Kings Canyon & Watarrka
The third great landmark of the Red Centre — sandstone walls above a hidden canyon floor, with the celebrated Rim Walk along the top past the Garden of Eden.
Kings Canyon & the Rim Walk
Kings Canyon, in Watarrka National Park, is the third great landmark of the Red Centre. Its sandstone walls rise more than a hundred metres above the canyon floor, glowing red in the morning light, and the celebrated Rim Walk carries you along the top past weathered domes and the hidden, palm-filled "Garden of Eden". It sits a long drive from Uluru, so it’s best folded into a wider journey through the centre — the natural third act after Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Start early, carry water, and take your time on the climb.
What to Do
The Rim Walk
A loop along the canyon top above sheer red walls — a steep start, then big views.
Garden of Eden
A lush, palm-filled waterhole tucked into the rock partway round.
Kings Creek Walk
A shorter, gentler walk along the canyon floor between the walls.
A Big Day Out
A long drive from Yulara — best on a multi-day Red Centre trip.
Kings Canyon Tips
- Start early — the Rim Walk climbs steeply and desert days are hot
- The Rim Walk may close on very hot days — check current conditions
- Carry plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground
- Prefer it easier? Walk the Kings Creek floor instead
- Combine it with Uluru on a day tour or 3-day tour
Kings Canyon — FAQ
Where is Kings Canyon?
Kings Canyon lies in Watarrka National Park, north-east of Uluru in the southern Northern Territory. It is a big day’s drive from the resort at Yulara, so many visitors take it in over a longer Red Centre trip — see Red Centre highlights.
What is the Rim Walk?
The Rim Walk is the classic Kings Canyon walk — a loop that climbs to the top of the canyon and follows the edge above sheer red walls, passing the lush "Garden of Eden". It begins with a steep climb, so start early and carry water.
Can you combine Kings Canyon with Uluru?
Yes — Kings Canyon is often combined with Uluru and Kata Tjuta on a multi-day Red Centre itinerary. See our Kings Canyon day tour or Red Centre 3-day tour.
How hard is the walk?
The Rim Walk is moderately challenging, with a steep start and uneven ground; allow a few hours. There is also a shorter, easier creek-bed walk along the canyon floor for those who prefer it.
When is the best time to walk?
Early in the day, before the heat. The Rim Walk may close when temperatures are forecast to be very high, so check current conditions. See the best time to visit.
Uluru, Planned Around You
Sunrise and sunset over Uluru, the base walk, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon — experienced with respect for Anangu culture, and with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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