Guide to Kings Canyon

So what brings people all the way out to Kings Canyon, Australia? This is nature at its most epic. Whether you’re a hiker, a casual wanderer, or just someone who loves jaw-dropping views, Kings Canyon, Northern Territory delivers. The landscape here is raw and wild: massive red cliffs, weathered rock domes, and secret pockets of lush vegetation hidden deep in the gorge. 

The crown jewel is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, one of the most spectacular hikes in the Northern Territory. It takes you across the top of the canyon walls, offering panoramic views of Watarrka National Park and the desert stretching far beyond. It’s also a top spot for wildlife lovers, photographers, and anyone keen to swap screen time for some serious red dirt therapy. Whether you’re road-tripping from Uluru to Kings Canyon or coming down from Alice Springs, this is one of those iconic stops that genuinely lives up to the hype. 

How long should I spend at Kings Canyon?

If you’re planning a visit, give yourself at least one to two days to properly take it all in. A single day is enough to tackle the famous Kings Canyon Rim Walk (especially if you start early before the heat kicks in) but staying a second night gives you time to explore some of the quieter trails, like the Kings Creek Walk or the Giles Track. 

There are some excellent options for Kings Canyon camping and accommodation nearby, so it’s easy to make this more than just a quick photo stop. Travellers on a 4WD roadtrip from Alice Springs or doing the full roadtrip from Alice Springs to Adelaide often spend a night or two here to break up the drive and really enjoy the landscape. 

How long does it take to climb Kings Canyon?

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is the one most people are here for (and for good reason). The full loop is about 6 kilometres and usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on how often you stop to take photos or take a break from the desert heat (and you will stop...a lot). 

The start is a bit of a heart-starter, with a steep climb nicknamed “Heartbreak Hill” (or, more kindly, the “Stairway to Heaven”), but it’s totally worth the effort, and well worth tackling before the late morning heat sets in. Once you’re up top, it levels out and takes you past dramatic cliffs, natural rock domes, and down into the lush Garden of Eden. If you're looking for one unforgettable Kings Canyon hike, this is the one. 

How to get to Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is tucked away in Watarrka National Park, deep in the Red Centre, but from Alice Springs, it’s easily accessible within a 5 to 6-hour drive (475 km). Just head south on the Stuart Highway, then turn west onto the Lasseter Highway and follow Luritja Road north until you hit the canyon. 

If you’re coming from Uluru to Kings Canyon, the drive is a bit shorter, around 3.5 hours (300 km) via Lasseter Highway east, then Luritja Road north. It’s a popular route for anyone doing a classic Red Centre by 4WD loop, and the road is sealed the entire way, so no 4WD needed unless you’re heading to explore some of the off-track roads. 

There’s plenty of room to park your campervan at the main Kings Canyon carpark, and from there, the walking trails are well signposted and easy to access. If you’re planning to stay the night, nearby Kings Canyon Resort offers plenty of camping spots as well as other Kings Canyon accommodation options, making it easy to soak up the scenery knowing you have a comfortable place to park up for the night close by. 

Best time to visit Kings Canyon

If you’re planning a trip to Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, you’ll want to time it right, not just for comfort, but to truly enjoy the place without battling the extremes of desert weather. The dry season (May to September) is hands-down the best time to visit. Temperatures during the day hover between 20°C and 30°C, the skies are crystal clear, and there’s next to no rain. It’s also the best time to avoid the mozzies and flies that love the heat. This is peak hiking weather, and trust us, Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a whole lot more enjoyable when you’re not sweating buckets or dodging storms. 

If you can, aim to get your walking boots on early in the morning, around 6 to 9am. That’s when you’ll catch the canyon at its best, with soft sunrise light pouring over the red cliffs and barely another soul around. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and much cooler, which is ideal if you’re doing a longer Kings Canyon hike. Later in the day, it can warm up quickly, especially if you’re visiting in the shoulder months.  

The wet season (December to February) is best avoided if possible. Daytime temps regularly creep above 40°C, and heavy downpours can cause trail closures or flash flooding. If you’re still determined to visit in summer, stick to shorter walks and always check trail conditions beforehand. Be sure to call ahead to check that campsites are open, as many will be closed during the wet season.