Kings Canyon (Watarrka)

A sandstone canyon in the Red Centre, where the rim walk follows sheer 100-metre cliffs and a hidden oasis, the Garden of Eden, lies at the bottom.

Kings Canyon lies in Watarrka National Park in the south of Australia's Northern Territory, at the western end of the George Gill Range. It is about 320 km south of Alice Springs (around 4.5 hours on sealed road) and about 300 km north of Yulara, home of Uluru (around 3.5 hours), making it one of the three major stops on the "Red Centre Way." The core of the park is a red sandstone canyon with walls over 100 metres high. The 6 km Rim Walk links the Lost City domes, Cotterill's Lookout and the Garden of Eden waterhole at the bottom; the easy Kings Creek Walk along the canyon floor is suitable for everyone; to the east there are also Kathleen Springs, the Reedy Rockhole and the 22 km Giles Track. The best season is May–September, with daytime temperatures in the 20s °C and nights that can drop to freezing. In summer temperatures often exceed 40°C, and the Rim Walk closes after 9:00 am when the forecast is 36°C or higher. Accommodation is concentrated at the resort 7 km west of the canyon and at Kings Creek Station to the southeast; plan on 1–2 nights. A Northern Territory parks pass is required for entry. Most visitors self-drive; the Mereenie Loop dirt road requires a 4WD and a permit, or you can join a 2–3 day tour from Uluru. Guard against sun and flies, and carry at least 3 litres of water per person.

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