Summary:
In the heart of the Australian outback, follow the weathered rim of an impressive sandstone gorge to a lush oasis.

From the parking area, the clear trail along Kings Creek quickly approaches the high canyon wall, and the steep climb begins. Once at the top, the trail crosses the eroded sandstone plateau of the north rim, through a ‘Lost City’ of crevices, rock domes and overhangs. Arrows point to viewpoints at the edge of the rim, where you can peer down to the canyon floor below or stare at the endless desert in all directions.

After crossing the barren plateau, you emerge onto wooden boardwalk and descend to the lush vegetation of the Garden of Eden. This permanent spring is an oasis of ferns, shrubs and trees – but be warned, you may be sharing it with plenty of fellow hikers.

Before climbing the wooden steps away from the Garden, detour off the main track by following the creek for about 1 km to a dry waterfall at the head of the gorge. From here, the view stretches the length of Kings Canyon.

Retrace your steps and leave the waterhole by the wooden stairs. The trail now heads onto the southern rim, where you can peer over the edge for probably the best views of the gorge. It is now a gradual descent through rocky, arid canyon country back to the parking area.

If you would like a closer look at the boulder-strewn canyon floor, take the 2.6 km out and back Kings Creek Walk that also starts from the parking area. This is particularly pleasant in the cool of evening, when the birds are at their most active. The easy walk through gum trees alongside Kings Creek ends at a lookout platform before sheer cliffs at the head of the canyon.

Directions: From Alice Springs, take the Stuart Hwy (Route 87) south for 228 km to Erldunda. Turn right onto Lasseter Hwy (Route 4) and head west for 108 km. Turn north onto Luritja Road, which ends in 167 km at Kings Canyon Resort. From Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort), the Luritja Road junction is 136 km east along Lasseter Hwy.

Trailhead: Kings Canyon parking area. Turn right off Luritja Road before you reach the resort.

Length: 5 miles / 8.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 3 hours

Trail Condition: Well maintained and signed, with some steps and boardwalk. Begins with a steep climb. (Interpretive signs and arrows to viewpoints)

Features: Canyon, rock formations, waterhole, desert views.

Climate: Sunny year-round. Extremely hot in summer – daytime temperatures average 36 C in January. Much better hiking conditions in winter – July daytime temperatures average 19 C – but very cold at night and in the early morning.

Accommodation: Motel, bunkhouse, tent and RV sites at Kings Canyon Resort.

Trail Notes: Carry water and hike during the cooler parts of the day to avoid heat stress and dehydration. This clockwise loop trail is popular so a very early start is recommended.