Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park)

Kings Creek Station Resident

Left Yulara Sunday morning and headed east on the Lasseter Highway passed Curtin Springs and then turned north on Luritja Road and onwards to Kings Canyon a further 170 kilometres. The Canyon is situated in the Watarrka National Park and encompasses the western end of the George Gill Range and as we climbed and traversed this winding road we could see the West Macdonnells in the distance. About seventy kilometres from the turn off we saw the unsealed corrugated dirt road which is a shortcut back to Alice Springs. Don't think we will use this on the return journey.

Kings Canyon &The Count and Countess of No Account

Ten kilometres out of the Kings Creek Station we start to see Australia's version of the Grand Canyon. Elevation 2017 feet according to the sign - no metric here, or phone and internet. Camped overnight at this working cattle station which is also an exporter of camels and the largest camel station in Aus (there's that "biggest" title again). These one's have really sweet faces.

The Canyon is breathtaking to walk into especially with the late afternoon sun casting highlights and shadows across the rocky base. The Luritja people have been the custodians of the Wartarrka area for thousands of years. We took the Kings Creek (Wartarrka Karu) walk along a very rocky and moist river bed which is rich in plant life inlcuding red river gums, wattles, grevilleas, bottle brushes, all in flower, and many more to numerous to mention in this space. Some of the rock formations have a beehive shape with a circular pattern and layers of different colours. I will let the photos do the talking.

The Bottom of the Canyon

Layer upon Layer

Monday back to the Alice and a stop off for lunch at Erldunda. Home made meat pie for me (very yummy pastry), and Ade broke the chain and had chicken and chips. Just past the turnoff on the side of the road I spied two enormous Wedge Tail Eagles, black and bronze in colour, waiting for some unsuspecting prey I suspect. Magnificent sight!




A different caravan park in Alice Springs this time with clean amenities and grassed areas. Wish we could have had the woofs here first time round. Tomorrow we will investigate the West MacDonnell Ranges.