Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is located in the Northern Territory, within the Watarrka National Park, and is about 323 km south west of Alice Springs.

The best way to explore the canyon is by doing one of the hikes.There are a few tracks to choose from such as the 6 km Kings Canyon Walk, the 2.6 km Creek Walk or even the 22 km Giles Track Walk.

I did the 2.6 km hike as the other tracks were closed by 9am the day I got there due to the heat, but this walk still gives such spectacular views of the canyon and leads you right into the heart of the canyon.

Things to bring with you include:

• At least one litre of water

• Hiking shoes or trainers

• Sunhat

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

I went in March, which is the end of Summer in Oz but still extremely hot here in the outback. It is recommended to start early and be finished by midday so you are not hiking in the scorching sun.

Once you get your first glimpse of the spectacular views you will be inspired to keep climbing and hiking until you reach the top, although the short track that I took is a very easy walk and anyone can do it!

There are so many places and lookouts you will want to stop and take photos along the way, taking in the incredible scenery and pinching yourself that this is real! This walking track gives you incredible views of the gorge, the surrounding sandstone landscape and maze of weathered rock domes.

It is important to be very careful as there are no railings or fences in place, and the walls of the canyon are over 100 metres high.

The sandstone of Kings Canyon was laid approximately 440 million years ago, around the same time that the very first life appeared on land. The formation of the impressive Kings Canyon is due to erosion from either high wind or water. The south wall is smooth and angular, however the north wall has jagged, uneven edges and this is due to the sandstone breaking on vertical faults.

This impressive and stunning landscape in the Red Centre is the result of the sandstone domes having been shaped by weathering over millions of years.

No trip to the outback is complete without visiting the magical Kings Canyon and hiking your way around the vast beauty of the sandstone formations, the colossal walls of the structure and the stunning gorge.