David Whitehill takes on one of the country’s most iconic hikes in Kings Canyon
If you don't mind getting a little dusty and venturing deep into the wild, prepare to be completely captivated by the ancient sandstone walls of Kings Canyon in the Red Centre. Presenter David Whitehill ventured into the magnificent red-rock domes on one of the country's most iconic hikes.
Location:
Kings Canyon, Watarrka country, NT
Cost:
Discovery Parks www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au
Rim walk experience can be guided or self-guided
Guided Rim Walk Experience costs $80 per adult & $56 per child
Kings Creek Station www.kingscreekstation.com.au
Camping starts from $36 per adult $14 per child (6-16yrs)
Drover Dream tents start from $578 per night (adults only)
2 hour sunset buggy station tour starts at $475 including canapes & champagne or soft drink
Prices correct at 24.10.26
Highlights:
Roughly 3.5 hours drive from Uluru, Kings Canyon stands like a giant stone fortress, one of the Northern Territory's most interesting ancient landscapes. Perched nearly 280 metres above sea level, in Watarrka National Park, home of the Luritja and Arrenta people, these towering sandstone escarpments once formed part of a vast inland lake. David set out to explore this sacred terrain alongside Discovery Parks guide Darcy Mahon, tackling the world-renowned Rim Walk. The spectacular 6km loop trail traverses dramatic cliffs and crevices etched by wind and water over millions of years. Hidden pockets of lush greenery create an oasis for rare plants and native wildlife.
After soaking in the sweeping views, David journeyed just down the road to experience some true blue hospitality at Kings Creek Station. Spanning over 200,000 hectares, it is one of the region's largest working cattle stations. After being welcomed by a delightfully cheeky herd of hand-raised camels, station host Susan Edwards took David on an exhilarating 4WD buggy tour across the bumpy desert terrain, a thrilling way to explore the vastness of the outback.
For travellers wanting to extend their wilderness escape, there is a range of accommodation options available from camping sites and bush tents to top-of-the-line luxurious glamping. Ten Drovers Dream tents boast air conditioning, ensuite bathroom and panoramic views of the George Gill Ranges from a deck with a BBQ. Each tent has a private fire pit, perfect for roasting marshmallows under a starry sky with the distant chorus of howling dingoes.
Combining heart-pumping outdoor exploration with genuine outback charm, Kings Canyon proves that stepping off the beaten path yields unforgettable rewards. As David discovered while taking in the sunset over the desert, there is a deep, timeless spirit in the Red Centre that gets under your skin and stays in your heart forever.
