The Garden of Eden is a calm oasis filled with plants, surrounded by the red desert rock. 

It’s honestly one of the most beautiful waterholes we’ve seen, it’s hard to believe it’s in the centre of Australia!

The only way to get there is via the Kings Canyon Rim Walk (6km, ~4-5hrs), halfway into the hike. 

You can’t swim there though. The water is sacred to the Traditional Owners and it’s also important for the plants and animals that survive in the canyon, especially through summer.

One note is that we were exhausted by this point of the hike. But it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge before climbing back up to the rim! 

We have pins with further details on the Kings Canyon Rim Hike in this guide, btw. Just go to the “spots” tab and search for it, or check the interactive map. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Side track on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk

• Permanent waterhole surrounded by red rock

• No swimming allowed

• Sacred place for the Traditional Owners

• Rare plants and wildlife habitat

• Best done early before the heat kicks in
  

TO ACCESS

• NT Parks Pass required for Watarrka National Park

• Garden of Eden is halfway into the Rim Walk

• Rim Walk can close after 9am on very hot days, check access before going

• Toilets available at the carpark

• No drinking water on the trail, bring plenty

• 2WD accessible
  

NOTE: If you’re staying in Ayers Rock, there are full-day tours from there to do the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. 

It’s a great option if you want to do the hike but you’re tight on time, or just want to avoid the 7hr-drive back and forth.

Here’s a great full-day tour from Ayers Rock to do the Kings Canyon Rim Walk if you’re keen!