What is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a six-kilometre loop in Watarrka National Park, Northern Territory, that climbs to the top of Kings Canyon and circles its rim. It takes about three to four hours.
The walk begins with a steep climb of about 500 steps, nicknamed Heartbreak Hill. After that, the track is mostly level, following the plateau above the canyon walls, which drop about 100 metres to the creek below.
Along the way, walkers pass the Lost City, a maze of weathered sandstone domes that look like ancient ruins. Fossil ripple marks in the rock show that the area was once a sea or lake shore.
The Garden of Eden
Midway, steps lead down into the Garden of Eden, a sheltered gorge with a permanent waterhole surrounded by cycads, ferns and gums. Swimming is discouraged to protect the water and its cultural significance.
The Luritja people are the Traditional Owners, and the area holds important cultural sites.
Because of heat, the walk closes at 9 am on days forecast to reach 36 degrees Celsius or more.
Walkers should carry at least three litres of water each.
Did You Know?
The MacDonnell Ranges cycads in the Garden of Eden are relics of a much wetter climate millions of years ago.