Kings Canyon and a resort in the desert wilderness

The long drive across a part of Central Australia, aka, the red centre, towards Kings Canyon was uneventful in terms of wildlife along the roadside. Not many dead animals were seen, which was a pleasant thought in terms of the other roads in some parts of the country where road kill is everywhere. A couple of stops along the way included Curtin Springs and Mt Conner lookout, for relief and photo shoots, passing the many hours drive of around 500 or so Kms to Watarrka National Park.

Upon arrival at the "Kings Canyon Resort" we are greeted with buildings, a picnic area, a swimming pool, a service station - fuel 253cpl, shop and the local hotel as well as the resort. This truly can be called a resort located in the desert area, unlike many other so called resorts, that abound the tourist areas of the eastern seaboard. Other travellers are lazing about the poolside as our busload of tourists prepare for a swim.

The cooling waters of the large pool were just what was needed after a long bus drive in the afternoon heat which was around 42. No shower was needed, actually I just wanted to jump in the pool with the clothes that were being worn, but modesty prevailed and just the undies had to do, as the costumes were not packed!! Other travellers were also unprepared for this resort stop in the desert wilderness. After a well appreciated cool down the bus was on its way to our campsite for the night.

The campsite was about 20 minutes away in the hills. Driving to the permanent tent site where Adventure Tours has its setup, we passed a lone dingo, and a huge array of solar panels, that numbered around 2,100. It was an impressive sight to see.

Tonight we had Thai Curry for dinner and after cleanup our swags were laid out. More of us slept under the stars tonight, in fact 6 of us slept out and we were able to see the stars as the clouds stayed away tonight. The southern cross was prominent in the sky as was the just past full moon. A sleepin was allowed in the morning, we got up at 415am and after packing up and breakfast it was off to the walk around the Kings Canyon.