Kings Canyon is one of the most dramatic natural formations in Australia - a vast chasm with 100-metre-high sandstone walls carved by millions of years of erosion in the heart of Watarrka National Park. Located between Alice Springs and Uluru, Kings Canyon is an essential stop on any Red Centre itinerary, offering one of Australia's most spectacular walks - the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. From the rim, you look down into a world of towering rock walls, beehive-shaped weathered domes (the Lost City), and the unexpected lush oasis of the Garden of Eden - a permanent rockpool surrounded by ancient cycad palms deep in the canyon. The scale and beauty of Kings Canyon are breathtaking, and the walk along its rim is one of the great Australian outdoor experiences.
Getting There
Kings Canyon is located approximately 320km south-west of Alice Springs (about a 4-hour drive via the Stuart Highway and Luritja Road) and 300km north-east of Uluru (about 3 hours via Luritja Road). The road is sealed all the way. Kings Canyon sits perfectly between Alice Springs and Uluru on the popular Red Centre road trip loop. There is no public transport to Kings Canyon - you will need your own vehicle or a tour. AAT Kings and several other operators run day trips and multi-day tours from Alice Springs and Uluru.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of Australia's great walks - a 6km loop around the rim of the canyon:
- The walk: A 6km loop trail that takes 3-4 hours, graded as moderate to difficult. The walk begins with a steep climb of 500 steps (the "Heart Attack Hill") to reach the canyon rim. Once on top, the trail follows the rim with spectacular views down into the canyon and across the vast desert landscape.
- Heart Attack Hill: The first 15-20 minutes are a steep staircase climb. Take it slowly, especially in warm weather. The effort is rewarded with extraordinary views from the rim.
- Views: From the rim, you look straight down the 100-metre vertical sandstone walls into the canyon floor. The views across the surrounding desert and ranges are immense.
- The Lost City: About halfway around the rim, the trail passes through the "Lost City" - a maze of weathered sandstone domes that resemble ancient ruins. The beehive-shaped formations are created by differential erosion of the layered sandstone.
- Start time: The walk must be started before 9am during summer months (when temperatures exceed 36C the trail closes). In winter, you can start later, but early morning is always best for light and comfort.
Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden is the highlight of the Kings Canyon Rim Walk - a hidden oasis in the heart of the canyon:
- The pool: A permanent rockpool fed by natural springs, surrounded by lush vegetation including ancient cycad palms that have survived here for millions of years. The contrast between the arid desert above and this green, sheltered oasis is extraordinary.
- Cycads: The cycad palms around the Garden of Eden are remnants of a time when Central Australia was a lush, tropical landscape. These plants have survived for over 300 million years - they are living fossils.
- Access: The Garden of Eden is accessed via a steep wooden staircase that descends from the rim walk into the canyon. The stairs are well-maintained but can be slippery.
- No swimming: Swimming in the Garden of Eden pool is not permitted - it is a fragile, protected ecosystem and a sacred site.
The Lost City
The Lost City is a striking landscape of weathered sandstone domes near the southern rim of Kings Canyon:
- Formation: Hundreds of rounded, beehive-shaped sandstone domes created by millions of years of weathering and erosion. The layered patterns in the stone - alternating hard and soft layers - create the distinctive shapes.
- Walking through: The rim walk trail passes directly through the Lost City, winding between the domes. It is an otherworldly landscape - reminiscent of ancient ruins or a lost civilisation.
- Photography: The Lost City is best photographed in the early morning, when the warm light creates deep shadows between the domes and highlights their layered textures.
Kings Creek Walk
For those who prefer an easier walk, the Kings Creek Walk follows the valley floor:
- The walk: A 2.6km return walk along the creek bed to a lookout platform at the base of the canyon's southern wall. The walk is flat, easy, and wheelchair-accessible to the first platform.
- Duration: Allow 1 hour return.
- Views: While less dramatic than the rim walk, the valley floor walk provides impressive views of the towering canyon walls from below.
Where to Eat
- Kings Canyon Resort Outback BBQ: Cook your own steak, sausages, or kangaroo over open coals under the desert stars. Platters $25-40. The most fun dining option.
- Under a Desert Moon: (Kings Canyon Resort): Fine dining under the stars with a multi-course menu featuring native Australian ingredients. From $195 per person (seasonal, booking essential).
- Carmichael's Restaurant: (Kings Canyon Resort): A la carte dining with regional produce. Mains $28-42.
- Thirsty Dingo Bar: (Kings Canyon Resort): Casual bar with pizzas, burgers, and cold beers. Mains $16-26.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Kings Canyon Resort Campground (unpowered sites from $20, powered from $45). Kings Creek Station (basic safari tents from $60, camping from $15).
- Mid-Range: Kings Canyon Resort standard rooms (from $220).
- Luxury: Kings Canyon Resort deluxe spa rooms (from $320). For the ultimate experience, Under Canvas Kings Canyon offers luxury glamping (from $500).
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Autumn (April-May) and spring (September-October) offer the most comfortable walking temperatures. Winter (June-August) has warm days but very cold mornings. Summer (December-February) can be extremely hot - the rim walk closes if temperatures exceed 36C. - Start early: Begin the rim walk as early as possible - first light is ideal. The trail is fully exposed with no shade, and temperatures rise quickly. - Water: Carry a minimum of 2 litres per person for the rim walk. There is no water available on the trail. - Fitness: The initial climb (Heart Attack Hill) is steep and demanding. The rest of the rim walk is moderate, with some uneven terrain and staircases. - Red Centre loop: Kings Canyon sits between Alice Springs (4 hours) and Uluru (3 hours), making it a natural stop on the Red Centre road trip. - Fuel: Kings Canyon Resort has fuel, but it is expensive. Fill up in Alice Springs or at Erldunda roadhouse.
AUBIS Tip
: Kings Canyon is an essential stop on the Red Centre road trip. Use AUBIS to plan your visit - schedule the rim walk for first light, allow time for the Garden of Eden and Lost City, and book accommodation at Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station. The platform will help you fit Kings Canyon into a seamless road trip loop connecting Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, and Uluru.