Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon
4.5
About
Located in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon known for its 100meter-high sheer cliff walls. There are a variety of walks, the most popular is the Rim Walk which is a 3-4 hour walk with a steep start. Kings Creek Walk is a gentle walk at the base of the Canyon which takes about an hour. Please note that in hot weather where the forecast is to be 36 degrees celsius and above, there are access restrictions to some walks.
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- kjp921Sydney, Australia64 contributionsRim walkThe rim walk is amazing, but don't race to get there in the morning. We wanted to be there for sunrise but this meant there was no sun on the rock wall that you look over when you begin the walk, after climbing all the stairs. While the view was spectacular, the colours weren't. An hour to two later would be perfect. Kings Canyon is incredible, but sunlight is definitely preferable to shadows, so I recommend giving the sun a chance to get a bit higher in the sky.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 June 2024
- KyKyYoWellington Point, Australia236 contributionsGood fitness neededIt’s quite a steep walk. After several days of walks my body was at its limit and I got to the first landing and stopped. It was a bit much. But my walking partner went up to the top and said it was gorgeous. From the landing I got to, it was really lovely. There’s an easier walk at the base which takes you along the embankment. It’s the end of the line for anyone without a 4WD too. So if you’re planning on doing this on your way to Alice Springs, it’s dirt track. We found conflicting information online and in maps, but it’s definitely a dirt trackVisited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 June 2024
- Karen B29 contributionsSacred LandWe did a sunset walk into Kings Canyon today. 5pm Weather was warm at around 33 degrees. As we entered the walk, I removed my hat and sunglasses. It was refreshingly cool with a nice breeze blowing and shaded by beautiful big river gums. What we saw totally surprised and delighted us. From tiny bird sculptures to man made rustic benches and very cleverly placed cement paving, allowing us to walk easily through the Gorge. The sunset lit up the walls of the Gorge in brilliant orange, and the birds were singing. On the way out, we walked along to the sereen music of Gurrumul, and the place became like a sacred, heavenly piece of aboriginal land. Thankyou for sharing your land with us.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 September 2024
- Fiffi B4 contributionsOutback Adventure with Dream TeamOur trip to the outback around Alice Springs was an experience that our students will never forget! This is not least due to the great support from our two guides Damian and Jemaima for Autopia-Tours! Very professional, far-sighted and above all friendly and humorous, they brought us eleven young students and two teachers close to the heart of Australia in challenging temperatures and inhumanly early wake-up times. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts and are full of gratitude for so many wonderful memories! Lucky are those who get a place in their desert ship! We will miss you! Best wishes, V.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 29 October 2024
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Aussie_2012
Melbourne, Australia961 contributions
July 2022
Walk is estimated to take 3-4 hours although bear in mind that you have to relatively fit and stable on your feet as it involves a lot of steps and watching your footing as walking around the rocky terrain. The walk starts at the base of the canyon and involves around 500 steps up to the rim. There are spots to relax and catch your breath and admire the view. Be careful of little kids as they see it as a lot of fun and they nearly took us out as they ran up the trail. Once up top you walkthrough incredible dome like boulders. There is a lookout that does involve some careful stepping as there is no safety barriers to stop any falling. Halfway through the walk the trail entails some steep steps. Once crossed the bridge over the Garden of Eden look out for the trail down to the bottom of the garden. There is a 20 min return walk to a beautiful pool and amazing garden area. Once returning back to the main trail you head back up the rim but this time on the southern side. From here it is a scramble trail over the rocks slowly back down to the bottom and the car park. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take your time to enjoy the surreal and amazing landscape. We were very fit and able to take in the entire trail, take photos, took breaks and still managed to do the trail in 3 hours.
You can do the South Rim rail but in order to stop congestion particularly in the Garden of Eden section, the south rim trail is stopped by a one way gate and therefore you can only walk up to a certain point. For those not fit and scared of heights, I suggest to do the short walk along the canyon floor which also departs and finishes at the same car park as the other trails.
You can do the South Rim rail but in order to stop congestion particularly in the Garden of Eden section, the south rim trail is stopped by a one way gate and therefore you can only walk up to a certain point. For those not fit and scared of heights, I suggest to do the short walk along the canyon floor which also departs and finishes at the same car park as the other trails.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Swanky83
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Wow!! The 500 stairs at the start were a lot easier than I thought they'd be. I'm a low-moderate fit middle age lady (over 100kgs) and was up under 20mins. We walked the entire Rim plus the extra 1.2km to the lookouts and I thoroughly enjoyed this walk. We started at sunrise to beat the heat and were done just under 3hrs. The track is on very uneven rocky surface with lots of rock hopping and steep accents and some descents at times. We then had a bite to eat and completed the easy 2km Rim floor walk along the creek. Give it a go, you'll surprise yourself.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NoMoreTravel
Brisbane27 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked a day trip from Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon. We were picked up at 4:15am. Pete and Jack were very informative and outlined the program for the day. 3 hours later we had a cooked breakfast at Kings Creek Station. We did the hike to the top of Kings Canyon and 6 kms (3 hour) walk along the Rim with Jack who was an excellent guide. 3 hours later, after an excellent trip around the rim, we were back at the car park and provided with refreshing and cold face towels. Then a lunch stop at Kings Canyon Resort. At 12:50pm we started our return journey. Pete our driver Guide explained the history of the surrounding cattle stations and other points of interest. Pete slowed the bus down so we could get a better view. There were 2 stops on the return. The first rest stop was at Curtain Springs Wayside Inn where we picked up a Fabulous bottle of Port. The next stop was at a look out point on the highway where we had an unobstructed view of Mount Conner on the left and after a hike to the top of the dunes on the right we had a view of the Salt Lake. The bus then dropped us of at our resort at 5pm. The round trip covers over 600kms.
Although the temperature was around 36 degrees Celsius, there was a good breeze and no humidity which made our hike bearable. A fly net is a must as there are plenty of flies in summer and they are very aggressive. There is plenty of cold water available on the bus to refill your water bottles.
An excellent trip thanks to Pete and Jack.
Although the temperature was around 36 degrees Celsius, there was a good breeze and no humidity which made our hike bearable. A fly net is a must as there are plenty of flies in summer and they are very aggressive. There is plenty of cold water available on the bus to refill your water bottles.
An excellent trip thanks to Pete and Jack.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trisstie
Adelaide, Australia860 contributions
July 2021 • Couples
The Kings Canyon is well set up to cater for all sorts of people with varying hiking capabities. There are clean toilets and shelters and good parking spots as long as you aren't there in peak tourist season. Free wi-fi is available at the main shelter near where the walks start. Drinking fountains are also nearby. The walks are well sign posted and can even accommodate families with young children. You need to be fit and confident to do the Rim Walk and if not, it is worth spending the money to do the helicoper ride over and around the canyon. That can be booked by phoning 08 89567873 or booking at their office just 500 meters up the road from the Kings Canyon Resort Reception entry point. Lovely walks with lots of beautiful stops along the way.
Written 27 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justalittlebitocd
Melbourne, Australia652 contributions
Oct 2022
We only got to do the Kings Canyon creek walk due to high winds and a dust storm
The creek walk is really lovely. Beautiful rust coloured canyon walls as you gently hike along the side of the creek. Occassionally some rocks to climb over but mostly a paved or gravel path
It is worth working through the rocks to reach the end where there are a couple of platforms and a spectacular view of the peaks of the canyon (where the rim walk is)
FYI we are beginner overweight hikers and found this hike very easy
The creek walk is really lovely. Beautiful rust coloured canyon walls as you gently hike along the side of the creek. Occassionally some rocks to climb over but mostly a paved or gravel path
It is worth working through the rocks to reach the end where there are a couple of platforms and a spectacular view of the peaks of the canyon (where the rim walk is)
FYI we are beginner overweight hikers and found this hike very easy
Written 10 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
Brisbane Region, Australia32 contributions
May 2021
We started the day on 1 May 2021 at 4.45 am with our knowledgeable and enthusiastic AAT Kings tour guides, Dylan and Moses, whom collected us from our hotel in Yulara. We traveled to a cattle station for a hearty, friendly breakfast around 7.30 am and then set off to Kings Canyon to undertake either of the shorter, beautiful creek bed walk, classed as Grade 1 - easy walking (1.5 hours return), or the scenic rim walk, Grade 4, 3-4 hours walk. We did the shorter walk, which was beautiful, not rushed and plenty of interesting and informative commentary along the way. Our fellow bus travelers whom did the longer, scenic rim walk, were in awe of the stunning scenery, and confirmed that this was a very enjoyable experience also, for those more experienced walkers. We also had the opportunity before lunch to undertake a helicopter ride with Professional Helicopter Services (extra optional cost), 8, 15 or 35 minutes duration, taking us over Kings Canyon and providing us with unsurpassed views of Kings Canyon. We had a nice lunch at The Thirsty Dingo at Kings Canyon Resort, and then traveled to a lovely spot where on either side of the road, great sights awaited us at Mt Conner. A little further down the road we reached Curtin Springs Station, which was a lovely stop off to a family owned property and then back to our hotel by 5.30 pm. The whole journey provided us with wonderful local stories, that provided us with a greater understanding of the whole area. We had many laughs on the bus, with Moses and Dylan being wonderful ambassadors for the region. Very new, comfortable and modern bus. We would highly recommend. Julie and Robert, Brisbane, Queensland.
Written 1 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pas Q
Adelaide, Australia62 contributions
Mar 2020
My wife and I took an AAT Kings tour from Ayers Rock to KIngs Canyon on 19 March 2020.
We did a 750km round trip to KC on a 40C day. The day started with a 4am pickup from the Desert Gardens Hotel (we were staying at the Emu Walk Apartments). The walk between the two hotels is short but is it so hard to make one solitary extra pick up?
Anyway our guides Dale, David and Jack were fantastic. They were informative about the agenda for the day and providing information about the region.
Our first stop was Kings Creek Station at 7am for breakfast. Now this is a working station out in the boon docks. The building where we had breakfast of eggs on toast, bacon and snags (or cereal) resembled a shearers meal room. So if you are expecting refined facilities then don't.
The Canyon itself, while an imposing landmark to the rest of the landscape, was a disappointment. It's not very big and the only activities are the rim or Creek bed walks. They only take 3 and 1 hours respectively. A long way to go for a couple of walks.
The best part of KC is to take a helicopter flight. You get a better perspective of the canyon and the thrill of a helicopter ride.
On our return we had a stop at Curtin Springs. I know Tour companies work in concert with other businesses, but surely a 20 minute stop at a run down budget motel with a "restaurant" is unnecessary.
Don't get me wrong, part of the charm of the day is to stop at remote places like Kings Creek station and Curtin Springs. I'm just reporting what we found so that travellers reading this review are fully informed.
My wife and I have done many 12-13 hour day tours around the world, but this one left us a little disappointed.
We did a 750km round trip to KC on a 40C day. The day started with a 4am pickup from the Desert Gardens Hotel (we were staying at the Emu Walk Apartments). The walk between the two hotels is short but is it so hard to make one solitary extra pick up?
Anyway our guides Dale, David and Jack were fantastic. They were informative about the agenda for the day and providing information about the region.
Our first stop was Kings Creek Station at 7am for breakfast. Now this is a working station out in the boon docks. The building where we had breakfast of eggs on toast, bacon and snags (or cereal) resembled a shearers meal room. So if you are expecting refined facilities then don't.
The Canyon itself, while an imposing landmark to the rest of the landscape, was a disappointment. It's not very big and the only activities are the rim or Creek bed walks. They only take 3 and 1 hours respectively. A long way to go for a couple of walks.
The best part of KC is to take a helicopter flight. You get a better perspective of the canyon and the thrill of a helicopter ride.
On our return we had a stop at Curtin Springs. I know Tour companies work in concert with other businesses, but surely a 20 minute stop at a run down budget motel with a "restaurant" is unnecessary.
Don't get me wrong, part of the charm of the day is to stop at remote places like Kings Creek station and Curtin Springs. I'm just reporting what we found so that travellers reading this review are fully informed.
My wife and I have done many 12-13 hour day tours around the world, but this one left us a little disappointed.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soff01
Brisbane, Australia143 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Buggy Rides - Excellent, so much fun. We weren’t sure but I highly recommend this experience. It is a great way to see the area. Much better and safer than quad biking. Don’t wear white though, as you get putrid with the red dirt. If you’re on the fence about this, book it. The sunset ride includes canapes and champagne which was also delicious.
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie1967_11
Adelaide, Australia101 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
Kings Canyon rim walk was fantastic. A highlight of our NT holiday. We bumped into Damien the Ranger who gave great updated guidance re use of drone by the regulations. He also told us about Priscillas Gap that is not marked. He was great. Wonderful personality and great advocate for all things Kings Canyon so a great asset for National Parks Service. We just finished the rim walk when he was the ranger doing the free creek walk at 3pm. This was great as well. Rim Walk is a must do!
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aljoshaw
Caulfield, Australia68 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Brilliant place to visit - incredible rim walk with awe inspiring views. Lots and lots of climbing, both up and down, so it helps to have a bit of fitness. Glad we did it in winter because it would have been scorching and very challenging in summer. Great facilities, including water fountains, WiFi, toilets and emergency stations.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm just wondering if anyone can tell me whether on the Rim Walk there is times you have to walk close to cliff edges.
My husband isn't keen as he is not good at heights.
I'm happy to do the walk on my own but always nicer to share with someone.
Written 10 March 2021
We are going to Uluru in late August. I have read so many mixed messages about driving a hire car to kings canyon and returning in the same day after the rim walk. Is it feasible or too much? Sunrise is at 7am and sunset is at 6.30pm
Written 23 March 2019
Hi,
We have four kids ranging from 7-17 yrs and are doing a 'quicker than we would like' tour of the NT.
Do you believe the kids would appreciate the extra 4 or so hrs that it will take to detour past Kings Canyon on route to Uluru?
We are going to Uluru regardless, and doing a lot of kms over two weeks. Would appreciate people's thoughts about what your kids talked most about once you got home :)
Thanks
tribe 6
Written 28 February 2018
The best part of Kings Canyon is doing the rim walk, taking about 3 hours or so, fantastic scenery, best done in the early morning. Not really sure if it’s something the younger children would appreciate after a long drive.
Written 2 March 2018
Wir übernachten im Kings Canyon Resort und haben kein Auto dabei. Gibt es einen Bustransfer oder ähnliches um den Rim Walk auf eigene Faust zu machen ? Vielen Dank :-)
Written 8 January 2018
Hi there, does anyone know if you get to kings canyon resort by bus, is there then a shuttle bus or similar that can take you out to the canyon?
Written 15 July 2017
I agree with the previous reply - AAT Kings are the best. I'd wholeheartedly recommend a trip out to Kings Canyon with them. Its a long drive from Ayers Rock and walking the canyon can take over 3 hours with plenty of photo stops, so you might want to think about an overnight trip.
Written 30 July 2017
Hi we are wanting a powered site with an ensuite. Realise we will need to book ahead early, Do you have many sites with ensuites or pictures/map of the location thank you
Written 23 April 2017
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