Kings Canyon
 candid Australia tips

 

 

Why
Kings Canyon
is special

Kings Canyon (see photo) in Australia offers adventure travelers a picturesque 3-to-4-hour hike around its rim. Its sheer cliff faces soar from the creek bed over 100 meters (300 feet).

Kings Canyon
tips & insights

Kings Canyon Walk

This is the trail and is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) in length. You cross to the other side of the canyon on a foot bridge at the halfway point.

Garden of Eden

A must is taking a short detour on the trail to visit the Garden of Eden. It's a secluded micro-climate enclave with a spring-fed waterhole encircled by ferns and other greenery in an otherwise mainly dry Kings Canyon environment. The detour also rewards you with the most magnificent Kings Canyon viewpoint.

Get an early start

Because this region of Australia has an intensely hot sun, rangers strongly recommend that you begin your King Canyon Walk in the early morning.

Travel clockwise

The rangers also urge you to travel clockwise, partly because you will have more shade from the steadily rising sun during the second half of your trek.

Heart Attack Hill

The Kings Canyon Walk begins with a steep incline up to the rim. It is nicknamed "Heart Attack Hill". The rest of the trail is not particularly strenuous.

Other sightseeing options

For those not up for the steep climb, they can enjoy Kings Canyon via an easy two-hour roundtrip path running along the creek bed. Another choice is taking the sightseeing helicopter.

When to go

The best time to visit this Australia wonder is during the cooler months, from May to September.

Location

Kings Canyon is in the Watarrka National Park in Australia's New Territory. Parts are sacred to the local Loritja Aborigines.

Accommodations

Hotel facilities and camp sites are available near Kings Canyon.

Nearby Hillman Wonders

Some travelers combine a visit to Kings Canyon with trips to the Hillman Wonder medalists Ayers Rock (gold) and the Olgas (bronze). Click the links below to read my web pages on those wonders.

Ayers Rock  (Uluru)
The Olgas  (Kata Tjuta)

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