Giles Track

Stretching 22 kilometres across the rugged George Gill Range, the Giles Track is a multi-day walking trail that links Kings Canyon with Kathleen Springs, offering a remote and immersive outback experience. Named after the explorer Ernest Giles, this track takes you through spinifex-clad ridges, dry creek beds, and ancient cycad groves, with sweeping views over the Watarrka National Park. It's a walk for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the Central Australian landscape, far from the crowds of the canyon rim.

Highlights & What to See

• Kings Canyon Rim Walk – Start or end your journey with the iconic canyon rim circuit, taking in the Lost City, the Garden of Eden, and sheer sandstone cliffs.
• Kathleen Springs – A tranquil waterhole at the trail's southern end, perfect for a cooling dip and surrounded by shady ghost gums.
• Cycad Valley – A lush pocket of ancient cycads and ferns, a surprising oasis in the arid landscape.
• Outback Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, the track offers phenomenal night skies – bring a headlamp and gaze at the Milky Way.
• Wildlife Encounters – Spot red kangaroos, dingoes, and a variety of birdlife, including the colourful zebra finch and the majestic wedge‑tailed eagle.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers tackle the Giles Track over two days, camping one night in the bush. A typical itinerary: start early from Kings Canyon, walk the 11‑kilometre section to the designated Giles Track campsite (basic, no facilities), then continue the next morning to Kathleen Springs. If you're short on time, you can day‑hike sections – the best partial walk is from Kathleen Springs north to the Cycad Valley viewpoint and back (4–5 hours). Allow at least two full days to appreciate the solitude and scenery without rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Watarrka National Park – The park itself offers numerous short walks and the famous Kings Canyon Rim Walk.
• Uluru & Kata Tjuta – A 3‑hour drive south, these iconic monoliths are a must‑see for any outback itinerary.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – About 4 hours east, this range offers gorges, waterholes, and the Larapinta Trail.
• Alice Springs – The nearest major town, with cultural attractions, art galleries, and services for self‑drive travellers.
• Finke Gorge National Park – Home to the ancient Palm Valley, a unique oasis about 2 hours east of Kings Canyon.

Please check official sources for current details.