• About
    • Where have I been?
    • Contact
  • UGC
  • Book Your Trip
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Meet the Team
  • FAQ
  • Products
  • Cart
  • My Account
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

    Connect

One World Wanderer

Budget Travel with Bold Confidence

  • Travel Tips
    • Solo Travel
    • Student Travel
    • Sustainable Travel
  • Destinations
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South Pacific
    • UK
  • Money Tips
    • Make Money
    • Save Money
    • Budget Travel
    • Blogging & Writing
  • Resources

Hiking Kings Canyon- is it worth it?

August 10, 2020 · In: Australia, Destinations, Northern Territory, Travel Tips

Is hiking Kings Canyon in central Australia really worth it?

This is a question I often get asked when people talk to me about travelling around the centre of Australia. It is easy to dive straight to the famous Uluru, explore the culture centre, and take a walk amongst the Valley of the Winds- and don’t get me wrong, these are each incredible- but one of the most impressive sites in the world often gets bypassed. There is a lot more out there than just a large, red rock plunked down in the outback. Kings Canyon, in my opinion, is amongst one of the most stunning outback locations in the world, and here’s a secret: it should not be missed!

Hiking Kings Canyon, located in the heart of Australia nearby the famous Uluru and Kata Tjuta, is an absolute must on a camping trip, or vacation to outback Australia. The canyon boasts stunning desert scenery and views, with some of the most incredible hikes and sights you'll ever find. Travellers can see the awe-inspiring sandstone walls of the canyon, especially while doing the Canyon Rim hike. Follow for my complete guide and travel tips! #kingscanyon #travelaustralia #outbackaustralia

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links, which if you click, adds absolutely no extra cost to you. These links allow One World Wanderer to continue providing you with free guides and travel content.

Table of Contents

  • Plan Your Trip To Kings Canyon
  • Hiking Kings Canyon
  • What tours can you do?
  • What you should pack for the hike
  • Where to Stay?

Plan Your Trip To Kings Canyon

Book Cheap Flights
Still in the planning stage of your trip? Currently, the best and easiest way to find cheap flights is to use eDreams, Bravofly and Skyscanner. Between them all, you’ll be guaranteed to always find the cheapest flight, anywhere in the world.

Book Your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels, hotels, guest houses, or resorts Booking.com will always give you the best deals. I always search using the map feature to find accommodation in the best locations. Sometimes, if I want to stay in a place a little longer, I’ll use Airbnb. You can sign up with Airbnb and get $51 AUD off your first trip!

TIP: For the best hostels, I usually compare reviews on Hostelworld and YHA (when in Australia) then check other booking sites to compare prices and deals. Not sure on hostels? Read this post to find out everything you need to know about them!

Book Tours and Transport
Although a combination of independent travel and touring is my ideal form of travel, if the best, cheapest, and safest way to explore is to book a tour or package, I’ll do it! For this, I always use Viator and Get Your Guide.

Finding a Car in Australia
Having a car or camper is an awesome way to travel, particularly on long journeys. You can compare rental car deals on Europcar.

Don’t Forget Adventure Travel Insurance
If you’re reading this blog then you’re more likely to be seeking epic adventures for an affordable price over relaxing and luxurious vacations. By far, my favourite, most comprehensive adventure travel insurance is World Nomads.

This map was created with Wanderlog, the best travel planner app

 

Stunning views of Kings Canyon in outback Australia. Red rock, adorning the impressive valley.

Hiking Kings Canyon

There are two hikes that can be done in and around Kings Canyon: the slower-paced 2km hike through the canyon valley, and the more challenging rim walk which is a tougher 6km hike along the upper rim of the Canyon. The shorter walk is perfect for those who aren’t at a high level of fitness or may not have a whole lot of time, and the views are still spectacular. But, if you arrived in the desert with the desire to take in as much as possible, then hiking Kings Canyon along the upper level is definitely the way to go.

360 views of the stunning surrounding desert? Boy, is it worth it!

The hike begins with a 500-step climb to the top of the rim. This is the most strenuous part of the hike, and it will no doubt break a sweat on your brow. However, once at the top, hikers are treated to scenic views and stunning canyon scenery that makes every strenuous step worthwhile.

The landscape here is amazing. The palette of colours, with the reds and oranges of the rocks, the green leaves on the trees, the small patches of bright blue sky, and the white puffy clouds, is absolutely gorgeous.

 

Stunning views of Kings Canyon in outback Australia. Red rock, adorning the impressive valley below. #kingscanyon #travelaustralia

The walk around the rim is spectacular. If I had flown all the way to the Red Centre of Australia just to see this, it would have totally been worth it.

Stunning views of Kings Canyon in outback Australia. Red rock, adorning the impressive valley. #kingscanyon #outbackaustralia #travelaustralia

The tranquil 360° degree view from the rim of the canyon is hard to describe. It truly was one of the most incredible things I got to see.

Having travelled there in the off-season, I was lucky enough to get to admire the impressive weathered formations without the disturbance of other travellers.

Stunning views of Kings Canyon in outback Australia. Red rock, adorning the impressive valley. #travelaustralia #oneworldwanderer #outbackaustralia #kingscanyon

It is important to note that hiking Kings Canyon places you on the cusp of sacred land (so don’t walk off the path!), and you can really feel the immense importance along the trail. Watarrka National Park has been home to the Luritja Aboriginal people for more than 20 000 years, and it is important all visitors act respectfully and be grateful that they are able to bear witness to the stunning location in the first place.

Stunning views of Kings Canyon in outback Australia. Red rock, adorning the impressive valley.

The hike around the Kings Canyon can be as long or as short as you want it to be. No matter whether it takes 3 hours or 6, be sure to take the time to do the loop, take in the scenery from every angle, and snap a few pictures while you’re at it.

Stunning views of Kings Canyon in outback Australia. Red rock, adorning the impressive valley.

What tours can you do?

If you aren’t into solo travel or don’t have the means to go exploring the outback alone then there are an abundance of awesome tours that can take you exploring around Kings Canyon and the surrounding outback attractions. I highly recommend doing a camping trip in this area to experience the full beauty the Australian outback has to offer. If this isn’t possible, day trips from the small township of Ayer’s Rock or from Alice Springs are also an excellent idea!

Here’s my review of a budget camping tour I absolutely adored!

Some other tours I highly recommend looking at are:

 4-day Uluru-Kata Tjuta budget camping trip

Full-day’s Kings Canyon tour from Ayer’s Rock Resort

Full-day King’s Canyon 4WD tour 

King’s Canyon walking tour and hike

 

What you should pack for the hike

Remember the climate at Kings Canyon is as equally harsh as Uluru and other outback Australian areas, so do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and lots of water. Most signs and forums recommend at least 1L per 2km you walk- and there is a freshwater tap you can use to refill your bottle at the base of the hike.

Just remember: it is not uncommon to experience high temperatures above 40°C throughout the day in summer, and warm weather in winter that can still seriously dehydrate you (although it will be freezing at night). Always prepare for the worst!

What you should pack:

  • Proper, supportive boots- Hiking is the best way how to enjoy the unique scenery of the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, and sturdy hiking boots are essential.
  • Protection against sun – Sunglasses, Lipbalm with SPF protection, Sunscreen, Hat-  Sun in the Kings Canyon is harsh, do not walk outside without proper protection.
  • Comfortable and breathable hiking clothes.
  • Camera–  Capture all memories on your holiday. The Camera gear I can’t live without is the Nikon D3400 and the Mavic Pro
  • Water Bottle– It is super important to stay hydrated so bring a large water bottle with you.
  • Flynet– In summer and even some times in winter, the flies can be atrocious in the outback. Pack a flynet in case they are particularly bad
  • Snacks– it is a long walk and the perfect place to stop for morning or afternoon tea.

Where to Stay?

As I mentioned, a camping trip in outback Australia definitely comes highly recommended. It is the perfect way to experience Australia at its full capacity, with campfires, Australian damper, and endless stars at night.

However, this may not be suitable for you, and that’s okay! Both Alice Springs and the small township of Ayers Rock have beautiful hotels and motels perfect for travellers from all walks of life.

[do_widget id=custom_html-15]

A highlight for visitors to the Red Center of Australia is Kings Canyon located in Watarrka National Park. Travelers can see the awe-inspiring sandstone walls of the canyon, especially while hiking Canyon Rim Walk. Follow our complete hiking guide with extra travel tips! #kingscanyon #travelaustralia #outbackaustralia

So, is Kings Canyon worth it? Absolutely. Dare I say that I enjoyed this hike more than the walks at Uluru and Kata Tjuta?! The beauty was so unexpected and unlike anything else I had ever seen. Hiking Kings Canyon is an absolute must!

Combine a day or two of walking around Kings Canyon with free camping nearby, and it creates the perfect addition to your incredible Uluru trip.

You will not be disappointed!

Hiking Kings Canyon, located in the heart of Australia nearby the famous Uluru and Kata Tjuta, is an absolute must on a camping trip, or vacation to outback Australia. The canyon boasts stunning desert scenery and views, with some of the most incredible hikes and sights you'll ever find. Travellers can see the awe-inspiring sandstone walls of the canyon, especially while doing the Canyon Rim hike. Follow for my complete guide and travel tips! #kingscanyon #travelaustralia #outbackaustralia

Travelling Australian and looking for more adventures? Check out these blog posts:

Falling in Love with Coober Pedy

The Ultimate Red Centre Itinerary

Townsville’s Top 10 Hidden Secrets You Need To Visit This Summer!

Melbourne Adventures

An incredible day trip to the Great Barrier Reef 

By: Abbie · In: Australia, Destinations, Northern Territory, Travel Tips · Tagged: australia, nature travel, outback australia

you’ll also love

The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary to Outback Australia
Exploring Tchupala Falls and Wallicher Falls in North Queensland
Hiking Nandroya Falls in North Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands

Join the List

Stay up to date & receive the latest posts in your inbox.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Skiing For The First Time- Packing, Tips & Tricks!

Primary Sidebar

Meet One World Wanderer

Meet One World Wanderer
hello!

I'm Abbie! A 20-something girl living in Australia, writing stories and travelling as much as possible. I created One World Wanderer to help you – a millennial, student, budgeting, full-time working travel-chasing badass – that travel is still possible despite the time and financial restraints you might have. Buckle up and get ready to travel, because you're going to have all the tools to do so after joining me here!

Read More

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

Standing on the red sands of the Sahara Desert, a figure gazes out over the vast expanse, where towering dunes stretch towards the horizon. The warm hues of the sand create a mesmerizing contrast with the clear blue sky, encapsulating the allure of this iconic desert landscape.

Why You Shouldn’t Travel to Morocco in Summer

Against the backdrop of a sinking sun, capture the essence of budget-friendly adventure while Travelling on a shoestring budget. The distant figure stands atop the majestic Duomo di Milano, a testament to the art of exploring more with less

Travelling on a Shoestring Budget: How to Explore the World Without Breaking the Bank

Is it safe to do vanlife as a solo female traveller? I answer all my top travel safety tips for solo travel and female travel doing vanlife in australia

Is It Safe To Do Vanlife As A Solo Female Traveller?

Search

Advertise

SiteGround Ad

Follow Along

@clover.theme

20+ years of being a student. About 1000 coffees l 20+ years of being a student. About 1000 coffees later. Some of the happiest memories of my life. And somehow it’s all over… 

I’ve been obsessed with books and writing since I was a child and have never really wavered in knowing it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. 

I thrived in school, always loving assessment and reading and especially my English subjects and was sad when it was over. 

So I did my undergrad in Creative Writing and History… all while travelling to 30+ countries and writing my first novel. It took me 4 years to finish a 3 year degree but I managed to achieve so much while studied and falling in love with writing and literature after a little break after high school. 

And then I moved to Melbourne to do my Masters in Creative Writing, Editing and Publishing while writing my other two novels, dealing with grief, growing up, and planning a wedding. It was a wild 3 years of being a student but it’s also been so much fun and so rewarding too.

Study has always been a huge enjoyment to me. It’s always been a lifeline and a thing I found easy. I’ve loved every second of being a student, especially my time at Melbourne Uni. I’m terrified for what life will look like post-student life, but also SO excited for what’s to come. 

Bring on graduation 👩🏻‍🎓👩🏻‍🎓
October, you’ve been good to me so far 🥰🥰 October, you’ve been good to me so far 🥰🥰
Home for a week with my two little besties and all Home for a week with my two little besties and all my favourite spots 🥰🥰
The most magical, heartwarming and emotional surpr The most magical, heartwarming and emotional surprise today to be showered by all my favourite Townsville people while I’ve been visiting 🥹🥹 

Somehow, my sisters managed to pull off the most ‘me’ bridal shower possible and then surprised me with it while I thought we were just going out to brunch. I’m so lucky and so grateful for all the hard work that went into this beautiful event 🥰🥰

Less than two months until we get #gatherum’d @harrison.d.williams and I’m so bloody excited to become your wife 🎉
Life recently ☕️📚 Uni, books, more Uni, b Life recently ☕️📚 

Uni, books, more Uni, book club, coffee, and more Uni. Very excited for this semester (and degree) to be over … even if a small part of me knows I’ll miss it 🎓

Footer

On the Blog

  • Destinations
  • Money Tips
  • Travel Tips

Info

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

stay in the know

Copyright © 2025 · One World Wanderer.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok