Kings Canyon is a destination listed on a lot of bucket lists. And with rugged sandstone walls, deep valleys, and impressive views across the desert, it’s not hard to see why.
Located in the Northern Territory within Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is one of the most spectacular sites to visit in Australia’s Red Centre.
The traditional owners of the land, the Luritja and Arrente people, have lived on Watarrka land for more than 20,000 years and contributed to the large number of Indigenous art sites located within the Watarrka National Park.
A three hours’ drive from Uluru, Kings Canyon is a must-see destination where you can enjoy hikes, cultural experiences, and even helicopter tours.
From Lurtija Lookout to the new Light-Towers, here are five must-see experiences to add to your next Kings Canyon Trip.
Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon.
From April 2023, the newly launched Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon brings to life a new immersive sound and light experience in the Red Centre.
Incredibly, the new installation includes 69 two-metre towers that change colour in response to a soundscape by British composer Orlando Gough.
The Light-Towers were created by acclaimed British-Australian artist Bruce Munro, who designed the world-famous Field of Light at Uluru. The iconic Uluru installation has received international acclaim since it opened to the public in 2016.
Much like the Field of Light, the Light-Towers are fully sustainable and powered solely on a 12-volt solar battery.
Located at the newly renovated luxury Discovery Resorts, which is the closest accommodation to Kings Canyon, a visit to the Light-Towers at sunrise or sunset is a must-see addition to your trip to the Red Centre.
Priscilla’s Crack on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk.
Priscilla’s Crack was made famous in 1994 when it featured in the iconic Australian film, Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
The twin rocks are one of the first stops on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a six kilometre circuit that covers some of the most magical sights in Kings Canyon and provides a birds eye view of the desert landscape.
The one-way hike begins with a steep climb up 500 steps, before proceeding to Priscilla’s Crack and the first lookout across the canyon, where you can take in 360 degree views of Watarrka National Park.
From there, you’ll come across the Lost City, a collection of sandstone domes resembling an ancient city as well as the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by lush greenery.
Depending on your pace, the iconic Rim Walk typically takes around three to four hours to complete.
While the hike can be self guided, there are also guided walks available. With a guided experience, you can take advantage of an expert guide who can take you through the history and significance of the sacred Indigenous site.
For a shorter hike with incredible views, the Kings Creek Hike follows a trail between the canyon walls.
The 2.6 kilometre return walk has a gentle slope, and takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete!
Luritja Lookout.
A short walk from Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, the Luritja Lookout offers stunning views of the famous George Gill Range.
Named after the traditional owners of the land on which it stands, the Luritja, the lookout is a magical must-see at sunset.
As the sun sets, visitors can enjoy a drink and watch the colours of the sky change before the stars come out.
The lookout is now also the starting point for Bruce Munro’s Light-Towers experience.
Kings Canyon from the air.
Want to take your Kings Canyon trip to the next level? While both the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and the Luritja Lookout provide spectacular views, there’s *nothing* like seeing the Red Centre from the sky.
There are a number of helicopter experiences on offer in Kings Canyon that can give you vast, unimpeded views of Watarrka National Park.
The bird's eye view of the sandstone domes below from a helicopter is truly unforgettable.
Karrke Aboriginal Experience.
Led by members of the local Indigenous community, the Karrke Aboriginal Experience is a one-of-a-kind interactive workshop.
In the one hour experience that runs until October 31, you’ll learn about seasonal bush tucker food, edible tree seeds and grass seeds, and bush medicine plants.
You’ll also get a chance to learn more about Aboriginal dot painting and see the local Indigenous community’s connectedness to the land through their weapons, musical instruments, art, and other locally made Aboriginal artifacts.
Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon will light up Kings Canyon, NT from April 2023. Book your hosted Sunrise and Sunset sessions here.
Feature Image: Instagram/@discoverykingscanyon