Kings Canyon Rim Walk (incl. Garden of Eden)

If this place were not so remote from civilization, Watarrka National Park would be overrun by tourists. Although Kings Canyon is the main attraction in the wider area, we only encounter a few others here. We don't really feel alone, because here too there is the obligatory company of a multitude of flies. On hot desert days like today, hikers are required to start their trek before 9:00 am. So we are ready in time for our adventure.

Naturally, our sights are set on the most famous walk: the Rim Walk. This is a walk that takes us in a loop of six kilometers along the most beautiful places. The walk is known as fairly tough (4/5) and it takes us about four hours. Unless you're physically on the brink, there's no need to be afraid to explore this beautiful place. You do need to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring enough water with you.

The hardest part of the walk is right at the start. Our perseverance is tested with a steep climb to the highest point of the canyon. This flank is not called Heartbreak Hill for nothing. Puff and sweat under the blazing desert sun!

Fortunately, we haven't gotten tired of seeing those bright red rocks yet, because that is the main main attraction in this arid area. But don't worry, because the walk will soon become much more varied. In addition, we get an increasingly extensive overview of the desert heart of Australia. Once the challenging climb has been overcome, the path follows a fairly flat course. Now we walk in a narrow cliff where palm trees seek shelter in the shade. Then again the plateau of Kings Canyon unfolds and we are treated to a majestic view into the canyon.

It is not a time to get dizzy from the height, because the best views are found right at the edge of the canyon. We are fascinated by the strange plants that grow in this bone-dry rock landscape. We have already seen a lot of eucalyptus trees during our trip through Australia, but they remain beautiful. With their white trunks and green/blue leaves, they contrast beautifully against the red background.

About half way through the walk we choose to take a side road. This takes us via steep stairs to the bottom of a deep gorge.

Here we find a lush oasis full of plants. In the Garden of Eden there is permanent water: precious commodity in the desert. The sandstone acts like a sponge that collects all the rainwater from this oasis. It should come as no surprise that especially here the diversity of plants really becomes indescribable. Plants from a tropical past, pushed back by the desert, have managed to survive in the Garden of Eden. We take our time here to sit down and enjoy this beautiful place.

The second half of the hike follows the canyon plateau. The sandstone here is so weathered that layers have formed, a bit like slate. This gives the landscape an otherworldly atmosphere. A little later the path goes back down. Where we previously enjoyed spectacular views, the sandstone rock walls rise up next to us again.