Garden of Eden
Nestled in the stunning Kings Canyon sandstone cliffs of Watarrka National Park, the Garden of Eden is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Australian outback. The lush green oasis is a world apart from the fiery red rocks and barren desert plains of the Red Centre in the Northern Territory.This hidden shelter, carved by the erosive forces of wind and water over millions of years, seems almost miraculous – a sanctuary for prehistoric plant life, slow moving streams and dark, cool water pools.
1. The cultural importance of gaining Luritja sacred connections
The Luritja Aboriginal people have been Custodians of the Land of Watarrka for over 20,000 years. The sacred men’s place in the Garden of Eden is heavily spiritualised and intimately linked with ancestral Creation stories (Dreaming).
Cultural Etiquette - Why is swimming prohibited
There is no swimming in the Garden of Eden. After a long, hot hike in the desert the dark, clear water may seem tempting.
How come you can't be in the water? Two reasons.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting the sacredness of the site to the original founders.
• Environmental Protection: To protect the fragile desert environment and local wildlife that depends on this constant source of water to survive.
2. Eden Gardens
This popular 6 km loop trail on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk gives world class views across the canyon rim and to the Garden of Eden.
Scaling “Heartbreak Hill”
The trail starts with a series of some 500 stone steps up a steep hill locally known as “Heartbreak Hill” (and with good reason). The ground levels out on the plateau above, and hikers are rewarded with expansive views of the red desert horizon.
Lost City Map
The trail climbs up through The Lost City, then down into the canyon, a series of eroded sandstone domes that resemble the ruins of some ancient architecture.
Oasis
Hikers walk down wooden staircases from the sun-baked cliff-tops to the cool, protected floor of the valley. Cross the creek on a footbridge and you are in the quiet, fern-filled glade called the Garden of Eden.
3. Kings Canyon Rim Walk Summary Trail Feature Distance Information / Requirements
6 km (3.7 miles) 3-4 hours (slow) Loop
Difficult / Difficulty
Gr IV (first free hard, then moderate)
Top features
Broken Hill, Lost City domes, Garden of Eden waterhole, South Rim overlook.
Equipment Required
Good hiking boots, 3 litres water, wide brim sun screen hat.
Best time of day Early morning (trail closes at 9:00 AM if temps are over 97 degrees)
4. Outback animals and plants of prehistory
The Garden of Eden is a microclimate that keeps moisture in all times of the year. The high canyon walls shield the valley floor from the scorching desert sun.This unique environment is home to ancient plant species that have remained since the days when Central Australia was a rain forest:
• MacDonnell Ranges Cycads - These plants, which look like palms, have been around for millions of years.
• Green Ferns & Ghost Gums: The starkness of fern and gum trees in shadowy waters.
• Wildlife encounters: see black-flanked rock-wallabies bound up the steepest cliff faces, or native birds taking shelter in the shade.
5. Visitor tips Getting There & Getting Around
• Uluru (Ayers Rock): Approximately 300 km (3.5 hour drive via the Lasseter and Luritja highways)
• Alice Springs to Kings Canyon approx 320 km bitumen road or scenic route via 4WD Red Centre Way.
Heat Procedures and Safety Heat
In central Australia summer temperatures can exceed 40°C. You walk early in the morning to catch the golden light on the rim of the canyon and finish before the heat of the day. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay on the trails and do not wander off them.
6. Book your Red Centre Holiday with Skanda Holidays.
There is a perfect plan to enjoy a trip to tick off seeing the raw beauty of Australia’s Outback from your bucket list. Skanda Holidays’ travel experts have created Australia-specific itineraries that combine the world-famous sights of the Red Centre with luxury accommodation.
Add Kings Canyon to The Highlights of Australia or a custom tour through Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
• For more information, read the safety tips and trail updates on the Northern Territory Tourism website.
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