Welcome to Kings Canyon
Watarrka National Park is home to the mighty Kings Canyon, a dramatic rock formation with 300-metre-high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices and panoramic views across the desert. The park is four hours’ drive from Alice Springs. Experience the world-famous Rim Walk, a 6 kilometre circuit with stunning 360 degree views, before transcending down into the Garden of Eden. The walk can take around 3-4 hours. For a gentler hike, the Kings Creek walk wanders through the valley floor.
There are two accommodation options, including Kings Creek Station and Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon, both offering glamping and camping accommodation. Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon also offers hotel style rooms.
Enjoy a sunrise or sunset experience at the Light Towers, an immersive light and sound installation located at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon. There are a range of options on offer to explore the Light Towers experience, designed by British artist Bruce Munro.
Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience warmly welcomes guests to their one hour Aboriginal cultural experience, sharing their culture and family traditions of the region. Visitors learn how to gather local bush foods, treat ailments with bush medicines and make traditional tools and weapons.
Access: Drive to Kings Canyon via the Red Centre Way drive route. There are two options: travel the sealed road along the Lasseter Highway or take the unsealed Mereenie Loop, where a four-wheel-drive is recommended. A NT Parks Pass is required to enter Watarrka National Park.
Top things to do:
- Walk the Rim Walk: The 6km circuit takes walkers to the Garden of Eden before ascending to 360° panoramic views over the red sand dunes. Walkers need to be relatively fit as the first 500 steps of the Rim Walk is the most challenging.
- Dine under the stars: At Discovery Kings Canyon Resort’s ‘Under the Desert Moon’.
- View the Light Towers: Wake early to see the sun rise and watch the light towers come alive.
- Experience the local culture: At Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
| Climate and seasons: Season | Min/max temperature range °C | Min/max temperature range °F |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (December - February) | 20 - 38°C | 68 - 100°F |
| Autumn (March - May) | 13 - 34°C | 55 - 93°F |
| Winter (June - August) | 5 - 24°C | 41 - 75°F |
| Spring (September - November) | 14 - 35°C | 57 - 95°F |
