Watarrka National Park

The magnificent Watarrka National Park lies about 323kms southwest of Alice Springs. Home to Kings Canyon and George Gill Range western edge, this park is often referred to as Kings Canyon. The name comes from the Luritjja word for the umbrella tree that can be found growing everywhere.

Important as a conservation area, Watarrka National Park provides habitat for more than 600 plant species and a wide variety of native animals and birds. The location of the park is responsible for the diversity of landscapes and environments within the park. With the MacDonnell Range and the Simpson Desert contributing to areas of the park, the flora and fauna is reflective of those areas.

Mother Nature has been generous to this area and, over the millenniums, carved the masterpiece of Kings Canyon. Bright red sandstone cliff face rises over 270 meters above the floor of the incredible chasm known as Kings Canyon. Rugged rock of the canyon forms a stunning landscape that leaves you awestruck as you look over the rim. When looking up from the bottom, it is impossible not to feel overwhelmed by the magnificence of the canyon.

A remarkable oasis called the Garden of Eden is a sheltered valley that that has lush vegetation of ferns, cycads and palms. The pool in this “Eden” provides a perfect opportunity to sit and cool off. Swimming in the pool is not encouraged because of environmental reasons but many visitors do anyway. I have to recommend that you not swim but just relax and drink in the beauty.

There are four walks in the park with the Kings Canyon Rim Walk being the most popular. The walking tracks are well marked and people are asked not to stray off them. You are also asked not to leave litter behind.

Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6km walk that requires walkers to be of average fitness in order to tackle it. This walk takes you along the canyon rim letting you soak up the gorgeous vistas that spread out in front of you. There is initial climb that is steep but then it levels out somewhat as it leads you to “The Lost City”, a group of sandstone domes. About halfway along, you can descend into the “Garden of Eden” and relax a bit before continuing on this delightful track. Since you must follow the track in a clockwise direction so you won’t meet any foot traffic.

If you are seeking a gentle stroll, consider the Kathleen Springs Walk. This walking track is 2.6km (return trip) and accessible to those with mobility problems. Along the way there are displays and signs that tell about the area.

An easy walk of 2.6km (return walk), the Kings Creek Walk takes you along the canyon floor to a lookout that provides amazing views of the sheer canyon walls that tower over you. There are displays and signs that provide information on the vegetation you are seeing.

For experienced walkers, the Giles Track offers a two-day walk that connects two tracks, the Kathleen Springs Walk and the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. The walk takes you along range tops. Although the track is marked, taking a map and compass with you is a must. Reedy Creek campsite provides a pleasant place to stay for the night. With a distance of 22km each way, this is not a trek for those that are not used to such rugged walks.