A trip to Australia’s Red Centre should absolutely include a visit to Kings Canyon, only 4 hours drive from Uluru. That’s pretty close by Australian standards! Many people say they even prefer the Kings Canyon to Uluru. Perhaps because it’s less busy, a more dramatic landscape or simply because you can climb it. Here is your guide to visiting, so you can decide for yourself…
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How to get to Kings Canyon
There are several routes you can take to get to Kings Canyon. It all depends on whether you’re approaching from Alice Springs, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (300km) or from the West MacDonald Ranges (200km).
If you’re travelling from Alice Springs simply follow the Stuart Highway then the Lasseter Highway towards Uluru (or the reverse if travelling from Uluru), then turn onto Luritja Road. From here Kings Canyon is well-signposted. These roads are completely sealed and therefore suitable for any vehicle type. This route is around 470 km and should take 5 hours to drive. If you have a 4WD you can also take a shortcut on the Ernest Giles Road. This route is around 328 km total, which should take around 3 hours 40 mins.
If you are coming from the West MacDonald Ranges you will need to drive over 200km via the Mereenie Loop – a large portion of which is unsealed. For this route you will need a 4WD as the road is in notoriously bad condition. You’ll also need to buy a permit ($5) from the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre to drive the loop. You can also pick up a permit from the Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station if you decide to head towards the West MacDonnell Ranges after your visit. The permit is valid for 3 days.
When to visit
The best time to visit Australia’s Red Centre is between May and September, when the weather is cooler. From October to March temperatures will often reach above 36 degrees celsius. It’s uncomfortable but manageable provided you wake up early and get most of your hiking done before the midday heat. On days where the weather forecast predicts over 36 degrees celsius, the walk will close at 9 am. To avoid needing to be rescued by rangers mid-hike, aim to start walking around 6am and take lots and lots of water.
What to do at Kings Canyon
Hike the canyon
If you only choose one hike at Kings Canyon, you simply must do the iconic Rim Walk. Known for its 360-degree views over the Outback landscape, this hike is unmissable. You’ll need a basic level of fitness as the hike begins with a brutal 500-step climb to the top of the canyon. It’s hard work but spectacular views await you at the top! The entire 6km hike will take around 3-4 hours, guiding you past the Kings Canyon’s famous landmarks. Look out for: Priscilla’s Crack (made famous by the movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert), the Lost City and the Garden of Eden, a peaceful rockhole surrounded by sheer cliff-faces and rare plants. Make the climb early and watch the sunrise from the top for a truly magical experience!
Scenic flight
If you have the budget, definitely take a scenic helicopter flight. You’ll view the canyon and the surrounding area from a completely different perspective. Helicopter tours run daily from the Kings Canyon Resort between 8:30 am and sunset. You can get a brief 8 minute flight over the canyon for $115, or a more complete view for $175.
Under a Desert Moon
For those staying at the Kings Canyon Resort, check out their Under a Desert Moon dining experience. It is definitely a special treat with a price tag of $185, but it has rave reviews. You’ll get a five-course dinner, canapés and wine under the outback sky. The experience runs every 6pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 1st May and 8th October.
Where to stay at Kings Canyon
Unfortunately there is no free camping within the Watarrka National Park itself, so you will need to pay to stay nearby. There are two accommodation options:
Kings Canyon Resort
The Kings Canyon Resort is more of a built up resort and the better option if you prefer to stay in an established room as opposed to camping. It is the closest of the two the the Kings Canyon Carpark (only around 8 mins drive). It’s proximity to the canyon also means you can watch the sun set over the canyon in the evening from the resort’s sunset viewing area.
Kings Creek Station
Kings Creek Station is situated on a working camel farm and offers more down-to-earth safari lodge and camping options. It is slightly further from the Kings Canyon Carpark (around 25 mins drive), but the more budget-friendly. There are also plenty of camel-themed experiences to choose from as well as a tasty camel burger on the menu!
Where next?
Make sure to fuel up at either Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station before you continue your journey. It’s usually cheaper at one rather than the other so it’s definitely worth comparing (although still ridiculously expensive – it is the outback, after all).
I recommend continuing your Kings Canyon roadtrip with a visit to Uluru (300km) or the West MacDonnell Ranges (200 km) if you have a 4WD. If you plan on returning to Alice Springs you can either follow the Lasseter and Stuart Highways or take the Ernest Giles Road shortcut.
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