Kings Canyon

Some 325 km. south-west of Alice Springs, Kings Canyon is one of The Centre's most spectacular attractions. Named in 1872 by explorer Ernest Giles after Fieldon King, a sponsor of his expedition, the 100 metre high, sheer walls of the canyon rise from the creek bed in which there are numerous rock pools and lush vegetation, including Cycad Palms, ancient in their origin.

In 1960, the Cotterill family first saw Kings Canyon, realised its tourism potential, and in 1961 opened Wallara Ranch, some 100km. away, and now, unfortunately, closed. It provided accommodation and operated tours to the canyon by 4 wheel drive. The Cotterills used an old Dodge Weapons-carrier and a drag to cut their own road 60 kilometres towards the canyon from Wallara merely four decades ago.

In 1983 Kings Canyon was zoned a National Park from the Cotterill's humble beginnings which saw only a few hundred visitors in a year, more than that now visit in a day. Wallara Ranch was run by Jim Cotterill and his wife Mardi, who now operate Jim's Place at Orange Creek on the Stuart Highway going to Alice Springs. A monument to his father, the late Jack Cotterill, is located in the car park at the base of the climb to the top of the canyon.

This climb is made up a hill to the left of the car park facing into the canyon. Features on the top include the 'Lost City' a series of massive domes which dominate the landscape, the 'Garden of Eden'- a valley on a higher level than the creek bed of the canyon, which can be reached by a short descent from the canyon top, and which has extensive foliage, cool, clear rock-pools and an abundance of bird-life 'Aladdin's Lamp'- an unusual rock formation near two small bridges across a narrow chasm; 'Lilliput'- a collection of tiny rock formations resembling tiny people; and of course the spectacular views from every angle of the canyon itself.

The canyon area is a phenomenum in its own right. It is easy to spend several days wandering around its vast area exploring its unique beauty. For this reason it is wise to book into the visitor complex at the canyon, or Kings Creek Station, a short distance away.

Kings Canyon is a very special part of touring Central Australia and can easily be included in a round trip to Ayers Rock.