Kings Canyon Resort

Kings Canyon Resort is your gateway to the dramatic red-rock landscapes of Watarrka National Park, offering comfortable accommodation and essential services in this remote corner of the Northern Territory. It's the perfect base for exploring the magnificent Kings Canyon, with its sheer sandstone cliffs and ancient palm-filled gorges.

Highlights & What to See

• Kings Canyon Rim Walk: The star attraction – a 6km loop that climbs to the canyon rim, offering jaw-dropping views of the chasm and the surrounding desert. Don't miss the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by cycads and ferns.
• Kings Creek Station: A working cattle station nearby offering quad bike tours, helicopter flights over the canyon, and camel rides at sunset – a quintessential outback experience.
• Sunset Viewing Platform: Just a short walk from the resort, this platform provides stunning views of the George Gill Range as the sun paints the rocks in shades of ochre and crimson.
• Resort Amenities: The resort itself has a swimming pool, a restaurant serving hearty meals, and a bar where you can swap stories with fellow travellers under the stars.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors stay one or two nights. Arrive in the afternoon, check in, and watch the sunset from the viewing platform. The next morning, tackle the Kings Canyon Rim Walk early (start before 8am to beat the heat). If you have a second day, consider a helicopter flight or a visit to Kings Creek Station. Two nights give you a relaxed pace and a chance to appreciate the outback atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: About 300km south-west, home to Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta – a must-see on any Red Centre itinerary.
• Watarrka National Park: The resort is inside the park; explore other walks like the Kathleen Springs Walk (easy, 2.6km) for a different perspective.
• Alice Springs: 450km north-east, the hub of the Red Centre, with the Alice Springs Desert Park and the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum.
• West MacDonnell Ranges: Stunning ranges west of Alice Springs, with gorges like Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge – ideal for a self-drive detour.
• Finke Gorge National Park: About 200km south-east, home to the ancient Palm Valley with its unique red cabbage palms.

Please check official sources for current details.