Kings Canyon is one of the marvellous spectacles that make the Northern Territory one of Australia’s great wilderness states.
Kings Canyon epitomises everything that’s so rugged, so raw and untouched about the Northern Territory. Its golden peaks tower above the sprawling canyon below, creating a dazzling light show that only this part of the country can really offer!
Getting to Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is about 300 kilometres from Uluru. It may seem like quite the trek, but driving around this part of the country is absolutely stunning!
The drive from Uluru out to Kings Canyon takes about four hours. Once you arrive, it’s one of the perfect places to dust off your hiking boots when visiting the great Red Centre.
So, now that we have driving time out of the way, what are some of the marvellous adventures that await you at both Kings Canyon and Uluru?
Exploring Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon, alongside the likes of Kakadu and Litchfield, is one of the Northern Territory’s hiking paradises. This incredible land is situated within the epic Watarrka National Park.
One of the most popular hikes in Kings Canyon is the Rim Walk. This hike is moderately difficult but is well worth the scenery! The hike begins with a steep incline until you reach the top. Then you’ll follow the path past some incredible views such as the Lost City. After taking in the scenery from 300 metres high, you can continue the descent into the canyon. In the canyon, you’ll find the Garden of Eden amongst other mesmerising sights!
Kings Canyon is also home to an incredible 600 species of flora and fauna, with all kinds of fascinating animal and plant species calling this gorgeous oasis home.
This national park has been home to the Luritja Aboriginal people for over 20,000 years! Hiking in your own group is a great way to see the park and its majestic sun displays. However, a guided tour with one of the Luritja locals is the ultimate way to learn about their special connection to the land and how they have thrived there for so long.
Exploring Uluru
Uluru is Australia’s greatest natural icon, a gigantic monolith jutting out of the red earth and shining bright under the Red Centre sun. A journey to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is like no other.
You can see it in the morning hours, when it goes from being a massive blue figure to the shining red rock of daylight. Or you can view it in the sunset hour, when it returns to its blueish figure under the sun’s beautiful last hour.
If you’re up for hiking, we recommend taking on the Uluru Base Walk. This will take you around the entire monolith, allowing you to get up close and see it in all its glory. If you don’t want to do the entire hike, you can just do some of the walking paths that make up this hike.
To learn more about the area, head to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Here you can learn all about the cultural significance of Uluru to the local Aboriginal communities. You can also view locally crafted art and join workshops to make your own. Here you will be able to find souvenirs and other local goodies to take home.
Be sure to top off your visit to Uluru by heading over to Kata Tjuta. This equally impressive series of dome formations provides life to hundreds of plant and animal species within its surreal red walls.
Uluru and Kings Canyon tour
This three day Uluru and Kings Canyon tour is the perfect way to explore both of these iconic destinations!
You will spend the first day exploring Kata Tjuta and hiking through the Valley of the Winds. On the second day you will explore Uluru itself. This includes the Base Walk and a visit to the Cultural Centre. The final day of this tour includes a visit to Kings Canyon. Here you can embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and take in all the incredible scenery before the epic tour comes to an end.
Related article: Following the trails of Watarrka National Park
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.