Kings Creek Walk - The Joy of Missing Out
We had been toying with the idea of walking the rim in the late afternoon for sunset, but the deep fear of heights kept taking over. The constant trickle of people heading up Heartbreak Hill had me feeling disappointed in my crippling anxiety over the thought of being stuck on a crowded ledge, the fear building up inside.
On our first night, we had actually sat at the stunning bar at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, overlooking the Light-Towers installation, nursing our drinks and watching the lights glow brighter as the sun slipped behind the ranges. We had just assumed we were going to miss out on the magic of the canyon experience and explore the surrounding trails. We tucked into surprisingly delicious wood fired pizzas at the Kings Canyon Bar & Grill, resigning ourselves to this, but little did I know that the alternative would be so profound.
As the sun started to dip the next day, we headed to the Kings Creek path a few kilometres back out of the main park area. While everyone else flocked to the rim walk or gathered for the light installations, we found ourselves entering a blissful secret. The afternoon drive had a strange sense of calm with the landscape glowing and the red towers in the distance, we drove in silence, both taking it in.
Parking, we headed in to the path, not expecting more than a short hike on flat ground. We wandered slowly up the level path and instantly felt the soft cool air start to settle on our skin, the smell of damp earth and gum leaves encouraging us to slow down and breathe in this intoxicating air.
As we walked, bird song started to become louder, and then a trickling as we turned the corner, stumbling into the rocks that signalled the end of the clear path at the foot of a small pool mirroring the gum trees and the ember glow of the peaks hidden still behind the wall. Stunned into silence, we stopped to take this in, believing we were at the end of the path. For a while we just enjoyed having this secret oasis completely to ourselves.
Then we realised we could walk over the rocks quite easily, and another dirt path hugging the wall became visible. Following this, the ancient walls surrounding us glowing burnt saffron in the afternoon sun, we came to a landing with bench seats. Lying on these and just staring in awe up at this ancient natural cathedral, my anxiety just melted away. The crescent moon peeping over the ridge in a still blue sky gave a perspective shift that stays with me even today. My eyes following the tiny figures moving like ants along the ridge high above, the rim walkers, and I exhaled deeply with a whole-body release.
It was the joy of missing out.
Travelling to Watarrka NP aka Kings Canyon
The journey to Kings Canyon is an iconic Red Centre experience, whether you are coming from Alice Springs, approximately 470km via the bitumen, or Uluru, approximately three and a half hours. If you want to see the canyon from the ultimate vantage point without the vertigo of the rim walk, helicopter tours provide a breathtaking perspective of the George Gill Range.
Accessibility
The path is fully sealed and wheelchair accessible from the carpark to the pool area which is so pretty, about half way to the lookout deck. To get to the deck does require climbing over some rocks and walking along a dirt path, then stairs up to the wide deck and bench chairs. This was a very sensory friendly and quiet place with incredible views that I highly recommend. In warmer seasons (Sep to Apr) there will be flies so be prepared, a fly net is a good idea.
Fuel and Logistics
Preparation is key for this stretch of road. Start with a full tank in Alice Springs, then top up at Erldunda Roadhouse at the intersection of the Stuart and Lasseter Highways. You can also find fuel at Stuarts Well Roadhouse, home to the local emus, and Curtin Springs Inn. Your final chances to refuel are at Kings Creek Station or the Kings Canyon Resort.
Safety and Wildlife
While driving these desert roads or exploring the waterholes within Watarrka National Park, please be mindful of the local residents. It is common to see dingoes and wild horses along the way. While they are a beautiful and iconic part of the territory, they are wild animals and can be dangerous. Always maintain a respectful distance, never feed them, and remain vigilant behind the wheel to ensure a safe and awe-inspiring trip.
Written with ♥ by Kelly
