Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Carved into the rust-red heart of Watarrka National Park, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the Red Centre's most spectacular day hikes. This 6km loop delivers jaw-dropping views from the sandstone cliffs, plunging you into a landscape of ancient rock domes, palm-filled crevices, and sweeping desert vistas. It's a must-do for any traveller self-driving the Lasseter Highway between Uluru and Alice Springs.

Highlights & What to See

• The Climb – the first 500 steps are steep, but you're rewarded with panoramic views across the canyon and beyond.
• The Lost City – a surreal maze of weathered sandstone domes that feel like an ancient, abandoned metropolis.
• The Garden of Eden – a lush, permanent waterhole fringed with cycads and ferns, a startling oasis in the arid landscape.
• Kings Creek Views – sheer cliffs drop 100m to the creek bed below; look for peregrine falcons and black-footed rock wallabies.
• Desert Flora – spot spinifex, ghost gums, and the rare MacDonnell Ranges cycad along the trail.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full half-day for the Rim Walk. Most fit walkers complete the 6km loop in 3–4 hours, including plenty of stops for photos and the descent to the Garden of Eden. Start early (before 8am) from November to March to avoid the intense midday heat. Carry at least 3 litres of water per person and a hat – there is no shade on the rim.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kings Creek Station – a working cattle station offering accommodation, scenic flights over the canyon, and quad-bike tours.
• Kings Canyon Resort – the closest lodging with a pool, restaurant, and camping; great for an overnight before or after the walk.
• Watarrka National Park – explore the lesser-known Giles Track (a multi-day hike) or the shorter Kathleen Springs Walk.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – a 3-hour drive south; combine Kings Canyon with Uluru and Kata Tjuta for a classic Red Centre itinerary.
• Alice Springs – 4.5 hours northeast; the gateway town for supplies, culture, and the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Please check official sources for current details.