http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/439307_watarrka-national-park-australia.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:08:11 GMT Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:08:11 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/439307_watarrka-national-park-australia.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1162206_Kings-Canyon-Scenic-Desert-Royalty http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1162206_Kings-Canyon-Scenic-Desert-Royalty Articles Australia Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:06:37 The harsh desert landscapes of the 'red centre' of Australia are as unforgiving and brutal as they are beautiful. Stretching as far as the eye can see are miles and miles of sunbaked earth, seemingly devoid of feature except for -
The harsh desert landscapes of the 'red centre' of Australia are as unforgiving and brutal as they are beautiful. Stretching as far as the eye can see are miles and miles of sunbaked earth, seemingly devoid of feature except for


The harsh desert landscapes of the 'red centre' of Australia are as unforgiving and brutal as they are beautiful. Stretching as far as the eye can see are miles and miles of sunbaked earth, seemingly devoid of feature except for resilient shrubbery, large dunes and strange geological features. Yet desert regions are becoming increasingly popular with tourists for different reasons their stark beauty their vastness and perhaps the feeling of complete detachment from modernity they provide. The Northern Territory of Australia, because of its amazing array of desert landscapes and the large number of attractions within them, is able to capitalise on this increasing interest. One place that has benefited, and rightly so, is the Watarrka National Park.

Situated on the Western edge of the George Gill Ranges, this park is a 310 kilometre drive west of Alice Springs. Its a very important conservation area, characterised by numerous rock holes and gorges, which together with their river system support over 600 species of plants and many animals. The main feature is the aweinspiring Kings Canyon, a large chasm that cleaves the earth to a depth of 270 metres in some places. Its high walls protect thick forests of palms and cycads from the harsh sun, allowing them to flourish on the gorge floor and up its sides. A ranger station lies 20 kilometres away from the canyon and provides a worthwhile introduction to the flora and fauna of the Park, as well as to its history.

The only way to truly experience the beauty of the canyon is to go on either of the two walking tracks that take you away from the central viewing spots that can become rather crowded. This allows you to experience the solitude of the Australian outback first hand, and really appreciate the vegetation and the fauna likely to be encountered. There are signs along the way that highlight points of interest, one popular favourite being the Garden of Eden, a secluded valley where large clumps of palm trees surround a deep waterhole. Another central attraction is the 'Lost City', a series of beehivelike rock formations that resemble the ruins of an ancient city. The walls of the king Canyon are especially impressive when the sun is rising or setting, and the soft orange glow reflects off their steep sides.

A smaller gorge lying about 20 kilometres from Kings Canyon is Kathleen Gorge, at the head of which is a delightful waterhole called Kathleen Springs. This tranquil and spring fed waterhole is popular amongst walkers, who make use of the easy going demarcated trail that is suitable for children or the unfit or those with limited mobility. There are signs along the gorge that tell stories about the local Aboriginals and also the cattle industry of the region. The waterhole itself is a cool and moist place that provides a refreshing break after the walk and gentle relief from the hot sun.

A longer and more arduous walk is the Giles Track, which is a 22 kilometre trail running between Kings Canyon and Kathleen Gorge. This should not be attempted without planning and preparation, but along its length you will encounter stunning vistas, impressive natural wonders and the remains of ancient Aboriginal art and culture. Remember to take lots of water, and to register with the rangers before attempting the walk.

Another popular attraction for travellers here is the Kings Creek Station. This is a large camel and cattle ranch where you can stay in a shady camp ground with other tourists or book into the safari cabin set amongst the natural bush. A large swimming pool provides welcome relief from the heat, and you just have to try a Kings Creek Camel Burger, famous the world over! An easy stroll will get you to the George Gill lookout, from where you can see the whole range laid out before you. The owners here are friendly and welcoming in typical outback style, making it a great place to base yourself for your exploration of Watarrka Park.

So if its a holiday with a difference your after, one where you can reestablish your connections with nature and the environment and enjoy some genuine time on your own or with your family in beautiful settings, then look no further than the Watarrka National Park. The best way to get here is to fly into Alice Springs and pick up a hire car there and drive the rest of the distance to the park. You could always make a tour of it and include Uluru (Ayers Rock) on your travel itinerary, as that lies about 300 kilometres south. However you design your itinerary, no doubt you will be blown away by the spectacular desert scenery and the wide open spaces.
Details & Reservations: Kings Canyon Scenic Desert Royalty
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]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156780_The-Kings-Canyon-Outback-Royalty http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156780_The-Kings-Canyon-Outback-Royalty Articles Australia Wed, 07 May 2008 00:05:50 The centre of Australia is dominated by millions of square kilometres of sunbaked red earth, punctuated irregularly by geological features that vary in their degree of spectacle from interesting to completely mind blowing. Modern tourists seem to be -
The centre of Australia is dominated by millions of square kilometres of sunbaked red earth, punctuated irregularly by geological features that vary in their degree of spectacle from interesting to completely mind blowing. Modern tourists seem to be


The centre of Australia is dominated by millions of square kilometres of sunbaked red earth, punctuated irregularly by geological features that vary in their degree of spectacle from interesting to completely mind blowing. Modern tourists seem to be on a quest for seclusion as the world gets smaller and smaller we are running out of places to escape the 'madding crowd', so we are broadening the scope of destinations we visit. As a result deserts are seeing a surge in the number of annual visitors, as no where else can really offer the isolation and the wide open spaces of a desert. Various spots in the Australian Red centre have benefited from this shift in trends, and one such spot is the Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory, home to the majestic Kings Canyon.

When in the Alice Springs region a campervan tour to Kings Canyon is a novel way to get out on the road and see some amazing scenery. 350 kilometres south west of Alice, Watarrka National Park lies on the Western Side of the George Gill Ranges, and is characterised by high sided gorges and mountainous rocky landscapes, all showing the same red hue that is seen across most of the outback. As an important conservation area the Park is home to over 600 species of flora and fauna, many of them very rare, and all of them adapted to the desert environment in weird and wonderful ways think jumping snakes, bearded dragons and thorny lizards!

The main feature of the Park is Kings canyon. At its deepest point it reaches some 270 metres in depth, and its high walls provide protection for the forests of palms and cycads that flourish on its walls and floor. The area has a rich and interesting Aboriginal history, and has been home to the Luritja people for more than 20 000 years. Westerners are relative newcomers to its charms, with the first white man to discover it being Ernest Giles in 1872. Today it is one of the most visited areas in the Northern Territory, and caters towards thousands of visitors a month. There is a visitors centre about 20 kilometres away from the gorge, and although this isnt always manned it provides a good introduction to the history, culture and attractions of the region.

The best way to see Kings Canyon is to take one of the walking trails into the canyon, past the best viewing points and normally away from the crowds. A short and easy walk leads into the centre of Kings Canyon, and is suitable for kids or anyone with mobility difficulties. Theres is a longer one (6 kilometres), which takes about three hours to complete and goes along the canyon rim. From various points on this one you can see such attractions as The 'Lost City', which is a series of beehive like rock formations that look like an ancient ruins. Another is the Garden of Eden, a deliciously cool valley with serene waterholes surrounded by lush vegetation.

The Kings Canyon has a little sister too, it lies nearby and is known as Kathleen Gorge. This gorge has a spring fed waterhole at its head known as Kathleen Springs, which are popular amongst bushwalkers looking to cool off after a hot day in the sun. There are a number of bushwalks here that are suitable for children, and there is even one that joins up with Kings Canyon. This should only be attempted by the very fit, and rangers must be notified about your walk before you set out. Many people choose to overnight on this walk, as it is a long distance to cover in a single day.

Being such an isolated spot, accommodation out here is fairly limited. Kings Creek Station is a camel and cattle ranch that has a large and shady campsite where you can park up your motorhome with the other campers. There are also safari like lodgings for travellers who arent into the camping thing! A restaurant and a swimming pool complete the creature comforts, and dont visit here without trying one of their infamous camel burgers!

Your journey to Kings Canyon can go through a number of places. You can include the East Macdonnell Ranges in it, then return to Alice via Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the West Macdonnell Ranges. Research is required here, and you will need to adjust your trip and where you go according to how long you have on your holiday. However long you take and whichever places you visit this holiday is likely to instill a deep affectation for desert environments in you, and be warned it is hard to get rid of. So I guess we'll be seeing you again next year!
Details & Reservations: The Kings Canyon Outback Royalty
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

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