ
What is Watarrka National Park known for?
Watarrka National Park is famous for Kings Canyon, its towering sandstone cliffs, the Garden of Eden waterhole, and the Lost City rock domes.
How difficult is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?
The Rim Walk is a 6 km loop with a steep 500-step climb at the start. It takes 3–4 hours and offers breathtaking views of the canyon and surrounding desert.
What wildlife can you see in Watarrka National Park?
The park is home to rock wallabies, dingoes, and more than 750 plant species, including desert oaks and rare cycads. Birdlife such as galahs and honeyeaters is also common.
Where can you stay when visiting Watarrka?
Accommodation is available at Kings Canyon Resort inside the park, or nearby at Kings Creek Station, which offers camping, safari tents, and glamping.
Can you camp inside Watarrka National Park?
Yes, camping is available only at Kings Canyon Resort within the park. Other options include nearby campgrounds at Kings Creek Station.
