Watarrka National Park

All year round, although the cooler months from April to September are the most pleasant.

Unsealed roads may become impassable after rain.

There is a heat management strategy in place at Watarrka National Park.

This means access to the park is limited during the hottest months of the year, from September to March.

Find out how to stay safe in the heat.

The park is located 450km south-west of Alice Springs and there are three routes to get there.

The Stuart and Lasseter Highways and Luritja Road are all sealed and suitable for two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles.

The Lasseter Highway and Luritja Road will bring you to Watarrka from Yulara.

A four-wheel drive (4WD) is recommended to travel the Red Centre Way via Larapinta Drive through the West MacDonnell Ranges.

You need a Mereenie Loop Pass permit to travel on Larapinta Drive between Hermannsburg and Watarrka National Park or between Glen Helen and Watarrka National Park.

You can buy a Mereenie Loop Pass permit from:

• Kings Canyon Resort reception
• Hermannsburg General Store
• Stanley Chasm shop
• Kings Creek Station reception
• Alice Springs Central Land Council office
• Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre.

A 4WD is also recommended to take the Stuart Highway, then Ernest Giles Road leading onto Luritja Road.

Check road conditions before you go.

You can do all of the following activities at Watarrka:

• bushwalking
• wildlife spotting
• photography
• ranger-guided activities.

For information on the walks in the area, read short walks in Watarrka National Park.

Overnight camping in tents, caravans or motorhomes is not allowed in the National Park.

Commercial accommodation, camping and bunkhouses are available at the Kings Canyon Resort website. Phone: 08 8956 7442

Camping and safari-style cabins are available at Kings Creek Station website. Phone: 08 8956 7474

Watarrka National Park has all of the following facilities:

• information signs
• ranger station – emergency contact only
• drinking water
• public toilets
• wheelchair access
• picnic area
• walking tracks
• scenic lookout
• wi-fi.

When visiting the park remember all of the following:

• visitors to the NT require a parks pass
• stay on designated roads and tracks
• stay at least 2m from cliff edges
• historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
• firewood collection is not permitted in the park
• fires are not permitted in the park
• bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
• pets are permitted on a leash in the Kings Canyon carpark only
• don't throw rocks over cliff edges as there may be people below
• camping is not permitted in the park
• a permit is required for drone use – conditions apply and it must be obtained prior to your arrival in the park.

You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Watarrka National Park by doing all of the following:

• observe park safety signs
• carry and drink plenty of water
• wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable clothing and footwear
• avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
• think about your health and fitness when choosing a walk
• use free interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet.

Watarrka National Park safety video:

Visiting Watarrka National Park is a great experience for local, interstate and international school groups.

It is important that all groups are safe and respect the environment when visiting.

Before visiting the park you should read the Watarrka National Park guide for school groups PDF (3.4 MB).

Phone: 08 8951 8250