Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) is located about 450km south west of Alice Springs and can be reached by 2WD vehicle via Luritja Road from Yulara and Lasseters Highway (sealed road). It can also be reached (from Alice Springs): via Larapinta Drive, through the West MacDonnell National Park, linking into the new gravel Mereenie Loop Road (4WD recommended); or via Ernest Giles Road (4WD essential) and Luritja Road.

Watarrka National Park contains the western end of the George Gill Range and the spectacular Kings Canyon, with its towering vertical walls and pockets of 'lush' vegetation protected in sheltered gullies amidst the vast and harsh desert that surrounds the Park. This habitat of rugged ranges, rock-holes and gorges acts as a refuge for many plants and animals. Kings Canyon features ancient sandstone walls, sculptured by the elements, rising up 100m to a plateau of rocky domes.

There are two walking tracks at the Canyon, both offering visitors an opportunity to experience first hand the beauty and solitude of the Australian bush. Signs along both tracks highlight features of interest. The walking track at Kathleen Springs is recommended for families and visitors with limited mobility. Signs along the track tell the story of centuries of Aboriginal culture and the recent cattle industry. It leads to a delightful spring-fed waterhole at the head of Kathleen Gorge.

The Kings Canyon walk has many steep sections and is recommended for reasonably fit and healthy walkers. The walking tracks of the Canyon area are well sign posted with metal trail markers. Information on other walking tracks in Watarrka is available from the NT Parks & Wildlife Service. A number of ranger guided activities are available at the Park.

There are several Emergency Radio Call Boxes located within the Park. For further information on these call boxes, activities, maps and downloadable “Fact Sheets” (PDF) use this link Watarrka National Park

Overnight camping in tents, caravans or motorhomes is not permitted in the National Park. Commercial accommodation, camping and bunkhouses are available at the Kings Canyon Resort (tel +61 (0)8 89567442). Camping and safari style cabins are also available at Kings Creek Station (tel +61 (0)8 89567474). Luxury tented cabins are available at Kings Creek Wilderness Lodge (tel 1800 891 121).

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Closest Weather Station

Temperature	Feels Like	Rel. Humidity	Dew Point	Pressure	Rainfall	Wind Direction	Wind Speed	Gusts
12.2°C	8.0°C	49%	1.9°C	-hPa	0.0mm	SE	13km/h 7knots	-km/h -knots

Closest Climatic Station

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mean Max. °C	38.4	36.9	34.5	30.6	24.7	21.5	21.7	24.5	29.6	32.8	35.3	36.4
Mean Min. °C	23.6	23.2	20.7	16.7	10.5	7.2	6.3	8.4	13.3	17.2	20.0	22.0
Mean Rain mm	32.1	49.4	29.4	15.5	24.7	20.8	16.6	4.7	8.1	26.9	38.6	34.1

Whilst indicating location of water supplies, ExplorOz makes no recommendation with regard to the quality of water for drinking purposes. We strongly recommend that when travelling you take ample supplies of water from reliable drinking water sources.

Whilst indicating location of water bodies, ExplorOz makes no recommendation with regard to the quality of water for drinking purposes. We strongly recommend that when travelling you take ample supplies of water from reliable drinking water sources.