Discover Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon

Located 330 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs, Watarrka National Park is home to the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon, featuring Australia's deepest gorge. The park's towering sandstone walls, some over 100 meters high, create a dramatic landscape that draws visitors from around the globe.

The canyon's floor is dotted with permanent waterholes, while the Garden of Eden offers a surprising oasis of lush vegetation. Above, the Lost City showcases beehive-shaped domes of red sandstone.

Exploring the park is best done on foot, with hiking being a popular activity. For those visiting during the hotter months, sightseeing flights and camel safaris offer alternative ways to appreciate the scenery.

Hiking Trails

Watarrka National Park offers a variety of trails, from the challenging rim walks to more accessible paths suitable for families.

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk

This six-kilometer loop is a highlight, taking hikers along the canyon's edge and through the Garden of Eden. The walk requires good fitness and takes about three to four hours.

The Kings Creek Walk

A shorter 2.6-kilometer return trip, this walk is suitable for all ages and offers wheelchair access for the first 700 meters.

The Kathleen Springs Walk

Perfect for families, this 2.6-kilometer walk leads to a serene waterhole and provides insights into aboriginal culture and history.

Flora & Fauna

The park is a biodiversity hotspot with over 750 plant species and a variety of wildlife, including rock wallabies and dingoes.

History

Watarrka National Park holds great cultural significance for the Luritja people, who have adorned the area with rock paintings. The park was named after the local acacia tree and has been open to tourists since the 1960s.

Where to Stay in Watarrka National Park for Sightseeing

Accommodation options range from the Kings Canyon Resort within the park to the nearby Kings Creek Station. Alice Springs and Uluru are also within driving distance.

Tips and Tactics

• Check weather restrictions for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk at http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/forecasts/precis.shtml.
• Carry at least three liters of water per person and consider early morning hikes to avoid the heat.
• Emergency Radios are available along the trails and at the car park.
• The cooler months (April to September) are the best time to visit.
• Combine a trip to Watarrka National Park with a visit to Uluru for an unforgettable road trip.

Getting There

By Car from Alice Springs: The park is accessible via Luritja Road and Lasseters Highway. Alternative routes include Larapinta Drive through the West MacDonnell National Park and the Mereenie Loop Road.

Official site: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/find/watarrka.U1_UWeCgVvA