Kings Canyon? Maybe you’ve heard a little about it, or like most backpackers, you have no idea where it is. Kings Canyon is one of the most underrated and off-the-beaten-track backpacker spots in Australia! Given how remote it is, it can be tricky getting there, and there are some seasonal and budgetary considerations you need to make. The region itself is so worth it, though, with breathtaking hikes around the rim of Kings Canyon, Indigenous cultural experiences and amazing Outback sunsets. This guide will cover all the big questions about getting there and getting around, the best time of year to visit, the best things to do and where to stay!
When is the best time to visit Kings Canyon?
Central Australia (including Kings Canyon) is a seasonal destination! Peak Season is May-September as the weather is mild (20-30 degrees Celsius during the day). This is the busiest time to visit, and flights and accommodation will be more expensive. However, you can access the hikes at any time of day, and the risk of heat-related injuries is fairly low. The temperature at night can be quite chilly (it can get down to 4 degrees Celsius overnight), so bring warm clothes.
December-February is low season as the high temperatures make it difficult/dangerous to complete hikes. It regularly exceeds 35 degrees Celsius during the day, and park rangers will close the parks between 9 am and 11 am. That means you will have to start the hikes before either 9 or 11 in the morning. Even then, it is blisteringly hot at this time. The risk of heat-related injuries is high, and every year, there are tourist fatalities in areas like Kings Canyon and Uluru due to this. The benefits of visiting during these months are that there will be significantly fewer people and flights and accommodation are often much more affordable.
If you are trying to visit at a more affordable time, try to visit in the shoulder months of October/November and March/April. These months are cooler than the summer months but with fewer people and lower prices than the winter months. This is the best time to visit if you’re a backpacker, as you’ll save money but still be able to do all the activities in Kings Canyon safely.
Is it possible to visit Kings Canyon on a budget?
Yes and no! Australia generally has a high cost of living, and tourism costs are equally as high. Central Australia (where Kings Canyon is) is much more expensive than other tourist areas of Australia due to its remoteness. Produce has to be flown in by plane or transported by road train to Kings Canyon from other parts of Australia. Also, there is a lack of competition among tourism companies. Two accommodation providers, AAT Kings and SEIT, basically have a monopoly on all accommodation, transport and tours in Kings Canyon (and Central Australia in general). The lack of competition means they can charge whatever they want, as if people want to visit Kings Canyon, they have to use their services.
If you want to make it more backpacker-budget-friendly, travelling by car with camping gear will be the most cost-effective way to visit Kings Canyon. Purchasing groceries and things you can cook yourself in the campground will save you a heap of money. The one thing you will have to budget for is activities. While hikes are basically free (apart from the small cost of a parks pass), other activities and the cost of a guide if you want information while hiking will cost you.
The ultimate way to save money while travelling in Australia
If you’re backpacking in Australia, I recommend trying to work in Kings Canyon or elsewhere in Central Australia. Backpacker tourism jobs around Kings Canyon usually include accommodation and food for a reasonable price, and you get paid very well! Depending on where you work, you may get to participate in tours/activities for free or for a heavily discounted rate. Even if you don’t get any discount on tours, it is really easy to save money living and working in Kings Canyon (more so than in other parts of Australia), as there is really not much to spend money on with food/accommodation included. You can read my full guide on how to get a job in the Outback here. I also have a guide on the reality of working so remotely, including all the good, the bad and the just plain strange, which you can read here.
How many days to spend in Kings Canyon
Deciding how many days to dedicate to exploring Kings Canyon, depends on your budget, how much of an experienced hiker you are and how many days you have to spare in your Australia itinerary. If you enjoy slow travel, want to experience all the hikes at a leisurely pace or want to tick off every activity in the area, I’d recommend setting aside at least two to three days in Kings Canyon. This gives you ample time to conquer four different hikes, learn about indigenous culture and the areas history and have some downtime to swim in the pool and capture many outback sunsets.
For those of you who have a small budget (and you don’t want to spend extra on multiple nights accommodation) or if you are short of time, a full day could suffice. If you start early, you could get three hikes completed in a day (and maybe even an indigenous cultural experience) and then catch an outback sunset. This would be a pretty intense and tiring day and would best be attempted in winter months to avoid hiking in the middle of the day in summer, as temperatures soar. However, I don’t think this is the best way to travel Kings Canyon and truly experience Central Australia. If you’re paying the money and coming all the way out to the middle of Australia, why not take the time to truly savour your time in Kings Canyon?
How to get to Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is famously a super remote place, even for Australia, with two roads in and out (and one of them is a FWD only road). There is no commercial airport at Kings Canyon, so you will need to come overland by road. Generally, people will hire a car or bring their own vehicle to explore Central Australia, particularly Kings Canyon. Otherwise, you can get around by catching tourist buses between towns, but this can be limiting. Alternatively, as there are only two roads to Kings Canyon, you could try your hand at hitchhiking.
How to get to Kings Canyon by car
The most cost-effective way to get to Kings Canyon is by car. If you plan to visit other places like Uluru and Hermansburg, rent a car from Alice Springs to travel around. Ideally, if you rent a car with FWD capability, you can travel along a FWD-only road called the Mereenie Loop to avoid backtracking from Kings Canyon. You can rent a non-FWD vehicle for $60 AUD per day and a FWD vehicle for around $326 AUD per day. While this might seem expensive, you will pay way more for a bus between these locations. The more people you have in your car, the cheaper it will be. Also travelling with your own car means you can pack a tent and save money on accommodation by camping.
How to get to Kings Canyon by bus
You can get buses to Kings Canyon from Uluru (Yulara) through the company AAT Kings. There was previously bus services running between Alice Springs and Kings Canyon also, but as of 2024 this bus route has been cancelled. To get from Uluru to Kings Canyon, a direct bus takes around 5 hours, including a stop at Curtin Springs Roadhouse. The bus runs daily from July-November and every day except Tuesdays at all other times. The bus will depart at either 4 am or 4:30 am (depending on the season) and will make stops at both Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Resort before 9am. Expect to pay $169 AUD for this bus ticket. You can book this online on the AAT Kings website here.
How to get around Kings Canyon
Once you actually get to Kings Canyon, getting around and accessing all the places and sights can be tricky. Unlike Yulara (Uluru), there are no tourist shuttle buses from accommodations to sights. This is where having your own vehicle comes in handy. With your own vehicle, you can drive to the starting point of hikes such as Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Creek Walk, Kathleen Springs and Karrke Indigenous Experience. It’s super easy to navigate as they are all turn off from the same road and clearly marked on Google Maps. Having a car means you can complete the hikes at your own pace, whatever time of day you choose and relatively affordably (you only have to pay for a Parks Pass).
Can you get around King Canyon without a car?
If you don’t have your own vehicle, your next best bet is booking day tours through AAT Kings. They offer guided Kings Canyon Rim and Creek Walks, which can be limiting as they only go once every few days with only half-day morning tours. This is also going to be more expensive than just doing the hikes yourself. You are also limited in what activities you can do, as AAT Kings doesn’t offer day tours to the Karrke Indigenous Experience or Kathleen Springs.
Another option, if you don’t have a vehicle, would be to hitchhike. You could feasibly hitchhike to places like Kings Creek Station, the entrance to the Rim Walk and Creek Walk hikes, Kathleen Springs, and the Karrke experience starting point. It’s not a guaranteed way to get around, but many families and grey nomads travel around Kings Canyon in their loop of Australia, visiting these sights, so I think you could hitchhike. Obviously, it can be a safety risk (with pretty patchy phone service in the area), and cars may ask you for a small payment for the lift to contribute to petrol costs. A safer bet is asking around at the accommodation restaurant the night before to see if anyone would give you a lift in exchange for money.
In Kings Canyon, very few sights are walkable. To get to the canyon itself from either of the closest two accommodations, you’re looking at around a 2-hour walk. If you are travelling to Kings Canyon without a vehicle, make sure you plan how you will get around and book day tours in advance if needed.
Where to stay in Kings Canyon
Only two accommodations are in the Kings Canyon area: Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Resort (also called Discovery Kings Canyon). You can book both of these accommodations here. It’s important to note that neither of these accommodations is located actually at Kings Canyon. They are located on either side of the canyon and are both roughly a 10-25 minute drive to the canyon. The national park itself is protected, and the lands around are owned and lived on by the traditional landowners. It is illegal to try and camp at the National Park or on surrounding Indigenous lands. Even if you read a Reddit forum talking about free camping, please don’t do it, as it is both illegal and pretty disrespectful.
Kings Canyon Resort (Discovery Kings Canyon)
Kings Canyon Resort, also called Discovery Kings Canyon, offers camping and accommodation options for backpackers and travellers. They have newer amenities than the other accommodation option (Kings Creek Station). It is a bit more of a luxury option (as luxury as you can get in Outback Australia). They offer fancier resort rooms and glamping options, but these are generally out of most backpackers’ budget. Really, you’ve got two solid options here – pitching your tent in their campsite or booking one of their budget lodge rooms.
In terms of amenities, they have two restaurants on-site, a pool, a service station/ small general store, a tennis court, BBQ facilities, a sunset bar with live music and the light towers experience. One of the biggest benefits of staying here are there strategic location, meaning you can experience views of the George Gill Range and Carmichaels Crag, from your campsite. Camping rates start from $37 AUD a night for an unpowered tent site (based on an occupancy of 2 adults). Budget Lodge Rooms are the cheapest room accommodations available, and they start from $160 AUD a night (based on an occupancy of 2 adults). In peak season, these prices may be higher, or you may be required to book a minimum of two nights.
Staying at Kings Canyon Resort means you will be walking distance to a few sights. The resort has helicopter tours, which depart just a 10-minute walk from the accommodation area. They are also walking distance to the start of the Ridge Walk Hike and the light towers experience. They also have a sunset bar with live music, which is a great way to end the day and catch a stunning outback sunset.
Kings Creek Station
Kings Creek Station, while it can’t compete with Kings Canyon Resort in terms of amenities, offers a more authentic stay and has a better vibe. The Station has a fascinating history and is still an authentic working cattle and camel station. It has more rustic vibes and tends to attract younger travellers as many tour groups in Australia, like Contiki, will stay here, as opposed to the newer Kings Canyon Resort.
They do have resort rooms and glamping here, but the majority of budget travellers will either be camping or staying in their budget accommodations, known as Bush Tents. These semi-permanent tents offer a comfortable bed and a real Outback feel without completely removing all the creature comfort. For a bush tent, expect to pay around $175 AUD a night, and for an unpowered tent site, expect to pay $50 AUD a night (both rates are based on an occupancy of two adults).
In terms of amenities, they have a cafe and restaurant on site. Their cafe is the best place to try the famous camel burgers! They also have a swimming pool, small convenience store and service station, BBQ facilities and fire pits, which people communally gather around of an evening. If you stay at Kings Creek Station, you’ll be walking distance from where the buggy tours of the station depart and the helicopter rides over the canyon depart.
What to do in Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is less built up and touristic than Yulara (Uluru), but there are still some great activities to do here. If you like nature, outdoors and hiking, you can undertake four unique hikes. If you fancy more adventurous activities, you could try a buggy or helicopter ride. There are also Indigenous experiences, sunset spots and the light towers by night. Here’s a deep dive into what you can’t miss in Kings Canyon and everything you need to know to have the best time.
Please note, to enter Watarrka National Park (including Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Creek Walk and Kathleen Springs) you do need to purchase a Parks Pass. It can be purchased online at the NT Parks website, so make sure you do that before you start your hikes. Please be aware this is a different pass from the Uluru-specific Parks Pass. You can purchase a multi-day parks pass, a multi-week parks pass or a day pass, depending on how many other National Parks you want to visit in the Northern Territory. This pass covers all Parks in the Northern Territory except Uluru, Kakadu and Litchfield. Day passes prices are $10 AUD with multi-day and multi-week passes being more expensive, but may be worthwhile, depending on your travel plans.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Hiking the Kings Canyon Rim is the must-do activity in Kings Canyon! The rim walk is a 6km hike around the canyon’s upper rim, which takes 2-4 hours, depending on speed, fitness level and how many stops you make. It’s considered a moderate hike and may not be suitable for all fitness levels, particularly if you struggle with steps or uneven surfaces. Even if you have good fitness, parts of the hike can be demanding, but you are rewarded with spectacular canyon views, the Garden of Eden, and the vast expanse of Watarrka National Park.
The hike starts from the Kings Canyon carpark, with a number of uneven steps straight up, to get you onto the rim (this is by far the worst part of the hike). The rest of it is up and down in parts, with a gradual decline at the end as you finish up back at the carpark.
The best times to do the hike are in the morning or late afternoon, as it is very exposed to the elements up there and can be unbearably hot in the heat of the day. If the temperature is due to exceed 35 degrees Celsius, park ranges will prevent anyone from commencing the hike after 9 am for hikers’ own safety. Even if it’s only going to be 25-30 degrees Celsius, I would still try and go early in the morning to beat the heat. It is not recommended to start the hike at sunrise or sunset, as it is unsafe to hike in the darkness.
Guided Tour vs independent hiking
If you choose to do the hike yourself, you need to purchase a Parks Pass through the NT Parks Website before you get to the canyon. This costs $10 AUD for a full-day pass, which you can use to access the Creek and Kathleen Springs Walk. There are some informational boards on the hike, but not too many. If you want a full guided experience with full information and history, guided tours start from around $70 AUD per person. You can book these through AAT Kings, Kings Cayon Resort or Kings Creek Station. Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a jacket, as it can be a little chilly first thing in the morning (particularly in winter).
Kings Canyon Creek Walk
The Kings Canyon Creek Walk is ideal for those unable to complete the Rim Walk or those wanting to see a different side of the canyon. This 2km return walk takes you along the boulder-strewn creek bed, offering up-close views of the towering canyon walls. Even if you’ve already done the Rim Walk, the Creek Walk shows a different, more lush side to the canyon. The walk itself takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and how long you stop. It starts from the Kings Canyon carpark, the same spot where the Rim Walk starts and finishes. It’s a mostly flat walk, with some uneven surfaces (but only requiring a basic fitness level), ending at a viewpoint where you see the canyon from a different angle.
The walk is partially shaded at different parts of the day and much cooler than the rim walk. You can feasibly do the Creek Walk at any time of day, but it may not be very pleasant on a hot, sunny day if you start in the middle of the day. You should still bring water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with you on this walk. As the Creek Walk is inside the National Park, you will need to purchase a Parks Pass before entering. If you do this on the same day you do the Rim Walk, you only need to purchase one daily Parks Pass.
Buggy Ride around Kings Creek Station
This is one of the most fun activities you can do around Kings Canyon- combining adventure with a bit of history. Buggy Rides take place at Kings Creek Station daily during the peak season months, at 10 am, 1 pm and sunset. In small off-road buggies, you tour the massive Kings Creek Station property, learn about the history, try Australian damper (a must-try food in the Outback) and cruise up and down hills and trails.
The tour takes around two hours and includes your guide, all safety equipment, tea, coffee and damper (or canapes and wine if doing the sunset tour). Pre-warning: you will get covered in red dirt, so make sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and stained. You should bring sunglasses (to protect from the dust), water, your driver’s license and closed-toe shoes. Pricing depends on how large your group is. There are four seats in the buggy, with one being the driver from your group (you can change drivers so everyone gets a turn, though). Prices can range between $300 AUD for only one person and $105 AUD for four people, as the price is per buggy.
After the buggy ride, stay for a camel talk at the entrance of Kings Creek Station. A dedicated Camelier (camel driver) will introduce you to the retired camels living their best life on the station. The talk is free for all visitors and includes lots of information about camels, their history in Australia, and funny stories and anecdotes about them. Also, I highly recommend grabbing lunch or dinner at their cafe and trying the famous Camel Burgers!
Kathleen Springs Walk
This easy 2.6km return walk is another great hike you can do to see a different angle of the George Gill Range. Leading to a serene spring at the end, the walk is lined with interpretive signs that tell the story of the area’s indigenous and pastoral history. While it does end at a spring, this is considered a sacred site to the indigenous communities in the area, so swimming is prohibited. The walk is on a flat pathway the whole way, so it’s suitable for those with accessibility needs. The walk starts from the Kathleen Springs Car Park, which is around a 10-minute drive from Kings Canyon Car Park.
While there is some shade under trees, it is pretty exposed to the elements and can get very warm. I would not be undertaking this in the middle of the day in warmer months. In winter, it’s fine and comfortable to complete the walk at any time. Regardless of when you complete the walk, make sure you bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The walk is included in the national park, so you will need to purchase a $10 AUD Parks Pass to enter. If you want to save money on this, try to complete the Rim Walk, Creek Walk and Kathleen Springs Walk all on the same day so you can use the same one-day pass.
Drinks at the sunset bar and see the light towers
No Kings Canyon visit is complete without experiencing the magic of an Outback sunset. The sunset bar (also called Luritja Lookout) is located at Kings Canyon Resort. It’s free to enter, even if you’re staying at Kings Creek Station. It opens at around 5 pm and is a fully licensed bar (so no BYO) selling beer, wines, soft drinks and ciders. They also have live music in peak season, which creates a great atmosphere. There is some seating here, but make sure you get there earlier to get a front-row seat. Adding to this spectacular natural light show are the Light Towers, which illuminate after dark and are visible from the sunset bar. The sunset bar stays open until just after sun-down when everyone starts to clear inside the restaurant for dinner and drinks.
While you can see the Light Towers for free from the sunset bar and from the campsite, it is from a fair distance. If you want to experience them close up, you can book a Light Towers Tour at the sunset bar. Night sessions cost $30 per person, inclusive of a tour guide. In my opinion, this isn’t super worth it, given you can see them for free from the sunset bar.
Karrke Indigenous Experience
For a deeper understanding of the land, culture and history of the region, the Karrke Indigenous Experience is a must. This one-hour cultural tour provides an authentic and respectful insight into the ancient traditions and knowledge of the local Anangu people. Learn about bush tucker, traditional medicine, and the significance of the land in their culture.
This is a great activity to book in the afternoon when it’s too warm to be going on a hike. The tours run every Wednesday and Friday in peak season at 10:30 am and 2 pm. It costs $99 AUD per adult for the tour. You can book directly on their website here. You do need to transport yourself to the starting location, which you can find directions to on their website. Alternatively, the spot is marked on Google Maps as “Karrke”. You don’t need to bring anything with you for the tour, just allow enough time to get there, as it is a 30 minute drive from the accommodation spots.
Ridge Walk
If you’re not already completely “hiked out” from the Rim Walk, Creek Walk and Kathleen Springs Walk, then there is another walk you could add to your day. The lesser-known Ridge Walk takes you around the ridge of the Kings Canyon Resort property. The walk is free and does not require a guide or a park pass. It takes around 30 minutes to an hour and is a fairly easy walk but does include some incline and uneven steps. The walk gives you a view of the George Gill Range, the entire property of Kings Canyon Resort and gives you a chance to spot dingo tracks. It starts from the reception building of Kings Canyon Resort and can be completed at any time of day.
Helicopter Ride over the canyon
If you have the budget and aren’t afraid of heights, there’s nothing quite like seeing Kings Canyon from the air. A helicopter ride offers a bird’s eye view of the canyon, the surrounding desert, and the intricate patterns carved by nature over millions of years. You can book Helicopter Rides at either Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station, as they have helipads and pilots on site. This is a great activity for those unable to complete the Rim Walk due to fitness or accessibility or those without a car. Be warned, it is pricey though! The shortest flight is a 15-minute flight, which costs $190 AUD per person. Flights go at various times during the day, every day, during peak season.
Travel Tip: These tours do tend to be booked out a few days in advance in busy times, so I recommend booking online in advance. You can book this tour online here. If you use my code “BRETT5”, you’ll receive a 5% discount on this tour.
Where to eat in Kings Canyon
Food is one area where you can save a fair bit of money in Kings Canyon. Both Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Resort have restaurants on site. Kings Canyon Resort has two restaurants: a standard pub and a fine dining restaurant called Carmichaels. Apart from the fine dining restaurant Carmichaels (which is pricey), the food options in Kings Canyon are pretty limited and nothing special. This is partly due to its remote location and the difficulty and expense of fresh produce transportation. If you do decide to cook yourself for most meals, you’re not missing out on much. The famous camel burger from Kings Creek Station is the one meal you should try when you’re here (if you’re game and not a vegetarian). It tastes similar to a McDonalds Burger (in my opinion), but is a great thing to tick off the foodie bucketlist.
Both Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Resort have small general stores on site, where you can buy a few essentials, but these can sell out, and due to the remoteness, it takes a while to re-stocking. I recommend buying things to cook in Alice Springs or the IGA in Yulara and bringing food to cook in Kings Canyon. Expect both of these supermarkets to be a bit more expensive than other more built-up areas of Australia, but it still is way more affordable than eating out for every meal in Kings Canyon.
Kings Canyon Nightlife
Kings Canyon is not somewhere in Australia where you come to party, given most people wake up early for hikes. Most people have a few drinks with their dinner or grab some takeaway alcohol to enjoy in the campgrounds. They serve alcohol at both Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Resort.
At Kings Canyon Resort, the best place to drink is the sunset bar around 5:30 pm, with live music and a pretty good atmosphere. After the sun has set, if you fancy more drinks, the only place is the Kings Canyon Bar and Grill (the main restaurant/pub). It has a very much country pub kind of vibe, but they often have live music, and they have pool tables. Even in peak season, it’s not super busy here, with the bar being filled with either staff or families. At Kings Creek Station, most people will grab takeaway alcohol to enjoy by the firepits while socialising with other travellers. Even this doesn’t get too rowdy though, so rein in your expectations of Kings Canyon nightlife.
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