Hiking in Australia: Kings Canyon
Return distance: 4 miles (6km). Total elevation gain: 250 metres.
To be cautious of: rocky sections and possible extreme heat.
The heart of the country
In the heart of Australia, near Uluru – the most famous landmark in the country – you can also find Kings Canyon, a place worth visiting in its own right. Much of the centre of Australia, including the Northern Territories it’s situated in, is dry and desolate. So much so, it is hard to comprehend how life exists there. Yet, every now and then, in the flat, dusty desert, significant landmarks rise out of the earth.
Kings Canyon was visible from miles away, as the red hills sit above the bushy outback, and below a clear blue sky. On the morning of the hike, we arrived around 7am, to avoid the punishing afternoon sun. It also helped avoid any queues on the popular route. At 6km (around 4 miles), it isn’t a long hike, but there is a steady incline with unstable ground in parts to be weary of. It served as a fun warm up before heading to see Uluru around 3 and a half hours’ drive away.
Up we go
The Rim Walk trail starts with a steady incline up to the top of the canyon, raising heart rates immediately. The benefit is that the ascent offers continually improving and wide-ranging views. Stopping to admire the scene is a good excuse to catch your breath.
The climb requires a moderate level of fitness, though it should be manageable for most walkers. And once at the top, the walk remains fairly level for the majority of the trail, until the descent at the finale. Here, though, is where you will be exposed to the sun. The mornings of the desert are much cooler and pleasant enough to walk in. Once the land has had time to heat up, the temperature can become intense. Bring a hat and plenty of water.
The views
The most striking feature of this hike is that you follow the edge of the canyon, and the trail loops, the terrain is ever-changing and always dramatic. As we walked through large rock formations beside us, we were treated to a variety of views from several angles, showing different dimensions of the valleys below. We could see far and wide, over the canyon and beyond, to the surrounding outback.
My favourite viewpoint was standing at the end of the canyon, looking between the stone walls on either side, to the entrance opposite us. Be mindful, there are steep drops down. Along the way you will also pass the Lost City, a mysterious arrangement of domes made of sandstone.
Finishing early
We walked at a reasonable rate, but had plenty of stops for photos, including of a tiny lizard that had broken cover and ran beneath our feet. Unfortunately, toward the end of the hike, one in our group injured his foot when clambering down the rocks on the descent – an area to take care in. Even with a limping companion, we finished the trail before the midday sun hit us and avoided the draining afternoon temperatures that often pass 30 degrees Celsius.
All in all, it is an enjoyable hike that delivers great views. It is relatively accessible for capable walkers, with a few challenging sections. I would recommend Kings Canyon as an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique area of the world – the Australian Outback – and explore a remarkable destination.
