The NT to get new multi-day walking track

By Emily Murphy
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Watarrka National Park on Matutjara Country will soon be home to a new multi-day hiking track after the Northern Territory Government and Traditional Owners awarded a multi-million-dollar project to Australian Walking Company.

Nestled in the heart of the Red Centre just three hours from Uluru, Watarrka National Park already attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year. The new track is set to increase that even further. One of Watarrka National Park’s biggest attractions is Kings Canyon, a majestic destination featuring 300-metre high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert.

Somebody walking the The Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia and Nicholas Kavo)

Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a six-kilometre circuit that will take you down into the Garden of Eden! (Image: Tourism Australia and Nicholas Kavo)

Australian Walking Company will invest in the design, development and operation of the walking track following a competitive expression of interest process. The company will work in partnership with Traditional Owners and NT Parks and Wildlife to achieve the best outcomes, with the first step being to negotiate the placement and nature of the walking trail with the Traditional Owners.

Waterhole at the Garden of Eden in Watarrka National Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Nic Morley)

Go on a drive out to Watarrka National Park and walk along the red rock cliffs, taking in views of the forest of palms below. (Image: Tourism NT and Nic Morley)

The track will be located 330 kilometres southeast of Alice Springs and is set to be one of Australia’s most scenic outback walking experiences. This is another big boost for tourism and business in Central Australia, as driving investment in tourism and the NT’s parks and reserves is a key strategy of the current government.

Man and woman trekking across Kings Canyon. (Image: Tourism NT and Jess Caldwell & Luke Riddle)

The new hiking trail will be great for tourism in the NT. (Image: Tourism NT and Jess Caldwell & Luke Riddle)

“Operating walks in National Parks comes with the responsibility of safeguarding the natural wilderness and we are excited to have the special privilege of showcasing this outstanding walking track in the Northern Territory," Australian Walking Company executive director Neil Lynch said.

“We look forward to working with the Traditional Owners to design and create a walk that shares the unique heritage and cultural legacies while promoting the environmental conservation and historic preservation of Watarrka National Park.

“The new walk will deliver job opportunities for Traditional Owners and their communities while providing guests with the opportunity to be immersed, educated and guided safely through areas like Kings Canyon."

The Milky Way illuminates the sky over Watarrka National Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Matt Glastonbury)

Watch the stars at Watarrka National Park, as they stretch along the desert. (Image: Tourism NT and Matt Glastonbury)

Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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