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Route: Kings Creek Walk
Date: 25/05/2025
From: Kings Canyon Car Park
From: Kings Canyon Car Park
Parking: Kings Canyon Car Park
Start Point: Kings Canyon Car Park
Finish Point: Kings Canyon Car Park
Region: Watarrka National Park
Start Point: Kings Canyon Car Park
Finish Point: Kings Canyon Car Park
Region: Watarrka National Park
Route length: 2.1 km
Time taken: 00:34
Average speed: 4.2 km/h
Ascent: 24m
Descent: 22m
Time taken: 00:34
Average speed: 4.2 km/h
Ascent: 24m
Descent: 22m
Points of Interest: Kings Creek
Kings Canyon, located in Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory, is a spectacular natural formation. Situated approximately 300 km southwest of Alice Springs, it lies at the western end of the George Gill Range and is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rock domes, and lush waterholes.
After driving over three hours to tackle the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, we decided it would be a shame not to have a look at Kings Creek as well, one of the other named hiking trails that depart from the Kings Canyon parking area. It is the easiest Kings Canyon trail, following a path between the two colossal canyon walls into the depths of the gorge.
The Kings Creek Walk starts from the car park, following a wide path towards the base of the cliffs. You'll pass a memorial cairn; dedicated to Jack Cotterill whose family helped to open up the area to tourists in the 1960s.
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| The beginning of the Kings Creek hike |
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| The are signs that direct you to the various hikes in the area |
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| Heartbreak Hill — the beginning of the Kings Canyon Rim Walk |
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| Cotterill Memorial |
The Park Service has clearly invested a significant amount of effort and funding into making this walk as accessible as possible. For the first few hundred metres, the path is smooth and well-maintained—so much so that even visitors using wheelchairs can enjoy this section with a bit of assistance.
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| There are plenty of information signs along the Kings Creek Walk |
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| Kings Creek |
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Wandering alongside Kings Creek, you're flanked by towering sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically on either side, creating a stunning natural corridor. The leisurely pace of the walk gives you time to take it all in—from the striking rock formations to the diverse plant and animal life that flourish in this unexpected outback oasis.
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| Kings Creek Walk |
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| Kings Creek |
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| Kings Creek Walk |
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| Kings Canyon |
At the end of the trail, you'll find a large, multi-tiered viewing platform—recently rebuilt after flood damage back in 2016. It’s a beautiful spot to pause and take in the sweeping views of the surrounding canyon. If you look up, you’ll catch sight of Cotterills Bridge perched high above the gorge. Around the platform, there are thoughtfully placed sculptures and interpretive signs that share insights into the area's natural features and Indigenous heritage.
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| The end of the Kings Creek Walk |
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| Kings Canyon |
From the platform, it's a simple case of retracing the route back to the car park.
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| Kings Creek |
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| Kings Creek |
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| Kings Canyon |
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