Kings Canyon Day Trip
The Red Centre’s other great landmark — the sheer sandstone walls and Rim Walk of Watarrka National Park, a long day south-west of Alice, often folded into the drive to Uluru.
Kings Canyon Day Trip
Kings Canyon, in Watarrka National Park, is the Red Centre’s other great landmark — a chasm of sheer, 100-metre sandstone walls south-west of Alice Springs. It is a long day out, around three hours or more of driving each way, so many travellers fold it into the journey south to Uluru rather than returning the same day. The reward is the Rim Walk: a loop up onto the canyon rim, past weathered domes and the hidden, green “Garden of Eden”. Note that Uluru and Kata Tjuta sit in their own park, further south.
What to Expect
Watarrka National Park
Sheer sandstone walls and weathered domes south-west of Alice Springs.
The Rim Walk
A loop onto the canyon rim past cliffs and the lush Garden of Eden.
A Long Day Out
Around three hours or more each way — start early and plan the timing.
On to Uluru
Often folded into the journey south to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Day-Trip Tips
- Start very early — it is a long drive and the Rim Walk takes several hours
- In hot months, walks may close by mid-morning for safety — check current conditions
- Carry plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy shoes for the climb
- Consider continuing to Uluru rather than doubling back — see the Alice to Uluru drive
- Prefer to be driven? See our Kings Canyon day tour
Kings Canyon — FAQ
Where is Kings Canyon?
Kings Canyon lies in Watarrka National Park, south-west of Alice Springs. It is a long day trip — roughly three hours or more of driving each way — and is often visited en route to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
What is the Rim Walk?
The Rim Walk is the classic Kings Canyon experience: a loop that climbs to the top of the canyon and follows the rim past sheer sandstone walls and the lush “Garden of Eden”. It is the highlight of any visit — check current conditions and closures.
Is it worth doing as a day trip from Alice Springs?
It is a big day given the distance, but very rewarding. Many travellers prefer to break the journey or continue on to Uluru rather than return the same day — see the Alice Springs to Uluru drive.
How hard is the Rim Walk and when should you do it?
The Rim Walk starts with a steep climb and takes several hours, so start early. In the warmer months walks may close by mid-morning for safety when it is hot — check current conditions.
Can you visit with a guide?
Yes — a guided day handles the long drive and timing for you. See our Kings Canyon day tour.
Alice Springs, Planned Around You
The MacDonnell Ranges and their gorges and waterholes, the Desert Park and the Telegraph Station, and the road south to Uluru — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry