18th - 19th August, 2020
From Uluru to Kings Canyon is a 326km drive and unless you want to endure a few hours of corrugated road through the Mereenie LoopRoad back to Alice Springs it is the only way in or out. We chose to back track back to the Uluru turn off and then back to the Stuart Highway via Erlduna. Having said that the detour is well worth the effort, with spectacular view and scenery.
We spent two nights at the Kings Canyon Resort in the campground, and although it is quite pricey it was actually a pretty nice campground, with a service station and tavern within walking distance.
After settling in we drove the 5km to Kings Canyon and did the Kings Creek hike which is a 2.6km easy walk through the centre of the two canyon walls. Quite imposing to look up at the sheer cliff faces. We then went and did the Kathleen Springs walk that is a 2.4km easy walk that leads to a waterhole at the end of the gorge. Beautiful spot to sit and take in the views. Then it was time to go and check out The Thirsty Dingo bar for a few drinks.
Day two we got up early and headed out to Kings Canyon to do the Rim Walk which is a 6km circuit around the top of the canyon. The worst part being the 500 steps up the side of a cliff you have to climb to get to the top. Let’s just say there were multiple stops to get to the top but once you get there the view is amazing. The canyon looks like an ancient city you would see in a movie with all the sandstone domes. Also lots of cliff views of which Jeff could not get enough of or close enough too – much to my horror !! At one stage he was standing on a slim piece of sandstone with nothing underneath it – might have been why there were warnings not to go near the edge. I think he nearly pooed his pants when he saw what he was standing on LOL. Half way around you cross a gorge and walk down to a Garden of Eden where there is a large waterhole, great spot to have a rest from all the climbing, the worst part is you have to climb back up multiple stairs to get back to the top of the canyon. The views down between the two canyons is just spectacular and the colours of the sandstone walls is amazing. This is truly a must to visit. The walk took us about 3.5 hours but we took our time and enjoyed the walk, it was a fantastic walk DOWN the gorge !!
A much needed beer and counter meal was enjoyed at the Thirsty Dingo bar that night – after wall we were too stuffed to cook !!! Oh and would you believe Jeff ran into a mate he hadn’t seen for 10 years of all places at the Thirsty Dingo bar !!!
Next stop Alice Springs:-)
