Watarrka National Park

Watarrka National Park is in the Northern Territory, Australia; its main attraction is King's Canyon.

King's Canyon is one of the major tourist attractions in the Red Centre in Australia. The scenic landscape in and around the Canyon is the result of millions of years of erosion. Enigmatic domes formations, sharp cliffs, and good views of the surrounding desert reward the visitor taking the Rim Walk around the Canyon. Watarrka has been home to Luritja people for several thousands years, and places in the canyon are still sacred sites.

The park houses a wide variety of desert plants and birds. A waterhole, aptly named the Garden of Eden, has given birth to a lush garden of green, a paradise for the local fauna. Resist the urge to swim here though, as there are often high levels of E. coli and the like in the waterhole. If you truly must swim, don't drink the water.

Be wary of the semi-arid climate and the risk of dehydration. In the summer months, the temperature can very easily climb over 40°C during the day. Even in other seasons always respect the warning signs and do not risk your life attempting the walk in full heat.

This is a lovely canyon walk; it's also available as a scenic helicopter flight. It's part of the same road system as Uluru, and is included on many of the tours. It's not a town, as you might interpret it - it's a hotel at a canyon with a little swimming pool and a gas station.

There are no fees charged or permits required for entering the park.

There are 4 marked trails in the park, 3 from the base of the Canyon and another a little further along the Luritja Road towards the Lasseters Highway.

• The star trail here is the Rim Walk, a 7-km loop around the canyon. It begins with a long step-like climb, but anyone in average physical condition should be able to complete the whole walk without a problem in 5 hours maximum. The walk brings you very close to the canyon cliffs and the domes, with magnificent views of the surrounding area. At the extreme end of the loop is a short side trip to the lush green waterhole of the Garden of Eden. There is only one direction for the walk. Whatever the time of the year, try to start the walk early in the morning. There are emergency phones at the top of the climb and at the far end of the loop. Beware of the heat in the day (even in winter), and take at least 1.5 litres of water with you for every hour walking. Although there are rescue helicopters that can get you if it all goes wrong - they cost a pretty penny, so if you're not up to it, don't do it.
• The King Creek walk is a short walk at the bottom of the canyon, wheelchair accessible for 500 m, with various panels explaining about local birds and aboriginal history. Its a nice easy walk if it's hot or if you just aren't up for the Rim Walk.
• The Giles Track is a 22-km track leading to Kathleen Springs. Be prepared on this one, and remember to register in the Walkers Registration Scheme - info available from the rangers on entering the park.
• Finally the walk at Kathleen Springs just at the end of the park is a short flat trail, accessible to everyone. A lot of people miss this - don't!

You can book Helicopter tours over the Canyon, Camel rides and Quad tours at King's Canyon Resort.

The star trail here is the Rim Walk, a 7-km loop around the canyon. It begins with a long step-like climb, but anyone in average physical condition should be able to complete the whole walk without a problem in 5 hours maximum. The walk brings you very close to the canyon cliffs and the domes, with magnificent views of the surrounding area. At the extreme end of the loop is a short side trip to the lush green waterhole of the Garden of Eden. There is only one direction for the walk. Whatever the time of the year, try to start the walk early in the morning. There are emergency phones at the top of the climb and at the far end of the loop. Beware of the heat in the day (even in winter), and take at least 1.5 litres of water with you for every hour walking. Although there are rescue helicopters that can get you if it all goes wrong - they cost a pretty penny, so if you're not up to it, don't do it.

The King Creek walk is a short walk at the bottom of the canyon, wheelchair accessible for 500 m, with various panels explaining about local birds and aboriginal history. Its a nice easy walk if it's hot or if you just aren't up for the Rim Walk.

The Giles Track is a 22-km track leading to Kathleen Springs. Be prepared on this one, and remember to register in the Walkers Registration Scheme - info available from the rangers on entering the park.

Finally the walk at Kathleen Springs just at the end of the park is a short flat trail, accessible to everyone. A lot of people miss this - don't!

There is a small general store at the gas station at King's Canyon Resort.

You will find all available dining options at King's Canyon Resort, targeted at various budgets (from almost cheap Outback BBQ Grill to more expensive Carmichael’s Restaurant). Just like in Yulara, you can book a fancy expansive dinner under the stars in the desert, and here the experience is called Sounds of Firelight.

Book your dinner according to your budget at the reception in King's Canyon Resort.

During the day, water. Plenty of it.

In the evening, you can buy yourself a beer at the bar in the resort, but that is pretty much all the options there are in the area.

In the summer, it can get infernally hot—in that case never attempt the rim walk during midday. There is very little shade on the walk. At any time of the year, bring plenty of water, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sunscreen. There is a warning sign at the beginning of the walk: do not take its advice lightly.

On the walk, cliffs are not fenced, and only small signs remind you of the danger. Vertical drops can reach 300 m so be careful with children and yourself.