Kings Canyon Adventures: Top Outdoor Activities Reviewed
Okay, so you’re thinking about heading to Kings Canyon? Very cool. That place is pretty special. Seriously, if you’re looking for raw, outback beauty mixed with a good dose of adventure, well then, Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory is definitely it. People come from all around to see these striking sandstone walls, deep gorges, and that vast desert. Kings Canyon’s appeal isn’t just in what you see, you know, it’s something about what you feel when you’re standing there, kinda makes you feel small in a quite humbling way. I want to take you through some things you can actually *do* there. Let’s talk about some great ways to soak it all up.
1. Kings Canyon Rim Walk: The Classic Experience
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk? Very much a must-do. Seriously, people always talk about it. The loop is almost 6 km, which usually takes about 3-4 hours, that’s depending how many times you wanna stop and snap pics and catch your breath, and, okay, so it starts with a bit of a climb – that’s what everyone talks about, yeah? “Heartbreak Hill”. Yeah it might get your heart pumping. Honestly? If you take it slowly, it’s really not that bad, a bit tough maybe. Plus, after that part, the rest of the walk is really awesome. Once you’re at the top, you are walking along the canyon rim, the views get insane! It gets very pretty seeing the rugged sandstone cliffs all around and below you, seriously it makes you feel like you are on top of the globe! Make sure, okay, so, that you have lots of water and a hat; that desert sun gets hot. Read our full review: Kings Canyon Rim Walk Full Review and Details
And, it’s almost the same if you are the type who gets out there early? The Rim Walk is extra special. Yeah, you miss the hottest part of the day, right, plus? You get to watch the sunrise over the canyon and that paints the whole area in oranges, reds and purples. I mean seriously? It’s a truly beautiful time to be out there. And by the way, okay, so listen closely now? Take sunscreen with you; the sun is very, very strong no matter what the time of the day. Basically you just need the standard stuff when you are outback: hat, sunglasses and, if you have them? Comfy shoes! Seriously. You can thank me later. If you feel up for it and if the heat allows it, go explore the Garden of Eden! The Garden of Eden is actually a really lush, green place down inside the canyon. Basically it’s an awesome little microclimate thing happening in the middle of all the rocks, like a world all to its own; so lovely. Check if it’s open before you make a commitment though, because sometimes the park folks close it to help protect it, more or less.
2. Kathleen Springs Walk: A Gentler Pace
Looking for something a bit easier, is that, it? The Kathleen Springs Walk might be just the thing. It’s pretty short; a gentle, 2.5km round trip, the path is smooth and flat, so, you know, it’s accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Really, it gives almost everyone a chance to see the gorgeous scenery of Kings Canyon without needing a ton of stamina. Apparently this walk takes you to a natural spring at the base of the canyon. So there is this serene waterhole surrounded by plant life that contrasts incredibly against the red rocks that are all around. Yeah, that contrast makes for amazing pictures; make sure to keep your camera ready. Read our full review: Kathleen Springs Walk Full Review and Details
And also? Aboriginal culture is deeply linked to Kathleen Springs. So, many dreamtime stories connect with this spot, it is often depicted through the interpretive signs along the way. That’s almost a cool way to learn about the history and connection between the land and its people. Keep an eye out, very, very close, right, as you are wandering. Because a bunch of different birds and animals call this spot their house; which makes it excellent for folks into their nature stuff. Maybe grab a pair of binoculars. The early morning is a nice time to go, alright, it’s cooler, basically, but, hey? That golden light? Makes everything seem a bit more special and magical too. I really recommend you do the Kathleen Spring Walk to change things up, or maybe if you have small children or elderly people with you that may struggle a bit. You should really consider that as an option. It is so lovely!
3. Kings Creek Station: Outback Culture and Camel Rides
So you wanna dive more into the Aussie outback lifestyle? A visit to Kings Creek Station is just what the doctor prescribed. Family owned, and working cattle station offering various cultural and recreational experiences. If you fancy yourself an adventure? Get up onto a camel and have a ride! That is a great way of checking the landscape through a different perspective; a tad bumpy ride though, right. Almost. Otherwise, alright, you know, right, it’s very Aussie. Kings Creek Station isn’t just almost camels and cows. The shop there almost sells really unique things like handcrafted stuff, bush medicines, and cool bits and pieces you will struggle finding at home. And, almost, all of them support the local indigenous community. Read our full review: Kings Creek Station Full Review and Details
Very, very cool tip? Kings Creek Station does gorge scenic helicopter tours of Kings Canyon. Definitely it’s the premier experience you are after. But what you must experience? Sleep in a swag underneath the stars! Yep, pretty simple: heavy canvas bag keeps the bugs out and the warm air in. The station rents them. Or perhaps you are after something different? You know, more comfy? Why not try out their glamping tents. I feel like, to some, this almost creates the proper way to see the landscape at its best! This could easily become something great to post on your social media and make friends, and family jealous!
4. Scenic Flights Over Kings Canyon
Are you someone that almost needs the adrenaline pumping through you? Getting almost the best birds-eye view? You seriously should get on a scenic flight that gets you all over Kings Canyon and beyond. And then? You realize the shear epic size of it; almost the only way to fully take it all in at once. Flights take off all the time, they are almost scheduled to show you everything at the prettiest point during sunset. So that every minute is pure magic; perfect right, for photograph opportunities, almost; you will make all your friends envious, for sure! This could also be pretty romantic to enjoy with someone special. I feel like these tours often differ with how long they run and what the plan is. Very often though, basically they usually glide through the canyon, and then all over that huge desert and they show sights like Lake Amadeus; which is so, so big; almost nothing compares. Read our full review: Scenic Flights Over Kings Canyon Full Review and Details
Very handy things to note? Usually with these flight companies; almost to draw more people, is that they do some pick ups and drop offs right at the main hotels and resorts close to Kings Canyon; making it, alright, simple and handy for almost anyone! When deciding and booking, very consider what you are hoping to experience as well; there are fixed wings aircrafts, and whirly birds. Very different views for sure. Also? Very much be mindful that what time of the year that you visit could almost greatly influence what is able to be shown, very close up, anyway, in order to protect a bunch of places. But seriously? Without almost any question? I recommend that you invest your money into doing this one!
5. Giles Track: For the Serious Hiker
If, perhaps, alright, you really are into that really challenging hike vibe, well I think this should fit you like a glove; this hike might be the ultimate experience near Kings Canyon for you! What happens is that the track runs through pretty much all of the Watarrka National Park, very, very close to Kings Canyon itself, the 22 km usually has to be, just about, an overnight stay. Basically you immerse yourself in the landscape! Because that is how awesome it is!. But listen right, alright? You need a bunch of planning to see you complete this safe, all due to almost having to sign in at the visitor place. Pack everything that will be required: first aid and of course tons of fluids to survive. I almost really advise you, alright? That you check weather conditions right before you consider even attempting it. This should really not to be attempted by anyone who doesn’t have decent navigational skills and isn’t seriously into keeping hydrated!. Read our full review: Giles Track Full Review and Details
Along almost all this crazy trail. Is that you wander through crazy rugged, rocky spots, but with what I would call, magical desert growth spots! At different times in the year, is that you may also, and that is almost pretty incredible; catch seasonal creeks and springs; that tend to just burst alive, after any rain that happened!. It can get really very, very cold at night; so pack warm stuff, alright!. This should not be on your bucket list unless you seriously respect the environment, more or less! Also a good bit of common sense. Take nothing but photos, more or less. You will enjoy almost that epic stuff on this journey!
Alright, if you ask me? Kings Canyon serves up, basically, so much more than just a few great views. Each activity brings, in a way, another bit of the area to life, okay, I feel, by really highlighting its sheer size, that really awesome history, and natural magnificence. That can also make you respect the region. What I feel is most important, is almost making certain, I mean seriously, is almost being aware of what weather and environment may impact on those choices and that the planning fits your abilities and what level you may be currently at!
Some main points that may give you something away, could be!
- Basically you could experience iconic hiking trails and, maybe even spot places from a very memorable and unique perspective and height..
- The springs give what I consider almost great alternative places, in what most others maybe cannot reach or simply appreciate with just walking and talking.
- The genuine indigenous culture gives real great perspectives into real Aussie historical knowledge.
- For the more adrenaline junkies, is that an aerial flight would just simply complete their trip there!.
- Serious outback travelers? They will have all this sorted I know; the multi day hike really, truly checks those boxes almost perfectly!