Kings Canyon & Watarrka National Park

There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre. Watarrka/Kings Canyon National Park is within the Red Centre.

The Red Centre has 4 typical seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. The Red Centre is prone to extremes, with hot summer days (from December to February) and cold winter nights (June to August). Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight in winter and it can get very cold in the desert. Winter is the most popular time to visit as the days are crisp, cool and not too hot.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) in the Red Centre bring warm days and cool evenings. Read more about the NT’s weather and seasons.

Watarrka NP/Kings Canyon is approx. 4 hours drive from Alice Springs and 3.5 hours drive from Ayers Rock Airport.

By air - Alice Springs is the gateway to the Red Centre and its well-equipped airport is one of two Red Centre arrival points (Ayers Rock Airport is the other) for visitors travelling by air. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines, providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world. Regular flights operate between Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru.

By road - Journey by road to the NT on well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and cities in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT, explore these driving routes around the Territory.

The only real way to get around Kings Canyon is by driving your own vehicle or a hire car picked up at Alice Springs or Yulara. There are no taxis or shuttle bus services.

Beyond Watarrka NP/Kings Canyon, 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Find more information about the Territory’s popular driving routes.

Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.

There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures found throughout the  Red Centre.

Take a locally-guided tour; explore the galleries and attractions along the Territory Art Trails or take a road trip through the Red Centre to Kings Canyon.

The Territory welcomes travellers of all abilities and aims to empower visitors with the necessary information to confidently plan your holiday. In the NT accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the compassionate and helpful nature of its locals.

Discover a variety of accommodation, tours and attractions tailored to different access needs, including hearing loss, vision loss, wheelchair access, and high support requirements. You can narrow down your search by region and accessibility preferences. If you can't find your preferred tour or attraction, we suggest contacting the business directly to find out about their accessibility. Many tourism operators are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.

Safety in any destination depends on various factors. Respect the environment, be aware of wildlife hazards, and stay informed about weather conditions and happenings in the local area. By being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy exploring the Northern Territory confidently.

While the Northern Territory has remote and rugged areas, it’s essential to take the usual precautions you’d take anywhere. Park Rangers, signage boards and online guides increase safety for visitors. As with any travel experience, exercise common sense, follow guidelines, and you’ll have a safe experience.

Visitors to national parks in the NT, including Watarrka National Park/Kings Canyon,require a Park Pass from NT Parks and Wildlife.