The road there may be rugged, but this ancient outback wonder is officially worth the effort.

In a world of overcrowded hotspots and Instagram bucket lists, travellers are increasingly searching for experiences that are genuinely worth the effort. And according to a new global study, nowhere delivers quite like Kings Canyon. The outback Aussie landmark defeated destinations across the globe, proving that sometimes the hardest places to reach are the most rewarding.

Why Kings Canyon is worth it

Found in the Northern Territory’s Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon sits on the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte and Luritja peoples. Both ancient and alive, the landmark tells a story millions of years in the making – its sandstone walls bearing witness as dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Yet to this day, it remains deeply significant to one of the oldest living cultures in the world and one of Australia’s top natural wonders.

A four-hour road trip from Alice Springs, it’s the ultimate place to disconnect and experience our country’s natural beauty at its most unfiltered. The only catch? You need a 4WD to get there – and you can forget about a GPS and phone reception.

Enjoy the smooth bitumen of Larapinta Drive while you can; roughly halfway in and it gives way to the Mereenie Loop, an unsealed section of road winding through the NT outback. But don’t let the off-road adventure deter you. This is one of those journeys that’s just as incredible as the destination.

Red-dirt views stretch towards the horizon, interrupted only by colossal rock formations and the hardiest of native shrubs. All sorts of animals roam freely here, from cows and kangaroos to dingos and wild brumbies. Once you arrive, every dusty kilometre proves entirely worth the effort – and now there’s a study to verify it.

For those who can, the best way to experience Kings Canyon is on foot. Considered one of the best hikes in Australia, the six-kilometre Kings Canyon Rim Walk takes in all the top sights. You’ll trek across plateaus, weave through chasms, stop by watering holes and cross bridges over steep gullies – all backdropped by sweeping outback views.

If the four-hour hike feels a little ambitious, take it in from above on a scenic helicopter ride with PHS. Or gain a different perspective altogether at Light Towers by Bruce Munro, a sound and light installation paired with champagne and an iconic Kings Canyon sunset.

The best part? You don’t have to rough it either – quite the opposite, actually. Base yourself at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, a luxurious outback stay that celebrates the landscape. Whether you cosy up in a glamping tent or settle into a spacious cabin, it’s the perfect excuse to linger longer in the Red Centre.

How the rankings were determined

So, how did Kings Canyon come out on top? To determine the world’s most ‘worth it’ destinations, travel insurance company InsureandGo examined more than three million traveller reviews from attractions across the globe.

After recording the total number of reviews for each attraction, researchers used search and filter tools to identify reviews specifically mentioning ‘worth it’. The list was then refined to only four- and five-star reviews, with destinations ultimately ranked according to how frequently the phrase appeared.

Despite its remote location, Kings Canyon received an overall score of 28.7 per cent, with more than one in four reviews describing the landmark as worth it. In second place was Ireland’s Skellig Michael Monastery with 26.3 per cent, followed by 21.9 per cent for Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint in New Zealand.

Things to know before you go

The easiest way to reach Kings Canyon is via car from Alice Springs, with vehicles available for hire at the airport. Before leaving, stop by the Visitor Centre in town, where friendly staff provide maps, information brochures and handy local tips.

A permit is required to drive through Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory, including the Mereenie Loop. Available from the Visitor Centre, permits cost $5 and remain valid for three days. Driving on Country without one is illegal in the NT and will result in legal penalties and prosecution.

If tackling the Kings Canyon Rim Walk during the wet season (October–April), be sure to check conditions ahead of time. It is recommended that walkers carry at least three litres of water, as well as sunscreen, snacks and a hat. If temperatures rise above 36 degrees, you must be on the trail before 9am.

Book your accommodation well in advance to avoid missing out. Just 10 minutes from the canyon itself, Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon offers guided tours and immersive experiences, as well as a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and petrol station.

Above all else, remember slow down, switch off and let the Aussie outback work its magic. Places this special deserve a little extra time, and Kings Canyon is clearly worth it.