Kings Canyon, in Watarrka National Park, is the other great landscape of the Red Centre, a deep gorge of sheer sandstone walls, hidden waterholes and ancient rock formations, about three hours' drive from Yulara. This single-day coach tour collects you from hotels within Ayers Rock Resort very early in the morning, with a departure of around four in the morning in the hotter months and half past four in winter. It stops for breakfast at Kings Creek Station, and spends about four hours at the canyon, where you choose between the Rim Walk and the Creek Bed Walk. The Rim Walk is about six kilometres and takes roughly three hours, with a steep ascent at the start of about a hundred metres and a descent to the Garden of Eden waterhole. The Creek Bed Walk is a gentle two-kilometre return along the valley floor and takes about an hour. The day runs about thirteen hours, with a driver-guide in an air-conditioned coach, and lunch at Kings Canyon Resort at your own expense.
Be realistic about the day
This is a long haul, with about three hours of driving each way on a remote desert highway, so it suits travellers who are comfortable with early starts and a lot of time on a coach. The reward is a completely different landscape from Uluru, with cool shaded pools, cycads and dramatic cliff edges. If you have three or more days in the area, it is worth considering a longer trip that includes an overnight at Kings Canyon, but as a single product the day tour is the simplest option.
Fitness and heat
The Rim Walk needs a moderate level of fitness. Reviewers describe the first section as around five hundred steps, followed by uneven terrain. In summer, temperatures can reach the high thirties and the Rim Walk may close early, so take plenty of water and choose the Creek Bed Walk if you are unsure. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on a lap.
What is and is not included
The driver, coach, breakfast at Kings Creek Station and the walks are included. Lunch and other food and drink are not. A Northern Territory parks pass for Kings Canyon is charged separately, and operators sometimes fold it into the price, so check the inclusions at booking. Optional extras such as a helicopter flight over the canyon can be arranged, and a swim at the Kings Canyon Resort pool is a welcome break before the return drive.
What to expect
The experience
A coach day trip from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, with breakfast at Kings Creek Station and a choice of the Rim Walk or the Creek Bed Walk.
Best time
April to September, when the Rim Walk is comfortable; in summer choose the Creek Bed Walk.
How long
About thirteen hours, with roughly three hours of driving each way and about four hours at the canyon.
Tips
Expect a very early pickup, carry two to three litres of water, bring cash or a card for lunch and check whether the parks pass is included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers with a spare day who love dramatic gorge scenery.
- Families
- Workable with teenagers and active children; the Creek Bed Walk suits younger ones, though the day is very long.
- Couples
- A big adventure together, best in the cooler months.
- Pair with
- A relaxed day at the resort afterwards, or an evening at the Field of Light the next day.
- Time needed
- A full day, with a very early start and a late return.
Good questions
How long is the drive to Kings Canyon?+
It is about three hours each way from Yulara. The day tour covers about thirteen hours in total, including breakfast and time at the canyon.
Which walk should I choose?+
The Rim Walk is about six kilometres and three hours, with a steep start. The Creek Bed Walk is about two kilometres return and takes an hour, and suits less mobile travellers.
Is lunch included?+
No. Breakfast at Kings Creek Station is included, but lunch at Kings Canyon Resort and other food and drink are at your own expense.
Is the parks pass included?+
The Northern Territory parks pass is charged separately on some departures and included on others. Check the inclusions at booking.
Is it too hot in summer?+
It can be very hot. The Rim Walk may close early, so take plenty of water, start at first light and choose the Creek Bed Walk if you are unsure.
