Kings Canyon Rim Walk in the Watarrka National Park
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Northern Territory’s Red Centre, chances are the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park has popped up on your radar. This iconic hike is often mentioned alongside Uluru and Kata Tjuta and I think it’s a must-do experience.
But many first-timers wonder: is it worth the effort? How tough is the climb? and what makes it so special? The truth is, the Rim Walk can look intimidating with its steep start and 6 km loop. But with the right preparation, I believe it’s one of the most rewarding walks in Australia.
Having tackled the Rim Walk TWICE before, I can share exactly what to expect, from the initial climb (yes, it’s steep!) to the sandstone domes and panoramic views across the canyon. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which will make the most of your visit to this incredible part of the Northern Territory.
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Where is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?
Kings Canyon is located in Watarrka National Park, Petermann (please see location Map here). It’s in Australia’s Northern Territory, and I find it one of the country’s most scenic hiking trails.
While you can walk it easy enough yourself, guided tours are offered, which can provide local insights, history and valuable information about the area. However, for the purpose of todays blog, I will explain my experience after completing the self-guided walk a few times.
➡ Search Kings Canyon Tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
⏱️ Short on Time?
Overall, I think the Kings Canyon Rim walk is definitely worth completing and in my top 5 list favourite hikes in Australia. In fact, I sometimes think that King Canyon is less touristy and much better than Uluru/Ayers Rock. If it hasn’t been on your radar before, then I highly urge adding this to your Aussie bucket list.
Don’t have time to read the entire post, then the key facts about the Kings Canyon Rim Walk are as follows:
- Distance: 6 km loop
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Grade: Moderate to hard (steep initial climb)
- Best time to start: Early morning (before 9–10 AM), avoid midday walking!
- Entry fee: Free
- Toilets & facilities: At the car park only
- Water: Bring at least 2–3L per person
- What to Bring: Camera, Backpack, Layers(clothing), snacks, Hat
If this has you intrigued, then please read on for more detailed information and my personal experience.
Review, What to expect & Map?
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6-kilometre loop track that will take you roughly 3 to 4 hours to return back to the car park. With its never-ending views over the canyon and its tranquil nature, it has me coming back again and again to complete it.
Please click HERE to access the Walking Track Map
Surprisingly, this is a one-way walking track, just to keep tourists following the same path, and there are gates in place to ensure this happens. The only exception to this rule is during the sunset viewing platform late in the afternoon.
Starting the walking Trail?
The King Canyon Rim Walk starts as a strenuous and challenging 20 minute uphill journey to reach the top of the first rim (often referred to as “Heart Attack Hill”). Just for scale, its about 100-150 metres high, above the surrounding area and 600-700 m above sea level.
This would have to be the hardest bit of the whole hike, which involves about 500 stairs and climbing up to the top of the North Rim. This is a rocky stair climb, an uneven surface, and will probably require a few stops to catch your breath.
I find it’s a great way to wake up on a cool morning in the Northern Territory. Of course, completing this initial section will require a good fitness level, but it is over relatively quickly.
More importantly, please don’t judge this portion of the hike, thinking the rest is roughly the same, because it’s NOT! In other words, it will take about 20 minutes to get up the top of the first Rim wall and will be a moderate, long hike after that.
Walking the Northern Rim
You will notice an unusual terrain along with these beehive-looking rock formations known as “The Lost City”. Continuing the hike on a less formed track, watching out for small signposts every 100 metres, guiding your way.
Sometimes the path is not easily noticed, but I still found it fairly easy to get around the sandstone domes. At times, you will climb over some rocks and up/down uneven stairs. In addition, you will find the views just amazing and clear sight to the South Rim Wall.
Above All, please make sure to stay away from the wall edges, and ensure you keep an eye on your children.
Exploring Garden of Eden
Once you finish with the North Rim of the Gorge, you will come across some nicely built, wooden stairs. These will move you down into the gorge and back up again on the other side. When you make it down to the bottom, it’s only a short walk to get to the other side.
Additionally, there’s an option to via off on a 600 metre return track, to the Garden of Eden. This is a permanent waterhole full of lush plant life and Kings Creek Falls is one of the hike’s highlights.
It’s a small but picturesque waterfall that tumbles over the red rocks into the Garden of Eden pool below. This is a definite “Must-do” attraction to see while you’re on the walk.
NOTE: The waterfall is not always running in the dry season, but can be seen after rainfall.
Can you swim?
NO, you can’t swim in the Garden of Eden. This is a sacred place for the local Aboriginal community and is a look-but-don’t-touch scenario. The closest swimming spot is at the Resort Accommodation in the Swimming Pool.
Walking the Southern Rim
You make it back up the second set of stairs allowing you to walk along the South Rim of this hike. This part gives you the flush and beautiful view of the Northern Rim and walking along much the same terrain as the first half.
There are also several lookouts along the rim of the canyon that offer phenomenal panoramas of the landscape.
TIP: If you have the opportunity to be positioned on the South Rim in the late afternoon, the sun reflecting off the smooth rock face is unbelievable. (Blog Header Picture)
➡ Compare prices for Tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator
Returning back to the Car park
Eventually, you will finish walking on the Southern Rim and views of the gorge below. The track ventures behind the South Rim for a declining rock path, back to the Car Park.
The track is small in size, uneven ground, and isn’t the easiest to pass people. In spite of that, this is the last bit of the journey and it doesn’t take long to get back to the car park.
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Other Hikes in Watarrka National Park
South Walk Return
- Grade: 3 – Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended.
- Distance: 4.8 Kilometres return
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: About 2 hours return
Kings Creek Walk
- Grade: 2 – No bushwalking experience required. track is hardened or compacted. Gentle hill sections & occasional steps.
- Distance: 2.6 kilometres return on the same track
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: About 1 hour return
Kathleen Springs Walk
- Grade: 1 – flat even surface with no steps or inclines. Suitable for wheelchair access with assistance.
- Distance: 2.4 Kilometres return
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: About 1.5 hours return
Where to Stay?
The Kings Canyon Resort is located 10 minutes away from the Hiking section and is your main accommodation option. There are many room options to choose from, like lodges, resort rooms, glamping tents, and many camping spots.
But know that I’ve stayed in the Resort style rooms a couple of times, and they are very comfortable.
➡ Compare prices for Accommodation HERE with Booking.com
If you’re booking a room, please make sure to clarify that you prefer an included en-suite bathroom (That’s if you want one). Know these are not standard with every room and can have shared facilities with other guests.
I recommend staying for 2 nights and complete the hike in between.
However, it’s possible to stay one night, achieve the hike first thing in the morning, and then drive to Alice or Uluru after. But I find this rather tiring and not always advisable!
Tip: Another option has camping facilities located 30 minutes away at Kings Creek Station.
How to Get there?
It takes 3 hours and 40 mins (338 Kilometres) to drive along a sealed road from Alice Springs to get to Kings Canyon. Whereas, Yulara/Uluru is 3 hours and 10 minutes (302 Kilometres) away.
➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE
If you’re flying into the Northern Territory, there is car hire available from Yulara/Uluru or Alice Springs. Or, you can join a multi-day bus tours, more likely starting from Alice Springs.
There are 2 different ways to access the Kings Canyon area:
Stuart Hwy/Lassiter Hwy/Luritja Road: (Best Way)
The Highway is a fully sealed road and the easiest to drive from Alice Springs or Uluru (Ayer Rock). Know this is your only option if your driving around in a 2 wheel drive vehicle.
Mereenie Loop Road:
The Mereenie Loop travels from Glen Helen Gorge/Alice Springs via a four wheel drive track, that requires a permit (About $5AUD). Although this way is shorter in distance, it takes longer to drive on the soft sand and corrugated road.
Tip: If you find yourself traveling through Central Australia, make sure to road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru,. There are so many different things to see and do in the area and I would suggest looking into it.
Best time to visit?
The best time to visit Kings Canyon or Central Australia is during the Australian winter, between May and September. This is when the weather is cooler, making the hiking more pleasurable to endure.
Know that while you might be able to access the hike in summer, facilities and places to stay might not be open.
FAQ’s – Common Questions?
Do you need hiking boots?
You will definitely need closed-in shoes to complete the walking trail, but it’s even better if you’re wearing Hiking boots. Preferably ones with ankle support to help with the uneven ground and prevent twisted ankles.
With the length of time on the hike and ground surface, thongs or flip-flops are not recommended.
Are there toilets?
A small toilet block or bathroom facility is available at the start of the hike in the National Park. Please note that any water here will not be for drinking, and you should bring this yourself on the walk.
Is there phone service?
Depending on your provider, there will be limited cell or mobile service in the entire area (Telstra is the best). I think it’s best to expect none, but if you stay in the resort, there might be some Wi-Fi available.
Safety Precautions when hiking this track
Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks, as there are no food or drink outlets along the way. And although it’s not required, it’s always best to hike with a buddy in case of an emergency.
- Carry a small First Aid Kit
- Take plenty of water, a few snacks and wear sunscreen.
- Stay away from the edges
- No Swimming in the waterhole.
- Always keep children in viewing distance
- Never via too far off the track.
- Be aware of wildlife and stay away from dangerous animals.
- Leave only footprints and take only photo’s. Take all rubbish with you.
- Don’t destroy the natural environment.
- Know your own limits
- Always read and heed on-site information and signs
- For all emergencies call (000)
Wrap Up & Read More!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for an adventure, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk is definitely worth checking out next time you’re around. I hope you found what you were looking for in this blog, but if you’re still planning, please see my other Northern Territory blog posts for inspiration and research!
