Many visitors to Central Australia, include the big 3 in their itinerary: Uluru, Kata-Tjuta and Kings Canyon, often in that order, with some travellers heard saying that they are leaving the best to last. Of course this is a matter of opinion, but we do agree that Watarrka National Park is one spectacular region.
Soon (we hope), the final loop (referred to as the Mereenie Loop), will be sealed, allowing for travellers to complete a circular route, starting or ending at Alice Springs. More information can be had from the Tourism Central Australia Alice Springs Visitor Centre. Contact them for information on the required permit to drive on The Mereenie Loop.
Watarrka National Park region is home to the famous Kings Canyon, that features ancient sandstone walls rising up 100 metres into a plateau of rocky domes.
Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park
Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park
Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park
Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park
View across to the Lost City, Kings Canyon
Looking down into Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park
Views along the Rim Walk, Kings Canyon
Views along the Rim Walk, Kings Canyon
Rain over Kings Canyon valley floor
Looking down on rainy morning from Rim Walk, Kings Canyon
Rim Walk around the Garden of Eden, Kings Canyon
The Lost City, Kings Canyon
The Lost City, Kings Canyon
Moon over Kings Canyon / Watarrka National Park.
Kings Canyon (Rim Walk), Watarrka National Park
Garden of Eden, Kings Canyon
Garden of Eden, Kings Canyon
Kestrel Falls, Kings Canyon
Kestrel Falls, Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park
Sunrise over Kings Canyon
View up from Garden of Eden, Kings Canyon
Starting the Rim Walk early, you can watched sunrise over Watarrka National Park and certain times over the year, also see the full moon in the sky over Kings Canyon. Keep your eyes open for some of the amazing fauna including the Slater’s Ringtailed Dragon (Ctenophorus slateri), who at a distance blend in so well against the rock. The Spinifex Pigeons are also a delight, with some allowing you to get pretty close.
