Watarrka National Park, home to the famous Kings Canyon, is one of Australia’s most diverse National Parks. Watarrka is an important conservation area and is home to creeks, springs, waterfalls, gorges and canyons, and over 600 species of flora and fauna.
Watarrka National Park is also home to one of Australia’s most renowned day walks – The Rim Walk! This guide will highlight The Rim Walk (when to go, the hike, and what to prepare), as well as other short and overnight walks. There is something for everyone in this park!
Want to know all about planning your trip to Watarrka? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
About Watarrka National Park
Watarrka National Park, recently added to the National Heritage List, is one of the Northern Territory’s most striking landscapes. Located about 300 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs, the park combines towering sandstone walls, lush palm-filled crevices, and sweeping desert views.
It’s a place where dramatic geology meets rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to explore both natural wonders and the stories of the land’s Traditional Owners, the Luritja people.
The highlight for many is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a 6-kilometre circuit that winds along the cliff tops, treating hikers to panoramic views over the canyon and surrounding desert plains. Along the way, you’ll encounter natural landmarks such as the weathered domes of the “Lost City” and the tranquil “Garden of Eden,” a waterhole fringed with ancient cycads and rare plants.
For those after a shorter experience, the Kings Creek Walk provides an easier stroll along the canyon floor, surrounded by towering red cliffs.
Getting to Watarrka
Watarrka National Park is located roughly 300 km from Alice Springs and is almost smack bang in the middle of Australia.
If you’re in a 4WD, you can drive the Mereenie Loop Road (a permit is required) from Larapinta Drive in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges or the Earnest Giles Road just south of Alice Springs – both of which are around 3.5 hours depending on road conditions.
In a 2WD, you’ll add another 2 hours to your journey, but you’ll get there in one piece. Be sure to do all your shopping before you leave Alice Springs, as Petermann has little in the way of groceries.
When to Visit Watarrka National Park
The National Park is open all year round, and the peak season is during the cooler months of the Dry Season between May and October
The Rim Walk
There’s so much hype around The Rim Walk for a reason, and it’s so good we did it twice!
When to go: The walk is most popular at sunrise. However, it’s just as incredible (and less crowded) for sunset.
How long does it take? It takes roughly 4 hours to complete, including breaks and two short side trips (Cotterills Lookout and the Garden of Eden) that are absolutely worth doing.
The hike: The most challenging part of the Rim Walk is the beginning – a steep ascent of approximately 500 steps. Just take it slow, and don’t let this deter you. Once you catch your breath, you will be rewarded with views looking back over the Southern Wall and surrounding desert landscape. If you manage to beat the sun to the top, you will experience the weathered sandstone domes lighting up as you walk beside them. We won’t spoil anything else, but this is a day walk not to be missed.
Come prepared: Be sure to plan your walk accordingly. This is an exposed walk with little to no shade. However, you can find some shade in the Garden of Eden. If temperatures rise above 36 degrees, the Rim Walk will be closed after 9 AM.
Kings Creek Walk – An Alternative to Rim Walk
If the Rim Walk is a little too strenuous, then this walk is for you.
The hike: The Kings Creek Walk is a short and gentle track that leads you along Kings Creek to the base of Kings Canyon. This walk invokes a sense of awe as you are dwarfed by the surrounding walls above and around you. The abundance of life in the Canyon almost makes you forget you’re in the desert.
When to go: Unlike the Rim Walk, the Kings Creek Walk remains open during high temperatures; however, it is still recommended to avoid walking between 11 AM and 4 PM.
You can also book a tour for ease here, or, click on the below.
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Other Walks in Watarrka National Park
South Wall Return Walk (4.8 km / 2 hours return )
The walk starts with a steep ascent but is a less strenuous alternative to the Rim Walk. It is suggested to start the walk before 11 AM on days when the temperature is expected to rise above 36 degrees. You also cannot access Cotterill’s Lookout and the Garden of Eden from this walk.
Kathleen Springs (2.4 km / 1.5 hours return)
It is a family-friendly and limited mobility walk (wheelchair accessible). The short walk will lead you to a spring-fed waterhole at the beginning of Kathleen Gorge. Please do not swim in the waterhole – it is culturally significant for the Matutjara people and is an important site for native wildlife.
Giles Track (22 km / 1-2 days one way)
A grade 4 (moderate to difficult) track and the only overnight walk in Watarrka National Park. The track starts at Kings Canyon, finishes at Kathleen Springs, and can be walked in either direction. The recommended site to camp is at Reedy Creek (14.4 km from Kathleen Springs).
Accommodation in Watarrka National Park
Like we mentioned below, camping along the Giles Track is a great way to immerse yourself in the outback. While it’s a rewarding experience, you’ll need to be self-sufficient with food, water, and gear.
For a more convenient option, we recommend Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, just outside the park and minutes from the Rim Walk. The resort offers a mix of hotel rooms, lodges, and a campground, making it suitable for all types of travellers.
Amenities include:
- Powered and unpowered campsites
- Swimming pool
- Restaurants and bars
- General store and fuel station
- Guided tours and cultural experiences
Camping in Watarrka
Camping in Watarrka National Park is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the landscape. For those walking the Giles Track, walkers are permitted to camp anywhere along the trail, giving you the freedom to choose a spot that suits your pace and energy levels.
The Giles Track is a remote, 22-kilometre trek linking Kings Canyon and Kathleen Springs, so preparation is essential before setting out. You’ll need to carry everything with you, including food, water, a sleeping bag, and shelter.
Water sources are unreliable along the track, so plan to carry enough to last the duration of your walk. Sturdy footwear, sun protection, and a well-stocked first aid kit are also recommended for safety.
However, if you’d like to camp at Reedy Creek, bookings are required in advance, as this is the park’s designated campsite along the track.
For all the gear you might need, check out Anaconda, our favourite outdoor retailer.
We greatly value your input! Share your thoughts and experiences about Watarrka National Park in the comments below!
Norther® would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Watarrka National Park here. And… as always you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Watarrka National Park daily fix @watarrkanationalpark
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
