Watarrka National Park
Northern Territory
Australia's Watarrka National Park protects one of the Northern Territory’s most legendary destinations: Kings Canyon. It's a rocky red desert park of rugged geological formations and sheer-edged sandstone gorges plummeting to waterholes and unexpected oases of cycad palms. Walking trails lead to lookouts for views over the canyon, and there are picnic tables at the sunset-viewing area and Kathleen Springs.
To get the most out of your visit to Watarrka National Park, take a guided walk with a ranger or Aborginal guide to learn about the spiritual significance of this land for the local Anangu people. The overnight Giles Track takes you along the top of the range from springs to canyon, while the much easier Kathleen Springs walk takes 1.5 hours and is recommended for families. Multi-day tours typically include a day at the park to tackle the 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) Kings Creek Walk around the rim of Kings Canyon.
- The park urges visitors to take their trash with them, as garbage bins are not provided.
- Be prepared with a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, plenty of water, and appropriate footwear.
- The Kings Creek Rim Walk features an uneven uphill section that is demanding and requires travelers to be in good physical health.
Watarrka National Park is 280 miles (450 kilometers) southwest of Alice Springs via the Stuart Highway, which is suitable for 2WD vehicles, or Larapinta Drive, which requires a 4WD vehicle. It’s about 185 miles (300 kilometers) northeast of Ayers Rock (Uluru). Multi-day tours generally provide round-trip transportation from Ayers Rock Airport and Alice Springs hotels.
You can visit Watarrka National Park year round, but the cooler months, from April to September, are the most pleasant and are considered the best time to come. Access to the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and South Wall Return Walk are limited on days when the temperature is 97℉ (36°C) or above. Visitors must begin the rim walk before 9am and the South Wall Return Walk before 11am on these days.
The park features a range of walking tracks for visitors of different fitness levels. The Kings Creek Rim Walk, perhaps the most popular with views of the Garden of Eden and the Lost City, is considered moderate to difficult; Kings Creek Walk is a good alternative and is less strenuous. The Kathleen Springs Walk is suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility, with wheelchair access available. Other walks include Giles Track, which takes 2 days to complete, and the 2-hour South Wall Return Walk.
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