Kings Canyon Rim Walk in the NT
Often overlooked in favour of Uluru, Kings Canyon in the NT and its wonderful Rim Walk are more than capable of being a destination in their own right. There’s more to Kings Canyon than the well-known Rim Walk though. Here, you’ll also find numerous other shorter walks, a resort with every budget covered, and it serves as a convenient destination to break up the drive for a couple of nights between Alice Springs and Uluru.
Where is Kings Canyon?
Located in the Watarrka National Park, you’ll find King Canyon between Alice Springs and Yulara. It’s around five-hours drive from Alice Springs along the sealed Lasseter and Stuart Highway and a further three hours drive to Uluru. Adventure seekers travelling in a 4WD shouldn’t miss the backroute though, the Mereenie Loop aka The Red Centre Way.
Can you do the Kings Canyon Rim Walk with kids?
The short answer is yes. Actually, the long answer is yes, also. I’ve done it with both an 18-month-old (in a carrier) and a four-year-old, and then again when they were six and eight and able to walk it themselves.
The main walks at Kings Canyon in the NT
Kings Creek Walk
This walk is 2.6 kilometres return and fairly easy going. It suits families that are not up to managing the Rim Walk. The scenery is still beautiful and the first 700 metres of the walk is wheelchair accessible (with assistance). This also means that it’s pram accessible!
South Wall Return Walk
This walk is 4.8 kilometres return and requires some level of fitness. It is basically the final section of the Rim Walk but in reverse. If you are feeling up to it, I would recommend the Rim walk over this one as you don’t see the Garden of Eden on this South Wall return walk. The walk ends at a one-way gate and you return the same way you walked up.
Kathleen Springs Walk
This walk is a sealed track without markers that traverses around 2.4 kilometres. It’s quite an easy walk and good for families and visitors with limited mobility. There is wheelchair access for this walk. Signage along the track tells stories of Aboriginal culture and it culminates at a spring-fed waterhole at the head of Kathleen Gorge.
The Rim Walk
This walk is a six kilometre round trip, with the hardest section at the beginning when you ascend the canyon. You need a moderate level of fitness to do this. See below for what to expect on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in the NT.
What to expect on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in the NT
The initial ascent is the hardest part of the walk. The good news is, once you get to the top, it’s fairly flat (except for some stairs at the Garden of Eden). On the walk up, there are some sections that you will need to carry your child if they are young. If they are older, you will be able to hold their hand or make sure they stay away from the edge.
Once you get to the top, there is plenty of room to sit down and have a drink. You can also relax now because it’s a fairly flat walk for a while, and you don’t have to be near the edge unless you want to.
There are some awesome views from this side of the Canyon and the barren landscapes and unique rock formations make you feel like you’re on another planet.
There is an extra walk you can choose to do up here called ‘Cotterill’s Lookout’. It’s not suitable for young kids as there is a bit of scrambling up the interesting rock formations. I suspect that older kids and teenagers would love it though.
Head towards the Garden of Eden!
Moving forward past the spectacular views, you will find yourself walking down some stairs into a hidden oasis. Don’t worry, these stairs are no where near as bad as the initial climb. This place feels really untouched and special but swimming is strictly prohibited to protect the natural environment.
This is a great spot to stop for a picnic and enjoy a much-needed rest before taking the stairs back up to the other side. There is a one-way gate that prevents people doing the South Wall Return Walk from entering from their side. The scenery on the other side is a bit different, but just as fantastic.
How difficult is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?
This walk is not easy and you do need a moderate level of fitness, but it’s certainly achievable and incredibly rewarding. We completed the walk in 3.5 hours, and that included stopping briefly twice for snacks and many more times for photographs and drinks of water.
When is the best time to visit Kings Canyon?
Kings Canyon looks amazing at any time of year but because of the temperature from October to April, it’s best to visit Kings Canyon in the NT to do the rim walk from May to October. Having done it twice in both April and October with kids, I would recommend starting out early so you’re finished before the heat of the day sets in. If the mercury is high, the walk will actually be closed to the public.
In general, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in the NT is worth the huffing and puffing of the initial ascent to experience the breathtaking landscape from up top. Not to mention the sacred Garden of Eden and the otherwordly rock formations.
Resources for booking your getaway to Central Australia
Getting to the Red Centre of Australia
Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com.
Getting around Central Australia
Car hire is available in Alice Springs. Compare car hire prices across major brands at Discover Cars. Don’t forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges.
Accommodation in Central Australia
Ayers Rock Resort in the obvious choice at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, with a range of accommodations from camping to hotel rooms. For the ultimate in luxury at Uluru, stay at Longitude 131.
Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if you’re on a camping road trip.
Glen Helen is the only non-camping option available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Alice Springs and easily day-trip out to the West Macs.
If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead.
Tours and activities in Central Australia
Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator.
