Watarrka National Park

Fact Sheet

Watarrka National Park, What to do Safety and Comfort synonymous with Kings Canyon, Walking - Before • Observe park safety signs. contains the western end of the undertaking any of the • Carry and drink plenty of George Gill Range. This scenic following walks, consider your water. landscape of rugged ranges, personal health, fitness and • Wear a shady hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable rockholes and moist gorges acts available time. clothing and footwear. as a refuge for many plants and Check the temperature gauge at • Avoid strenuous activity animals. This makes the Park an the start of the Canyon walks. during the heat of the day. important conservation area and a • Consider your health and major visitor attraction in Central The Kings Creek Walk (2.6 kms, fitness when choosing a walk. Australia. one hour return). The gentle slope of the track meanders up Please Remember • Keep to designated roads and Access Kings Creek to a lookout point. The Park is located southwest of tracks. This walk is suitable for families. and can be reached • All historic, cultural items and Wheelchairs can access the first wildlife are protected. via a number of routes: 700 metres. • Firewood collection is not • via the , permitted in the park. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk (6 • Fires are not permitted in the and Luritja kms loop, 3-4 hours). After an park. Road (sealed roads). initial steep climb the walk offers • Bins are not provided, please • via through take your rubbish with you. spectacular views from the the West MacDonnell • Pets are permitted on a leash Canyon rim. National Park. A Mereenie in the Kings Canyon carpark Along the way are the weathered, only. Loop pass is required to travel • Please do not throw rocks buttressed domes of the ‘Lost this route and is available from over cliff edges, as there may the Alice Springs Tourist City’ and the ‘Garden of Eden’, a be people below. Information Centre, Glen sheltered valley with permanent Helen Resort and Kings waterholes and lush vegetation. Canyon Resort. This walk is suitable for fit and Emergencies - Emergency • via the Stuart Highway, Ernest experienced walkers. For safety Call Devices are located on Giles Road (4WD essential) reasons, the track must be walked the Kings Canyon Walk and at and . in a clockwise direction. This the Canyon car park. Please use When to visit minimises traffic congestion, track them to contact the Rangers in an The Park is accessible all year erosion and vegetation emergency only. Two first aid round. The cooler months (April degradation. boxes are located at the top of the to September) are the most Kathleen Springs Walk (2.6 kms, Canyon. Refer to the map on the pleasant. 1.5 hour return) leads to a ‘Be prepared for walking’ sign in Overnight camping in tents delightful spring-fed waterhole, the shelter at the Canyon carpark. or campervans is not suitable for families and accessible to wheelchairs. permitted in the National Park. Walkers planning extended and Commercial motel and camping The Giles Track (22 km, 2 overnight walks are strongly days) traverses the top of accommodation is the only option advised to register with the the range from Kathleen Springs available for visitors wishing to Walker Registration Scheme to Kings Canyon with a halfway stay overnight at Watarrka. Kings (Phone: 1300 650 730). Canyon Resort Ph: (08) 8956 7442. entrance/exit point at Reedy Kings Creek Station Creek/Lilla. Ph: (08) 8956 7474.

Parks & Wildlife Service of the Regional Office - Arid Zone Research Institute, Tom Hare Building South Stuart Highway ALICE SPRINGS NT 0870 PO Box 2130 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871 Ph: (08) 8951 8211 Fax: (08) 8951 8290 Watarrka National Park Fact Sheet

A/6/2005PWSNT For more information see our website: www.nt.gov.au/ipe/pwcnt/ or contact Central Australian Tourism (08) 8952 5800