You didn’t really think I was done talking about Australia, did you? I recently saw a post on LandLopers that featured a photo from Kings Canyon and it reminded me how many more pictures I had from my time in the Outback.
The sun wasn’t even up yet when I was roused from my swag to hike Kings Canyon, or Watarrka as it is known by the Aboriginal tribes of the area. I learned my lesson from the Uluru hike and dressed in layers that I knew I would take off as the sun rose higher into the sky.
The three hour, six kilometer Canyon Rim Walk begins with grueling stairs cut from the stone, just asking you to slip and fall. I was wheezing within the first third of the stairs and doubting my ability to continue. I’ve only recently learned that it’s called “Heart Attack Hill” and now I know why.
Once we reached the top of the canyon, however, the sun started to coat the red rocks with light, offering views of the surrounding national park.
While I’m not a big fan of hiking, I was glad I did it because it really was worth it. I saw rocks shaped like stacks of pancakes and camels and others with ripple formations from what used to be a sea.
I love this one because it looks like I’m about to fall, but there are many places in the park where you reasonably could fall to your death. There aren’t many barriers protecting visitors.
You could walk over a bridge between boulders and see the remnants of a bridge that collapsed ten years ago. I’m just glad I wasn’t on that bridge when it fell.
After taking a detour from the walk, I found the Garden of Eden, an oasis in the middle of the Outback. You feel like you’re the first human to discover it, like Adam or Eve.
This goofy hat is a photo op that reminds visitors to cover up their ears while hiking the canyon. I obviously couldn’t resist.
Every day they post a warning if the temperatures are at a risky level for visitors.
If You Go
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. This is not a suggestion, but a requirement. It’s smart to go as early as possible because it gets dangerously hot, as you can see from the above picture.
Kings Canyon Resort is the main accommodation in the area, but the rooms start at $200 per night. Kings Creek Station nearby offers cabins, camping and has a pool and camel rides.
*I received a discounted rate for the Groovy Grape Getaways Rock 2 Water tour but all photos of me awkwardly posing with rocks, as well as my opinions, are my own.*
Totally Fantastic Images and Destination, I think you had enjoy lots of there and it seems like adventurous paradise. Thanks for sharing such a nice places :)