Watarrka National Park
May 29, 2009 by Aussie
Filed under Alice Springs Area
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Approximately 300 km to the south west of Alice Springs, Watarrka National Park spreads itself over 720 square kilometers. Watarrka National Park is home to the mighty chasm known as Kings Canyon, the second most visited attraction in the Australian Outback. Although the Watarrka National Park protects the rugged western edge of the George Gill Range where Kings Canyon is located, most tourists are unaware of the real name and refer to the park as Kings Canyon.
The red sandstone walls of Kings Canyon majestically rise more than 300 meters to tower over Kings Creek below. Looking up from below, or down from above, will leave you awestruck. |
That nature carved this incredible canyon leaves visitors looking at it with wonderment. At the bottom of the canyon walls, protected from the elements by the chasm, lush foliage of cycads, palms, and ferns thrive.
The walks offered to the public are: the 2.6 km Kings Creek Walk, the 6 hour Kings Canyon Rim Walk, the 2.6 km Kathleen Springs Walk and the 22 km Giles Track. He public is requested not to leave the walking tracks to avoid inadvertently walking on sacred ground.
The Kings Creek Walk is a gentle 2,6 km walk that the family can enjoy together. The walk Takes you along the canyon floor to a lookout. The lookout provides stunning views of the canyon walls.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is not for those of below average fitness. The walk is physically taxing in parts and the walk is nicknamed Heart Attack Hill for good reason. The initial part of the walk is up a relatively steep incline. The walk takes you from the canyon floor to the canyon rim where you can drink in the spectacular vista and then back down again. You are required to walk in a clockwise direction so there is no traffic that you may meet and there is no avoiding the steep climb.
The Kathleen Springs Walk is a leisurely 2.6 stroll though picturesque scenery to an idyllic spring-fed water hole.
The Giles Track is for the seasoned walker. This walk connects the Kings Canyon Rim Walk to Kathleen Springs Walk by way of the range rims and is an overnight walk. The breathtaking vistas spread before you as you make your way along the trail. This walk must be planned to accommodate the weather and environment.
The Watarrka National Park in the Australian Outback offers you some of the most awe inspiring landscape in the world.
