Kings Canyon: Full-Day Tour from Ayers Rock Resort

Name: Kings Canyon: Full-Day Tour from Ayers Rock Resort
Brand: AAT Kings
Price: 241.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.68 (669 reviews)

4.7 (669 verified reviews)

Two walkers standing on the Kings Canyon rim beside a sheer red sandstone wall dropping into the gorge

Layered red rock ledges framing a tree-lined gully that runs out to the flat plains beyond Kings Canyon

Couple walking up the steep rock steps at the start of the Rim Walk past silver-leafed desert shrubs

Couple walking across rocky ground toward a line of rounded sandstone domes on the far canyon edge

Two hikers stepping down through a narrow cleft between weathered red sandstone walls

About This Experience

AAT Kings picks you up from one of four Ayers Rock Resort locations early in the morning and drives through the outback toward Watarrka National Park. The first stop is Kings Creek Station for a cooked breakfast, included in the price.

At Kings Canyon, walkers with a good level of fitness take the steep track up to the rim and follow the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a loop of about 6 km (3.7 miles). Along the way you stop at lookouts over the gorge, and time permitting you can descend to the Garden of Eden, a sheltered rockhole in the canyon. Swimming there is not permitted.

If the rim sounds too much, you can take the easier, shorter walk along the boulder-strewn canyon floor instead. Your guide and driver give commentary throughout the day.

Lunch is at your own expense before the coach returns to Ayers Rock Resort. Until 1 April 2027 you also need an NT Parks Pass for Watarrka National Park (A$10 per person per day, bought online); from that date the operator says it is included in the price.

Highlights

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a 6 km loop with a steep section at the start
Lookouts down into the gorge from the canyon rim
A detour to the Garden of Eden rockhole, time permitting
An easier walk along the boulder-strewn canyon floor for those who skip the rim
A road trip through the outback from Yulara to Watarrka National Park

What's Included

✓ Pickup and drop-off at four Ayers Rock Resort locations
✓ Return transport to Kings Canyon in an air-conditioned coach
✓ Guide and driver with commentary through the day
✓ Cooked breakfast at Kings Creek Station
✓ Guided Kings Canyon Rim Walk (about 6 km) or a less strenuous walk

Not Included

NT Parks Pass for Watarrka National Park, A$10 per person, valid one day (buy online; included from 1 April 2027)
Lunch
Gratuities

What to Bring

Sturdy closed walking shoes (required for the Rim Walk)
Large refillable water bottle
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Money for lunch
Printed or digital NT Parks Pass

Good to Know & Caveats

Sturdy walking shoes are compulsory. You will not be allowed on the Rim Walk in heels, sandals, flip-flops or open-toe shoes.
The Rim Walk is graded difficult (Grade 4), takes about 3 to 4 hours and starts with steep rock steps.
On days forecast to reach 36°C or more, walkers must start the Rim Walk before 9 am; conditions are posted daily at the safety shelter.
An NT Parks Pass is compulsory for Watarrka National Park until it is included from 1 April 2027; buy it online for A$10 per person.
Expect a very early start and a long day on the coach, with lunch at your own expense.

Meeting Point

Pickup at Ayers Rock Campground, Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, Desert Gardens Hotel or Sails in the Desert

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.7/5 by 669 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

Our guide Lucy was very knowledgeable and professional, as well as being lots of fun. She did a fantastic job keeping everyone safe while also making the experience enjoyable. Our bus driver Colin was also lovely. He was very knowledgeable about the area and did a great job driving the big coach to all of our tour points. They were both fantastic and really contributed to such a great experience. The whole trip exceeded my expectations! I didn’t go in with much of an idea of what the tour involved and I hadn’t done much research prior. The walk was amazing, and because we had been after the rain, the waterfall and serenity in the Garden of Eden was breathtaking. My friend and I had an incredible day and absolutely loved the experience!
— Grace, 2026-10

Absolutely loved this hike!! One of the best I did. One tiny recommendation is to split the group into fitness levels, because there was a lot of waiting, some people just walk the steps easier than others (which is ok). 2 groups for example would already help to accommodate a more suitable pace. This is nothing personal on our guide, Lucy was amazing. She just had to deal with a huge group and a very big difference in fitness levels. Still I would do the hike again... because it was so beautiful 😍.
— Carola, 2026-09

Guides were great be prepared for an early start and a massive day
— Sharon, 2026-09

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Kings Canyon tour pick up?

Pickup and drop-off are at four Ayers Rock Resort locations: Ayers Rock Campground, Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, Desert Gardens Hotel and Sails in the Desert. AAT Kings confirms the early-morning pickup time after booking.

How hard is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk?

It is a 6 km loop graded difficult, taking about 3 to 4 hours, with steep rock steps at the start. The operator recommends a good level of fitness. If that is too much, you can take the easier walk along the canyon floor.

Do I need to buy a park pass?

Yes, until 1 April 2027. An NT Parks Pass for Watarrka National Park is compulsory and costs A$10 per person for one day; buy it online before the tour. From 1 April 2027 the operator says the pass is included in the price.

Which meals are included?

A cooked breakfast at Kings Creek Station is included. Lunch is available near the canyon at your own expense, so bring money or a card for it. Tell the operator about dietary needs ahead of time.

What happens on very hot days?

On days forecast to reach 36°C or more, walkers must begin the Rim Walk before 9 am. Daily conditions are posted on signs at the safety shelter, and the guide will decide which walk the group can do.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. The listing allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Later cancellations are not refunded under the listing's terms, so check your dates first.