Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING AROUND AAT Kings
provides a guided rim or creek-bed walk
from Kings Canyon Resort, 7km (4
1
⁄
3
miles) away, for A$40 (US$26) for adults,
A$20 (US$13) for kids under 15, round-trip. It departs daily at 6:15am Octo-
ber through March, and at 7am April through September. You can book this
through AAT Kings or the resort.
EXPLORING THE PARK
The way to explore the canyon is on the 6km (3
3
⁄
4
-mile)
walk
up the side (short
but steep!) and around the rim. Even if you're in good shape, it's a strenuous
3- to 4-hour hike. It leads through a maze of rounded sandstone formations
called the Lost City, across a bridge to a fern-fringed pocket of water holes called
the Garden of Eden, and back along the other side through more sandstone
rocks. There are lookout points en route. If you visit after the odd rainfall, the
walls teem with waterfalls. In winter, don't set off too early, because sunlight
doesn't light up the canyon walls to good effect until midmorning.
If you're not up to making the rim walk, take the shady 2.6km (1
1
⁄
2
-mile)
round-trip trail along the mostly dry
Kings Creek bed
on the canyon floor. It
takes about an hour. Wear sturdy boots, because the ground can be rocky. This
walk is all right for young kids and travelers in wheelchairs for the first 1km (just
over
1
⁄
2
mile).
Both walks are signposted. Avoid the rim walk in the middle of the day
between September and May, when it's too hot.
You can also explore the park from an Aboriginal viewpoint with
Lilla Abo-
riginal Tours
(book through Kings Canyon Resort). Aboriginal guides take you
on an easy 1km (just over a
1
⁄
2
-mile) walk to sacred caves and rock-painting sites.
You learn about the artworks, hear the Dreamtime events that created the land
around you, discover plant medicines and food, and have a go at throwing a
spear and a boomerang. The tour lasts 1
1
⁄
2
to 2 hours and departs at 9am and
4pm daily (closed mid-Dec to mid-Jan) from the Lilla community, 14km
(8
3
⁄
4
miles) from Kings Canyon Resort. The resort does transfers for A$20
(US$13) per person, round-trip, or A$30 (US$20) for two of you. The tour
costs A$39 (US$25) for adults, A$33 (US$21) for seniors and students, and
A$27 (US$18) for kids 5 to 16.
Professional Helicopter Services
(
&
08/8956 7873;
www.phs.com.au)
makes 15-minute flights over the canyon for A$90 (US$59) per person.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
Apart from campgrounds, the only place to stay in Watarrka National Park is at
Kings Canyon Resort.
Kings Canyon Resort
This attractive, low-slung complex 7km (4
1
⁄
3
miles)
from Kings Canyon blends into its surroundings. All but four of the larger deluxe
rooms were built in 1999 and have desert views from glass-enclosed Jacuzzis. The
remaining rooms are typical hotel rooms, comfortable enough, with restful range
views from the balcony; they were refurbished in 2001. The double/twin, quad,
and family lodge rooms are adequate low-budget choices, with a communal
kitchen and bathroom facilities. The resort has a well-stocked minimart where
you can buy meat for the barbecues. Live entertainment plays some nights, and
a ranger gives a slide show several nights a week. Internet access is available.
Luritja Rd., Watarrka National Park, NT 0872.
&
1800/817 622
in Australia, or 08/8956 7442. Fax 08/8956
7426. www.voyages.com.au. 164 units, 128 with bathroom, of which 32 have Jacuzzis; 72 powered camp-
sites and tent sites. High season (July-Nov) A$330-A$397 (US$215-US$258) hotel room double; low season
