Kings Canyon at a glance
Kings Canyon lies in Watarrka National Park, a separate park from Uluru-Kata Tjuta. The Uluru park pass does not cover it. Tourism NT gives 300 km for the stage between Kings Canyon and Uluru. That is a touring distance, not an exact figure from a particular hotel to the Rim Walk car park.
From Yulara the road runs along the Lasseter Highway and the Luritja Road. It is sealed, and an ordinary 2WD car is enough. Other, unsealed routes can need 4WD and permits, so stay on the sealed road unless you have checked.
Kings Canyon walks compared
Three walks start in Watarrka. Pick by fitness and by the day's forecast.
| Walk | Distance | Time | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rim Walk | 6 km circuit | 3 to 4 hours | 4 | Clockwise, follow the blue arrows. Steep start. |
| South Wall | 4.8 km return | About 2 hours | 3 | No access to the Garden of Eden or the rest of the Rim Walk |
| Kings Creek | 2.6 km return | About 1 hour | 2 | The easiest of the three |
The Rim Walk is only for people who are fit and healthy. The walk descriptions on the NT pages are older, so check the current track status before you go.
Our picks: Kings Canyon tours
A full day from Ayers Rock Resort or a three-day camping trip.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Three-day camping trip to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
Camping nights with swag and sleeping bag, meals, a guide and guided walks. Park fees are included; alcohol and personal spending are not.
Check availability →
Kings Canyon full-day tour with Rim Walk
Twelve hours with a driver-guide, a cooked breakfast at Kings Creek Station and the Rim Walk or an easier walk. The NT park pass is currently extra.
Check availability →Kings Canyon tours from Yulara
Day trips, sunset tickets and multi-day tours that include Kings Canyon, with live prices and availability. Check whether the NT pass is included.
Heat rules on the Rim Walk
When the forecast is 36 °C or more, you must start the Rim Walk before 09:00. After that time nobody may start it. The South Wall return has to begin before 11:00 at the same threshold. Days from October to March often pass 35 °C in this part of the Red Centre, so in the hot months plan a start at first light.
Keep at least 2 m back from the edge of the cliffs, and do not swim in the Garden of Eden. Take water: the Uluru park advice of at least 1 litre per person for every hour of walking is a sensible guide here too.
The pass for Watarrka
For Watarrka you need an NT Parks Visitor Pass. It is separate from the Uluru-Kata Tjuta pass, and the Uluru pass is not valid here. Buy it online before you go. The 2026 prices are in the table.
| Pass | Day pass | Annual pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | AUD 10 | AUD 60 |
| Child 5 to 17 | AUD 5 | AUD 30 |
| Family (2 adults, 4 children) | AUD 25 | AUD 150 |
| Concession | AUD 8 | AUD 48 |
NT residents do not need a visitor pass. Concession prices need a recognised Australian concession card.
Day trip or overnight?
It is 300 km each way, plus the walk. That makes a very long day by car. The early heat start for the Rim Walk also points to an overnight stay close to the canyon, unless you choose a bus tour that handles the driving. Day tours from Yulara exist, and so do multi-day tours that combine Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
- By car: the road is sealed all the way from Yulara. Fill up and carry water before you leave.
- By tour: the tour operator drives, so you can rest on the road. Check when the Rim Walk starts on the day.
- Base in Yulara: Yulara is the usual base for Uluru and Kata Tjuta. See where to stay.
Kings Canyon: frequently asked questions
How far is Kings Canyon from Uluru?
Tourism NT gives 300 km for the stage between the two. It is a touring distance, not an exact figure from your hotel. The road from Yulara is sealed.
Does my Uluru park pass cover Kings Canyon?
No. Kings Canyon is in Watarrka National Park and needs an NT Parks Visitor Pass: AUD 10 for adults for one day in 2026.
How long is the Rim Walk?
6 km as a circuit, 3 to 4 hours, graded 4. Walk it clockwise and follow the blue arrows.
When do I have to start the Rim Walk in hot weather?
Before 09:00 when the forecast is 36 °C or more. After that no new start is allowed.
Can I swim in the Garden of Eden?
No. Swimming there is not allowed. Keep at least 2 m from the cliff edge.