Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Trek the challenging 22km Giles Track in Australia's stunning Watarrka National Park, located near Kings Canyon. This Grade 4 (hard) trail, best completed over two days, winds through rugged terrain with spectacular views and requires adequate preparation, fitness, and experience. The track starts at Kathleen Springs and ends at Kings Canyon, with recommended camping at Reedy Creek. Remember to carry enough water, avoid hiking in peak summer heat, and always inform someone about your plans.

Length:

22km

Duration:

2 days

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 785m

Min elevation: 624m

Total Ascent: 389m

Start: Kathleen Springs Rest Area

End: Kings Canyon Car Park

Watarrka National Park

Northern Territory

Nearby town: Watarrka Resort

From state capital: 1,804km

Latitude: -24.342903233557205

Longitude: 131.67963446767342

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Essential information

Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April. It can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily. Check forecast temperatures before you visit.

Hike overview

The Giles Track offers a challenging yet rewarding 22-kilometer journey through the heart of Watarrka National Park, connecting Kathleen Springs and Kings Canyon. This remote adventure is best undertaken as a two-day hike, but day walks starting or finishing at Lilla carpark are also possible.

Before heading out on the Giles Track, thorough preparation is crucial. Download an information sheet and map from the Parks website or Kings Canyon Resort Reception. The track can be tackled in either direction, though Kathleen Springs to Kings Canyon is the recommended route.

The Giles Track is graded 4 (hard), demanding a good level of fitness and experience. Hikers should be self-sufficient, capable of carrying adequate food, water, and sleeping gear for the duration of their trek.

Orange arrows mark the trail at regular intervals, but due to the rugged terrain, it's advisable to locate the next marker before leaving the previous one behind.

While there's limited drinking water available at Kings Canyon and Kathleen Springs trailheads, Lilla offers none. Be sure to carry enough water for the entire journey, as creeks and rockholes are typically dry.

Extreme heat can be a serious threat. Avoid undertaking the Giles Track during peak summer months (typically November-March), as high temperatures pose significant risks. On exceptionally hot days exceeding 36°C, the Kings Canyon track entrance closes by 11am.

Always inform a reliable person about your hiking plans and arrange transportation back upon completion. Fill out the logbooks provided at Kings Canyon, Lilla, and Kathleen Springs. While rangers may not check these logs regularly, accurate information is crucial in case of an emergency.

The Giles Track promises an adventure unlike any other. With meticulous planning, respect for the environment, and a sense of adventure, you'll be well on your way to traversing this remote yet rewarding trek.

Camping

Camping at Watarrka National Park is only permitted for people walking the Giles Track. Walkers can camp anywhere between the 3km and 20km markers, but the best place to camp is Reedy Creek. Camping fees apply and campsites must be booked online before you arrive.

Please Remember

Stay on the marked tracks and follow the track markers.
Stay at least 2m from cliff edges.
All historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected.
Bins are not provided, please carry your rubbish out with you.
Pets are permitted on a leash in the Kings Canyon and Kathleen Springs carparks only.
Throwing rocks into the Canyon is dangerous and illegal. Please report any rock-throwing or graffiti to a Park Ranger.
A permit is required for Drone use – conditions apply and it must be obtained prior to your arrival in the Park.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Practical information

Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Watarrka Adventure:

Observe park safety signs.
Pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply often, especially during the harsh midday sun.
Carry plenty of water and sip regularly throughout your visit.
Opt for comfortable, lightweight, and breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots will provide good traction on uneven terrain.
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (typically midday). Plan your hikes for the cooler mornings or evenings.
Be honest about your fitness level when selecting a walking trail. Park maps can help you choose the right path for your abilities.
Download free interactive park maps onto your phone or tablet before you arrive.
Walkers planning extended and overnight walks should notify a reliable person of their intended route and walk plans. Carry a satellite phone or personal locator beacon.

Emergencies
If someone is in urgent need of medical attention, you can contact a Park Ranger using the Emergency Radio Call Devices (ECD). There are three call devices located along the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and one near the carpark’s safety information shelter. Basic first aid equipment and emergency water is available from the emergency first aid boxes at the top of the Canyon. Avoid leaving an injured person alone. Stay with them to administer first aid and send another person to get help, with careful note of your location. The Park Ranger Station is situated 2.1km east of the Canyon turn-off, then a further 2 km off the Luritja Road. Please note, this is strictly for emergency situations only.

Heat Management Strategy
When the temperature is forecast to be 36°C or above*, visitors wishing to undertake the Rim Walk need to start their walk before 9.00am. On days when the temperature is forecast to be 36°C or above*, visitors wishing to undertake the South Wall Return Walk need to start their walk before 11.00am. Signs at the safety information shelter and the television with weather forecast will be updated daily to indicate current access conditions. There is no drinking water available once you leave the carparks. *Based on Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for Watarrka.

Walk map and GPX file
Giles Track Hike Watarrka (22km)

Total distance: 21124 m
Max elevation: 785 m
Min elevation: 624 m
Total climbing: 389 m
Total descent: -421 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Explore safely

Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Watarrka National Park.

Vehicle access: Kathleen Springs and Kings Canyon are both well established visitor nodes with carparking, toilets, picnic facilities and water. A small carpark is located along the road to Lilla.

Reaching Watarrka National Park: Your Driving Options
Watarrka National Park lies 450 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs. Three routes offer access, catering to different vehicles and preferences.

The Easy Route (2WD): Take the sealed Stuart and Lasseter Highways, connecting with Luritja Road. This is the fastest and most straightforward option for standard vehicles, suitable for those coming from Yulara or Alice Springs.
The Adventurous Route (4WD): Experience the Red Centre Way via Larapinta Drive, traversing the West MacDonnell Ranges. However, a Mereenie Loop Pass permit is required for this route. Permits are available for purchase at various locations, including Kings Canyon Resort, Hermannsburg General Store, and Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre.
The Alternative Route (4WD): A more challenging option involves following the Stuart Highway south, then turning onto the unsealed Ernest Giles Road before connecting with Luritja Road. This route is recommended only for experienced drivers with four-wheel drive vehicles.

Remember:

A Parks Pass is mandatory for entry into Watarrka National Park.
Always check road conditions before heading out on your journey, especially for unsealed roads.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: Alice Springs, Curtin Springs, Kings Canyon, Watarrka, Yulara

About the region

Just a three-hour drive from Uluru lies Watarrka National Park, home to the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon. This majestic landscape boasts 300-meter-high red sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and breathtaking desert views. The park encompasses the western end of the George Gill Range, a haven for diverse plant and animal life with rugged ranges, hidden rockholes, and refreshing gorges.

Kings Canyon: A Geological Wonder
Kings Canyon is the crown jewel of Watarrka National Park. Its ancient red walls rise 100 meters above Kings Creek, leading to a plateau dotted with rocky domes. Sheltered by the canyon walls, a unique ecosystem thrives, including the rare MacDonnell Ranges Cycad.

Kathleen Springs: A Place of Cultural Significance
Venture 21 kilometers from Kings Canyon to discover Kathleen Springs. A pleasant, wheelchair-accessible path lined with remnants of old stockyards leads to a permanent waterhole. Deeply significant to the local Aboriginal people and a vital source of life for wildlife, swimming is prohibited here.

Plan Your Visit: A Parks Pass is required for entry into Watarrka National Park. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty, Watarrka National Park offers an unforgettable experience for any adventurer.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Watarrka National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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Giles Track Hike Watarrka (22km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Giles track hike watarrka (22km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Essential information

Hike overview

Camping

Track grade

Practical information

Walk map and GPX file
Giles Track Hike Watarrka (22km)

Giles Track Hike Watarrka (22km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Similar walks nearby

Mount Sonder Hike (16km)

Ormiston Gorge to Redbank Gorge Hike (36km)

Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds Walk (7.4km)

Serpentine Gorge to Ormiston Gorge Hike (43km)

Gallery

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Reviews
Giles Track Hike Watarrka (22km)

Giles Track Hike Watarrka (22km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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