Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory has been placed on Australia’s National Heritage List, recognising the great cultural significance of the park. Watarrka, home to Kings Canyon, is located a bit over 300 kilometres west of Alice Springs and just over 300 kilometres from Uluru.
Including Watarrka National Park on the National Heritage List elevates its national status and puts it alongside Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks. We at Norther are excited that the park is getting the accolades it deserves as Watarrka continues to be a place of outstanding natural, historic and cultural importance to the nation.
We wanted to highlight some of the incredible reasons Watarrka has been added to the Heritage List and give you some ideas of what to do on your next visit to this amazing 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.
A ‘Living Plant Museum’
Picture this: you are standing at the edge of a vast chasm, gazing at the ancient red cliffs of Kings Canyon as they rise before you, their faces etched with the passage of time.
The sun casts a glow over the terrain, highlighting flashes of wildflowers and the sharp greenery of the cycads, and you are mesmerised by the landscape of Watarrka National Park. This living plant museum is a true beauty to take in.
The park is home to several thriving plant species that are unique to the region, as well as many rare or threatened plant species.
Stemming from over 18,000 years ago, in a much wetter era, the area hosts the aquatic pennywort, the swamp lily and the water penny beetle. Local aquifers in the park are vital in sustaining the permanent surface water of the park’s waterholes for these plants and animals to survive.
Traditional Significance
The park’s heritage value lies not only in its unique geological formations but also in its being a place of important cultural business, song and ceremony that has been practised for tens of thousands of years.
Watarrka National Park is known to the traditional owners, the Anangu ngurraritja, as a physical manifestation of the Tjukurrpa (Dreaming), a time when the ancestors created the lands and the laws which its people adhere to.
The addition of Watarrka National Park to the National Heritage List recognises the natural and cultural values of the region and provides hope to First Nations traditional owners that the park will be better protected from anything that could impact its natural living landscape for generations to come.
This First Nations-owned and operated tour gives insights into the rich cultural history, language, and customs handed down through generations of the Luritja and Pertame.
Experience Traditional Lands
How would you like to witness the traditional lands of the Anangu ngurraritja for yourself?
You can—on this Red Centre Rock Safari tour that includes pick-up and drop-off in Alice Springs and takes you from rock to canyon, including the majesty of Uluru and Kings Canyon all rolled into three days.
If you wish to stay a little longer and closer to Watarrka, try an extended stay at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon so you can really experience these beautiful traditional lands.
Majestic Sunrises and Sunsets
The sunrises and sunsets at Watarrka are like no other in the world. As the first light of day spills across the rugged cliffs of Kings Canyon, the sandstone walls glow in brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple, creating a breathtaking start to the morning. In the evenings, the setting sun casts long shadows over the desert landscape, transforming the park into a painter’s palette of rich, fiery colours.
Every visit here is not only a chance to witness extraordinary landscapes but also to connect with a place that carries immense spiritual and historical importance. Watarrka has well and truly earned its place on the National Heritage List.
See our complete list of where to see the best sunsets in the NT.
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Must-See Spot: Kings Canyon
Watarrka National Park saw a spike in tourism following the release of the hit 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which featured the famously striking views from the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon.
As the name suggests, the Rim Walk takes you to the rim of Kings Canyon. It is a three to four-hour walk spanning a six-kilometre loop, taking you up a mere 500 steps and elevating you to the canyon’s astounding views.
As you make your descent, and once you’ve passed through ‘Priscilla’s Crack’ (aptly named thanks to our favourite ‘90s drag queens), you’ll find yourself in the unexpected oasis known as the Garden of Eden–don’t be fooled by its name, though. You can snack on your apple and not be punished for it!
This Uluru to Darwin tour includes the Rim Walk and Garden of Eden plus stops at other iconic locations in the Northern Territory along the way like the Uluru, Litchfield National Park, and Nitmiluk National Park.
Watarrka National Park showcases the living cultural landscape of one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. There’s no wonder Watarrka National Park made the National Heritage List when you’re facing the sandstone’s geometric patterns formed over 400 million years and feeling the intensity of the outback sun and seeing its rich glow on everything around you.
Come and see this beautiful part of the Northern Territory for yourself!
Cover image by @etiennerodriguez_
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.
