Kings Canyon is close to Australia’s most famous landmark, Uluru or Ayers Rock. Despite being almost a four-hour drive from Uluru, Kings Canyon has become a stopover for many tour groups travelling to and from the Red Centre.
Located in the Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon rises 100 metres high on all sides. This spectacular natural area is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to learn more about early Aboriginal life. Often featured as part of extended Uluru tours from Adelaide, the canyon offers guided walking tours led by local people, showcasing the native flora and fauna while sharing stories of Aboriginal ancestors dating back more than 20,000 years. You can learn about the legends and history of the canyon and scrutinise the incredible red colour of the sandstone.
Things to do in Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is a barren landscape where you can enjoy camping, nature walks, cultural events, and helicopter rides. The most popular is Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon, which offers several trails, including the Rim and Kings Creek Walk. Hikers can hike to the top of the canyon and then descend to the verdant Garden of Eden below. The diversity of local flora and fauna is impressive, and the beauty of the sacred watering hole must be seen with your own eyes.
Discover the magic of Uluru on a 3-day tour that takes you to the heart of the Australian Outback. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Return walk from the South Rim
Giles Trail
If you’re looking for an actual hike in the Kings Canyon, the Giles Trail is a 22-kilometre route that connects the canyon to Kathleen Springs. Although the terrain is rugged, the walk can be tiring in hot weather. Therefore, spanning it for two days is better.
The Canyon Rim Walk
The Canyon Rim Walk is a more challenging 6 km route. It starts with a steep climb of about 500 steps to the canyon rim. But it’s worth the effort, as the panorama from the top of the canyon is incomparable.
If you reckon you’ve seen it all, just wait until you’re standing on the edge of the Garden of Eden. It’s absolutely mental, but let’s be fair dinkum—trying to tackle those ridges and the drive out there in a 2WD is a total shocker. To really get the most out of the Red Centre without any drama, grabbing a spot on a Kings Canyon tour is a deadset legend move. You’ll be in a proper 4WD, dodging the tourist traps and finding the best secret spots with a guide who’s a real character. It’s an absolute belter of a trip, so quit piking out and get ready for a ripper of an adventure in the heart of the Outback!
The Kings Creek Walk
If you are looking for an entry-level hike that will take you to Kings Canyon, then this hike is for you. The Kings Creek Walk is a 2.6 km walk along Kings Creek that will take you to the bottom of the canyon, where you can admire its immensity.
Kathleen Springs Walk
This is an easy 2.6 km walk to a spring that opens in a gorge. It is wheelchair accessible and it is also convenient for families. The spring is a sacred site, and swimming is prohibited.
Walking with a ranger
A ranger can accompany you on specific trails in Watarka National Park, such as the Royal Canyon Walk. They can explain interestingly the cultural significance of particular places and their ancient history.
Sunset Viewing Platform
The Sunset Viewing Platform is right at Discovery Resort – Kings Canyon. From here, you can watch the sun sink beneath Carmichael Rock and see the sandstone of George Hill Ridge turn stunning shades of red and purple before the stars appear.
The light towers at Discovery Resorts
The Towers of Light is an immersive light and sound installation that captivates visitors to Discovery Resort – Royal Canyon. Consisting of 69 two-metre-high light towers that change colour to the sound of an eerie soundtrack created by composer Orlando Gough, Light-Towers is the second installation by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro at the Red Centre. Three viewing sessions are offered: “Sunrise, Night and Sunset.
Moonlit Dinner in the Desert
This is a unique dining experience at Discovery’s Kings Canyon Resort. Start the evening with canapés and drinks on the lawn at Carmichael’s Restaurant, then move to a table for two under the stars. Enjoy a five-course dinner featuring the finest seasonal produce and some of Australia’s finest wines. Not suitable for children under 18 years of age.
Sunset viewing platform from Lurita
Relax and watch the changing colours of the desert sunset from the Lurita observation deck. The hypnotic red, orange and pink changes created by the natural sandy environment of the Red Centre will leave you breathless.
Eco Ranger Junior of the Desert
This interactive school holiday programme for children aims to have fun, learn more about the environment and give parents a little rest! Each three-hour supervised session includes outdoor activities and baby food. At the end of the session, each child receives a Junior Desert Eco Rangers certificate!
Helicopter tours are available
See the Royal Canyon from the air! Experience a new level of enlightenment as you watch the ups and downs of the ancient sandstone ledges and the diversity of the Watarka from the air. Discover the incredible views of the Royal Canyon, Carmichael’s Rock and the George Gills Range. Each flight offers its level of adventure!
FAQ
What makes Kings Canyon special?
Kings Canyon rises 100 meters high in Watarrka National Park, offering dramatic cliffs, sacred waterholes, and ancient Aboriginal stories tied to the land.
Which hikes are available at Kings Canyon?
Popular walks include the 6 km Rim Walk with breathtaking views, the shorter Kings Creek Walk, the easy Kathleen Springs Walk, and the challenging 22 km Giles Track.
Can visitors join guided cultural experiences?
Yes, local Aboriginal guides and park rangers offer walks that explain the canyon’s cultural and spiritual significance, showcasing bush foods, history, and Dreamtime stories.
What are the best ways to enjoy the sunset?
The Sunset Viewing Platform and the Luritja lookout both offer incredible views as the sandstone glows red, orange, and purple at dusk.
Are there unique experiences besides hiking?
Visitors can enjoy helicopter flights, the immersive Light Towers installation, or a Moonlit Dinner in the Desert for a one-of-a-kind Red Centre adventure.
