Kings Canyon, Northern Territory
5 Comments January 8, 2009 / Posted in Travel
The edge of the Canyon can be windy
Instead of visiting The Olgas at Kata Tjuta National Park, I decided to visit Watarrka National Park to explore the majestic Kings Canyon instead. Kings Canyon is located approximately 3.5 hours drive from Uluru and slightly longer from Alice Springs. We left really early because I didn’t want to be trekking at midday where to heat is unbearable. If you do decided to go early though (5am) make sure you drive slowly, like very slowly, because we just managed to stop in time before smashing into a herd of cows.
My reaction to Kings Canyon was spectacular! It was nothing short of breath taking (just have a look at the photos).
Once there I decided to do the 6km-3.5 hour, return walk known as the Kings Canyon Rim walk. The walked started with a very steep climb that took me a good 12-15 minutes. I would suggest that anyone not able to walk up say, 30 flight of stairs to not even bother.
Once you get past the initial climb the rest of the walk is fairly easy. Make sure you bring lots of water (a litre per hour). It was definitely the most spectacular walk I”ve ever done.
I manage to view the canyons from many angles, different surfaces and rocks formations. Also saw rifts, some aboriginal sacred sites, crossed a bridge over fern trees, gorges and creeks, sandstone escarpments and beehive like domes which represented the Kuniya dreamings.
The edges of the canyon rim has NO barriers , so it’s very scary especially as it can be very windy. Believe when I say you don’t want to fall off.
It was definitely wonderful experience, one that you must consider when visiting the Northern Territory, NT.
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- Dessert Sunrise
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- Mount Connor on the way driving to Kings Canyon
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- The first 15 minutes steep climb to begin the Kings Canyon Rim Walk
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- Can you see the stairways
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- The edge of the canyon can be windy
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- Beehive like Rock Domes represents Kuniya dreaming
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- At the Canyon Rim
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- This rift was formed prior to the dinosours era
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- Sandstone Escarpment
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- Kings Canyon Escarpment
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- Kings Canyon sandstone escarpment
Related posts:
- Uluru (Ayers Rock) Base Walk - Australian Northern Territory
- East MacDonnell Ranges - Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
- West MacDonnell Ranges - Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
- Litchfield National Park - Northern Territory, Australia
- Alice Springs Reptile Park - Northern Territory, Australia
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Tags: alice springs, australia, bush walk, canyon, canyon rim, central australia, gorge, gorges, kings canyon, mount connor, northern territory, rock domes, sandstone escarpment, uluru, watarraka, watarraka national park
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I am planning my first trip to the NT - did you do a lot of tours of these areas or did you do your research and do much of this yourself
You are mostly welcome to use my blog postings as a guide as I have done all the hard works of researching and actually visiting the place myself :). When I prepared for my trip, I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do each day. The best thing for you to do especially if you go during the wet season is to have many alternatives. So that if weather turns foul or if you can’t be arsed you can do something else. You will have a blast, this part of Australia is certainly one of my favourite :).
Thank you so much, I can’t WAIT to go and I AM using your blog as a guide. Do you mind if I steal a photo or two for my blog? They’re great pics and
I will source them.
Sure squizzmaster, the more publicity about the “Real Australia” the better!
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