Kings Canyon

Watarrka

A spectacular red sandstone canyon in the MacDonnell Ranges featuring dramatic cliff faces and the challenging Kings Canyon Rim Walk with rewarding panoramic views. It's an iconic red centre hiking destination offering stunning photography opportunities and a genuine outback adventure.

Things to do

• Kings Canyon Rim Walk — A challenging 6km loop hike around the canyon rim offering dramatic cliff views, ancient rock formations, and panoramic vistas across the MacDonnell Ranges.
• Garden of Eden Waterhole — A refreshing permanent waterhole nestled in the canyon depths, accessible via a side trail from the Rim Walk, where you can swim surrounded by red cliffs and native palms.
• Canyon Floor Walk — A gentler 2.3km walk along the sandy canyon base with close-up views of towering sandstone walls and native desert vegetation.
• Sunrise and Sunset Photography — Capture the canyon's distinctive red sandstone glowing golden or crimson during dawn and dusk from designated viewpoints near the car park.
• Kings Creek Station Visit — Explore a working cattle station adjacent to the national park to experience authentic outback station life and pastoral heritage.
• Rock Art and Aboriginal Heritage Sites — Discover ancient Indigenous rock paintings and cultural sites throughout the canyon, often visible along walking trails with interpretive signage.

Food to try

• Witchetty Grubs — Protein-rich Aboriginal bush tucker either raw or cooked, traditionally sourced from native trees and available at local Indigenous cultural experiences.
• Bush Tomato Chutney — A tangy preserve made from native Davidson plums and bush tomatoes, commonly served at local eateries and station restaurants in the Red Centre.
• Camel Steak — Lean, gamey meat from feral camels roaming the MacDonnell Ranges, often featured on menus at nearby Hermannsburg and Kings Creek Station.
• Damper Bread — Traditional outback flatbread cooked over campfires or in station kitchens, often served warm with jam or as an accompaniment to hearty outback meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Sites — Many locations around Kings Canyon hold deep spiritual significance to the Arrernte Aboriginal people; stay on marked trails and do not touch or remove rock art or artifacts.
• Start Early for Rim Walk — Begin the Rim Walk at dawn to avoid afternoon heat, summer temperatures exceed 40°C, and always carry 3+ litres of water per person.
• Aboriginal Land Protocols — Kings Canyon lies within Watarrka National Park on traditional Arrernte country; acknowledge this heritage by learning about the land's Indigenous history and supporting local Aboriginal guides and businesses.
• Best Visit Season — Visit between April and September during the cooler dry season when temperatures are moderate and water conditions are most favorable for hiking and swimming.