Kings Canyon is well worth the extra kms to see. Arrive and stay at your accomodation ready to get up early and do the Rim or Creek walk. Avoid the heat of the day. In summer the Rim walk is closed at 9 am and the Creek walk at 11 am. Need to be fit and healthy for the Rim walk. Creek walk is easily negotiated.
We took an AAT Kings tour up to Kings Canyon. The day started out very early (4am) as it was a long drive from Ayers Rock and we had to start our hike of the Canyon before 9am. The coach driver, Isaac was very friendly and informative. We saw wild Brumbies, cattle, dingo, lots of frogs and birds. Isaac explained the countryside, the animals and the people that live in the outback. When we got to the Canyon is was showery so a bit slippery and wet. We did the 6km rim walk which was spectacular. The first 500mts is straight up rocky stairs but it wasn't to bad . The whole walk was over rocky terrain so definitely wear sturdy comfortable shoes. As it was wet we got to see the waterfall flowing down into the Garden of Eden, which is a rare site as it doesn't rain much there. The views from the rim were absolutely stunning. So many changing rocks faces and crevices especially in the wet. When we finally got down to the bottom we had to cross the Kings Creek which was flowing because of the rain. It was up to our knees but is was refreshing on the feet after the rough walk. We then went by bus to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch but didn't get to see much of it as it was to wet. Some of the Highway was flooded on the way back but we were able to get through. The next 2 days that road was closed as it was a metre under water and impassable. Word of advise if going in the wet session, make sure you keep an eye on the forever changing weather. Kings Canyon definitely worth the visit but if hot make sure you have plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellant as he flies are terrible.
We did the Rim Walk an a rainy day, which is not too bad given how hot it must be when it's sunny. The view once at the top is impressive!
Started the walk up the "heart attack hill" before sunrise. From there it's just beautiful all the way. The walk is about 7-8km a little up and down, but not too bad. Amazing scenery along the way, just need to have the camera ready at all time.
a must do if you are in the red centre. We hired a car and drove there ourselves gives you freedom. 3.5 hours from Ayers Rock city.
If you are going to do the rim walk set off early to avoid the heat and the rush. Plus on days of over 36 degree c the gates close at 9.30. We started at 5.30. After a steep climb (no more than 30 minutes) it is relatively easy going. The views and photo opportunities are fab. Official timing is 3 1/2 hours, we did in 2 hours. A must see.
Did the rim walk in October 2011 after a steep climb up heart attack hill the walk was pretty easy.....the visit to the garden of Eden was really nice a beautiful place.If you are visiting Uluru make sure you see Kings Canyon.
We were staying at Ayers Rock Resort and we left there at around 6am to make the drive to Kings Canyon to do the 6km rim walk. We unfortunately arrived just before 9am and the ranger had just closed the 6km Rim walk however she said we could do the South Wall walk ( which basically is the last hour of the Rim Walk). It took us just over 2 hours in total to walk from the base near the carpark up the hundreds of stairs (long gradual climb) up to the top of the South Wall canyon and then back down again. We were finished by 11.20am. I was concerned that I would have been able to do the Rim Walk with the reviews I had read about the steep incline at the beginning so I actually preferred the South Wall walk as the climb was gradual, with a lot of stairs.It was beautiful to see the views as we got higher. The rock formations are fabulous and once we got to the top it was great to see the canyon. We really had a feeling of freedom as there were very few people around at the top. Most passed us as we were still climbing, on their way back down.As everyone else says you must take plenty of water. The ranger said one litre per person per hour. The Rim Walk is 3-4 hour and the South Wall walk we did was just over 2 hours.I'd highly recommend anyone travelling to Uluru to also hire a car and get out to Kings Canyon. The drive is easy, approx 3 hours, and worth it for a day trip. We passed horses and cattle on the side of the road. We ate lunch after the walk at Kings Canyon Resort bistro. Burgers, salads etc on the menu. After the walk the food was very much appreciated.
If your booked on atour and this is on the list - you will be in for a treat. Walking the rim is hard initially and then you are rewarded with views and scenery. If an uphill walk is not an option then a walk into the canyon basin is very easy and you can see the rim walkers far above. something for everyone in this natural canyon.
We chose to go into the canyon on a 43 degree day and please be aware that as you go into the canyon there is no air. Take heaps of water and pace yourself. It really is worth the walk down the bottom - just to look up at it is incredible.