Watarrka/Kings Canyon is one of those iconic Northern Territory landscapes, found deep in the Watarrka National Park. Conor spent a few hours taking on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk just as the sun was setting.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Luritja and Arrente Nation, the traditional Country of the Luritja and Arrente people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Kings Canyon Rim Walk Quick Facts

Distance: 6km total
Duration: 3 hours with extra time for taking photos
Elevation: 500 steps up and down

Please note! It can get real hot out here, and on days it’s forecast to reach 36ºC or higher, the gates to the path close at 9am! Best to consider the weather before planning your hike.

Read more: How To Hike in Hot Weather

 

Kings Canyon Rim Walk Highlights

  • Watching the colours of the canyon transform through the afternoon 
  • Enjoying a moment of peace at the Garden of Eden
  • Options for an easy walk through the valley or a more challenging hike around the rim

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

How to Get to Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Watarrka/Kings Canyon is located in the Watarrka National Park. It’s a 332km drive from Alice Springs along the Larapinta Drive and well signposted around the turn off to the canyon. The best way to get there is by car, or you can arrange visitation on a tour.

Skill Level

Intermediate

The full Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6km circuit that climbs up and down steep rocky staircases. 

The shorter Kings Creek walk is a relatively flat 2.6km walk through the valley and is an easier option compared to the rim walk. 

Essential Gear

  • Hiking shoes
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle – bring a few litres of water per person!
  • Camera
  • Snacks
  • Map
  • Head torch if you’re planning to stick around for sunset

What It’s Like to Hike the Kings Canyon Rim Walk

‘Breathtaking views’, ‘out-of-this-world scenery’, and ‘paradise’ were a few descriptions I’d heard about Watarrka/Kings Canyon. I had very high expectations, having just visited Uluru and hiked the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory. After driving through the day we reached Watarrka/Kings Canyon and made our way to the start of the rim walk.   

Under the mid-afternoon sun, we hit the incline: 500 steps straight up the winding rocky path to the top. It was slow going, ten steps up and a two-minute break to take photos. 

 

 

Once we reached the top, we knew the hard yards were behind us. We had a few hours before sunset, so we spent our time searching through every nook and cranny.

And there was more beauty here than we expected! Between winding through the beehive domes and descending down to the serene oasis of the Garden of Eden, there was never a dull moment on this trail.

I worked my way along the northern rock face while Kate looped around to the southern side. After half an hour or more I heard a faint whistle. The sound bounced around from every direction, but I knew it was Kate. I pulled out my telephoto lens and scanned the area. Eventually I found her, looking like an ant on the opposite cliff face.

 

 

I wanted to find the best place to take a photo at sunset and the best light was going to fall on the southern wall, so I waved Kate to come back. I set up my tripod and played the waiting game.

Like many locations in the Outback, the whole area transformed through the late afternoon. The heat of the day evaporated, and we could hear birds chirping from the valley. My favourite thing was the colour of the rocks as the late afternoon sunlight passed across the dusty plains and into the valley.

 

 

I don’t like to carry expectations into adventures, but in this case, they were there. If anyone asks me what I think of Watarrka/Kings Canyon, all I’ll be able to tell them is that words just don’t do it justice.

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Tips for Hiking the Kings Canyon Rim Walk

  • It can get real hot out here, and on days it’s forecast to reach 36ºC or higher, the gates to the path close at 9am! Best to consider the weather before planning your hike
  • The steep incline is real! Bring plenty of water, you’ll need it
  • The best time to walk the trail, for views and lower temps, is at sunrise or to end around sunset

 

Head to Discover Central Australia to start planning your Red Centre hiking trip and take advantage of the 25% off offer when you book direct.

Kings Canyon Rim Walk FAQs

How hard is the Kings Canyon walk?

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is for intermediate hikers, as it involves some very steep and immediate elevation gain as you ascend around 500 stairs. It’s also quite remote and exposed.

Do you have to pay to do the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?

You have to pay for a Northern Territory Parks pass, but there are no specific fees to do the Rim Walk.

What grade is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a Grade 4, making it an intermediate to difficult walk.

How many steps up to Kings Canyon?

There are around 500 steps to climb to reach the top of the canyon.

 

Table of contents image by Ally Burnie

Keep Hiking the Red Centre Trails!

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.