Kings Canyon Resort

Kings Canyon Resort is your gateway to one of Australia’s most dramatic outback landscapes: the ancient, rust-red walls of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. This sprawling resort offers a comfortable base for exploring the canyon’s rim walks, lush pocket gardens, and sweeping desert vistas. Whether you’re arriving after a long drive from Alice Springs or Uluru, the resort’s pool, restaurant, and guided tour options make it a welcome oasis in the red centre.

Highlights & What to See

• Kings Canyon Rim Walk – The must-do 6km loop takes you up the “Heart Attack Hill” for jaw-dropping views across the canyon, the “Lost City” sandstone domes, and the permanent waterhole known as the Garden of Eden.
• Kings Creek Walk – An easier, shorter trail that follows the canyon floor beneath towering cliffs, perfect for a gentle morning or late-afternoon stroll.
• Sunset Viewing Platform – Grab a drink from the resort’s bar and watch the canyon walls glow fiery orange as the sun sinks behind the desert.
• Helicopter Scenic Flights – For a bird’s-eye perspective, book a flight over Kings Canyon and the surrounding George Gill Range.
• Kings Canyon Resort Pool – A sparkling, saltwater pool that’s blissfully cool after a day of hiking under the outback sun.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers stay one or two nights. Arrive early on your first day to tackle the Kings Canyon Rim Walk (start before 9am to avoid heat and crowds). Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or taking a helicopter flight. If you have a second day, explore the Kings Creek Walk or drive to nearby attractions like Kathleen Springs. A two-night stay allows a relaxed pace and lets you experience both sunrise and sunset over the canyon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – A 3.5-hour drive southwest; combine Kings Canyon with the iconic red rock and the domes of Kata Tjuta.
• Alice Springs – About 3 hours north; the hub of the Red Centre with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
• Watarrka National Park – Beyond the resort, explore lesser-known gorges and the Giles Track for a multi-day walk.
• Palm Valley (Finke Gorge National Park) – A 2-hour drive northeast; a lush oasis with ancient cycads and palm groves.
• Mereenie Loop Road – A scenic 4WD route connecting Kings Canyon to Alice Springs via the West MacDonnell Ranges; permits required.

Please check official sources for current details.