Short walks in Watarrka National Park

There are a variety of short walks in Watarrka National Park.

Signs along the tracks will give you information about features of interest.

Before you plan your walks, read more about Watarrka National Park.

If you are interested in longer walks in the park, try the Giles Track.

Get the walking tracks of Watarrka National Park information sheet PDF (1.4 MB).

Each walk is graded based on the walking track grading system.

Kings Canyon rim

You must walk this trail in a clockwise direction. The trail is marked with blue arrows.

The rim walk starts with a difficult climb so you should only walk it if you are fit and healthy.

The walk ascends to the top of the canyon and follows the rim around before descending to the car park.

About halfway along is the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rockhole surrounded by rare plants. There is no swimming in the waterhole.

Be careful during the hotter months, from September to April. During this time, you should consider walking other shorter walks during the middle of the day.

On days when the temperature forecast is 36 Celsius or above, you must start the Kings Canyon Rim Walk before 9am.

You will not be allowed to start the walk after 9am.

To get a weather forecast for Watarrka, go to the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Stay on the stairs and boardwalks along the track. They are there to make your walk safe and protect the environment.

South Wall return

This walk is marked with green arrows to the gate and blue arrows back.

The walk starts with a steep climb to the south wall of Kings Canyon leading to stunning views.

The walk ends at a one-way gate. You will return to the car park by the same route.

On days when the temperature forecast is 36 Celsius or above, you must start the walk before 11am.

To get a weather forecast for Watarrka, go to the Bureau of Meteorology website.

You can't access the Garden of Eden or the rest of the rim walk from the South Wall return walk.

Kings Creek

This walk is marked with red markers.

This walk is suitable for families and people seeking an easy walk.

Follow the same track to return to the carpark.

You must have sturdy shoes for this trail.

Kathleen Springs

This walk is a sealed track without markers.

This walk is good for families and visitors with limited mobility. There is wheelchair access for this walk.

Signs along the track will tell you stories of Aboriginal culture and the recent cattle industry.

The trail leads to a spring-fed waterhole at the head of Kathleen Gorge. This is a cool place to sit and enjoy the area's tranquillity.