Watarrka National Park lies on the western end of the George Gill Range in central Australia. Kings Canyon is its famous centrepiece: a gorge cut through sandstone, with walls rising steeply above Kings Creek. The plateau above is a maze of weathered sandstone domes. It's Luritja Country, and the park is jointly managed by its Luritja Traditional Owners and the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission under a joint management plan. Stay on the marked tracks and respect any signs.
The walks
The NT Government lists several walks in the park.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk. A 6 km loop that takes 3 to 4 hours. It's Grade 4, moderate to difficult, and it must be walked clockwise, following the blue arrows. The walk begins with a strenuous, steep climb, then follows the canyon rim. About halfway round, it descends to the Garden of Eden, an area of cool waterholes and riverine vegetation, before returning to the car park. Stairs and boardwalks help on steep and sensitive sections.
South Wall Return Walk. A shorter walk with views of the canyon walls. On days forecast at 36°C or above, you must start it before 11 am, according to the park's walking tracks brochure.
Kings Creek Walk. An easier walk along the creek bed on the canyon floor, looking up at the walls. It's a good option for families or for less mobile visitors.
Kathleen Springs Walk. A walk to a spring-fed waterhole at the base of the range. It's a separate site within the park.
Giles Track. A 22 km walking track that follows the George Gill Range between Kings Canyon and Kathleen Springs. It's usually done over more than one day and needs careful preparation. Check the NT Parks Giles Track page for current requirements.
The heat rule
Watarrka has a heat management strategy. The NT Government says access is limited during the hottest months, from September to March. On days when the forecast temperature is 36°C or above, you must start the Rim Walk before 9 am. You won't be allowed to start after 9 am. The forecasts used are the Bureau of Meteorology's for Watarrka, and signs at the park are updated daily.
In the hotter months, the park recommends doing shorter walks in the middle of the day. There's no drinking water once you leave the car parks, so carry plenty. See travelling in summer heat.
Passes and fees
Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass for Watarrka. NT residents are exempt.
| Pass | Adult | Child (5–17) | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day pass | $10 | $5 | $25 |
| 2-week pass | $30 | $15 | $75 |
| Annual (open) pass | $60 | $30 | $150 |
Prices are from the NT Government's parks pass page. Tourism NT also lists 3-day and 1-month passes and concessions. The NT pass doesn't cover Uluru-Kata Tjuta or Kakadu, which are managed by Parks Australia and need separate passes.
Park rules
The NT Government asks visitors to:
- stay on designated roads and tracks, and keep at least 2 m from cliff edges
- not throw rocks over cliff edges, because there may be people below
- not light fires or collect firewood
- take all rubbish out, because bins aren't provided
- keep pets on a leash in the Kings Canyon car park only
- remember that camping isn't permitted in the park
- obtain a permit before arriving if they want to use a drone (conditions apply)
Getting there
Watarrka is reached by sealed roads from both Uluru and Alice Springs. Most visitors drive it as part of a Red Centre loop. The NT Government's status table lists the Luritja Road creek crossings (Kathleen Creek and Kings Creek) separately, because they can be affected by rain. Check the park status before you travel. From Alice Springs, the Mereenie Loop is a shorter, unsealed alternative. It crosses Aboriginal land, so it needs a permit, which is available in Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Hermannsburg. See the Red Centre guide.
Where to stay
Camping isn't allowed inside the park. Accommodation, including camping, is available outside the park nearby, at places such as Kings Canyon Resort. Book well ahead from April to September. Many travellers stay the night before so they can start the Rim Walk at sunrise, when it's cooler and the light on the walls is at its best.
When to go
The NT Government says the park is open all year, but the cooler months from April to September are the most pleasant. Winter mornings can be cold, so start in layers. From September to March, heat restrictions apply, and walks are best done at dawn.
Photography
Early morning light makes the canyon walls glow, and the domes on the plateau photograph well in low side-light. Stay well back from cliff edges when framing shots. Remember that drones need a permit obtained before you arrive. See outback photography.
Kings Canyon in a Red Centre itinerary
A typical plan spends two to three days at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, then one to two days at Kings Canyon, before driving to Alice Springs. See the Uluru itinerary, one-week itineraries and the Northern Territory road trip.
Safety
- Carry and drink plenty of water, because none is available once you leave the car parks.
- Wear a hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and insect repellent.
- Consider your fitness, as the opening climb is steep.
- Tell someone your plans, and know that mobile coverage may be limited.
See outback safety.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is Kings Canyon worth visiting?
Yes. Its sheer sandstone walls, domed rock formations and the Garden of Eden waterhole make the Rim Walk one of the best day walks in central Australia. Most visitors combine it with Uluru and Kata Tjuta on a Red Centre trip.
Do you need a pass for Watarrka National Park?
Yes. The NT Government says visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass for Watarrka. A day pass costs $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 5 to 17 and $25 for families, and longer passes are available. NT residents are exempt. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta pass doesn't cover Watarrka.
How long is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?
The NT Government lists it as a 6 km loop that takes 3 to 4 hours. It's graded moderate to difficult (Grade 4), starts with a steep climb, and must be walked clockwise, following the blue arrows.
What does Watarrka mean?
Watarrka is the Aboriginal name used for the park, which is Luritja Country. The park is jointly managed by its Luritja Traditional Owners and the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission. Kings Canyon is the name of the gorge inside the park, and the two names are often used together.
Can you camp in Kings Canyon?
Camping isn't permitted inside Watarrka National Park, according to the NT Government. Accommodation and camping are available outside the park nearby, so book ahead in the cooler months.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Watarrka National Park — Northern Territory Government
- Short walks in Watarrka National Park — Northern Territory Government
- Parks pass for national parks and reserves — Northern Territory Government
- Giles Track in Watarrka National Park — Northern Territory Government
- Watarrka walking tracks brochure — Discover Central Australia
