Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park
Watarrka
National Park · National Park in Northern Territory
Written by Ben Cole· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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About Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park
Kings Canyon features sheer sandstone walls rising 270 metres above the canyon floor, sheltering a lush garden of cycads and ferns in the Garden of Eden on the canyon floor. The 6km Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of Australia's most spectacular day hikes, with panoramic views over the George Gill Range and the Lost City formation of weathered domes.
About
Kings Canyon features sheer sandstone walls rising 270 metres above the canyon floor, sheltering a lush garden of cycads and ferns in the Garden of Eden on the canyon floor. The 6km Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of Australia's most spectacular day hikes, with panoramic views over the George Gill Range and the Lost City formation of weathered domes.
History & Significance
Watarrka National Park was established in 1985 to protect the significant Red Centre landscape and its geological features. Kings Canyon, the park's centrepiece, is formed by 270-metre sandstone walls that shelter a permanent freshwater spring and lush Garden of Eden vegetation. The park holds cultural significance for the Luritja people, the traditional owners, whose connection to the land is reflected in the Indigenous name Watarrka.
Warnings
Getting There
330km west of Alice Springs via the Lasseter and Ernest Giles highways. Kings Canyon Resort is 7km from the canyon entrance.
Parking
Free parking available at the Kings Canyon Rim Walk trailhead and visitor centre carpark. Capacity is limited during peak season (May–August); arrive early or use overflow carparks. Accessible parking near visitor centre; standard carpark is unsealed and can be rough after rain.
Visitor Tips
- •Start the Rim Walk no later than 7am in warmer months — midday heat is dangerous
- •The initial climb up Heartbreak Hill (first 500m) is steep and exposed — take it slow
- •Garden of Eden is the highlight — allow time to explore the creek bed
- •Early morning light is best for photography of the canyon walls
- •If the Rim Walk is closed due to heat, the Creek Walk (2.6km) is an excellent alternative
- •Fuel and supplies at Kings Canyon Resort — 200km to next fuel either direction
Quick Facts
At a Glance
Identity
- Traditional Name
- Watarrka
- Also Known As
- ["Kings Canyon","Kings Canyon National Park"]
The Place
- Area
- 709 km²
- Established
- 1985
- Significance
- National
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Paid
- Duration
- Half day to full day
- Best Time
- April to September; start Rim Walk before 9am to beat heat
- Hours
- Open year-round; Rim Walk closes above 36°C (usually Oct-Mar mornings only from 9am)
Location
- Area
- Petermann
- Region
- Alice Springs
- State
- Northern Territory
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- Ages 8+; rim walk is strenuous with steep sections, sheer cliff edges, and no shade. Younger children may complete canyon floor walk only.
- Shade/Cover
- Limited shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
Café at visitor centre; BYO supplies strongly recommended for the rim walk (no water on trail, 6km exposed).
Features
Facilities
Nearby
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