  1 Sturt's Desert Pea is the one of those "freaks" of nature we have become accustomed to, and take for granted in Australia. |
 2 There is a ranger station which is often unmanned about 20 km (12 miles) from the Canyon. |
 3 Displayed are maps and models of the attractions and surrounding countryside. |
 4 There are large illustrated boards alerting the visitor to the dangers of Watarrka National Park. |
 5 The emergency procedures, although primitive (and funny to look at) have saved numerous lives. |
 6 There is also a well documented and comprehensive history of the area. |
 7 As part of a leisurely 4 hour, walk you can some magnificent countryside. |
 8 Cliff faces rise several hundred feet out if the valley below. |
 9 The sheer cliff faces are permanently scarred with the efforts of the wind, rain and time. |
 10 The rugged beauty of the Central Australian outback changes so quickly. |
 11 From the top of one side of the canyon, it's down across this bridge to the other. |
 12 A desert oasis awaits you on the other side, especially after any amount of rain fall. |
 13 Apparently there are over 600 different species of native plants throughout the Watarrka National Park. |
 14 Imagine the waterfall cascading over these rocks after a heavy rain. |
 15 A palm tree in the middle of the desert, with a gum tree? Why not, after all, this is God's own country! |
 16 This is more like the environment we are used to seeing a ghost gum in. |
 17 The environment is hostile, but birds like the black cockatoo's seem to be doing alright. |
 18 Kings Canyon is part of the Watarrka National Park and is located 227 km (140 miles) southwest of Alice Springs. |
 19 About 100 km (60 miles) of the journey is driving on a very winding and corrugated dirt road which becomes boggy or slippery when wet. |
 20 The Canyon Walk has been intentionally designed to deter all but the most committed walkers. |
 21 The first 300 - 400 meters (3000 feet) are straight up a steep incline at the edge of the canyon. |
 22 The views a bloody well all worth the effort though. |
 23 Even in the heat of summer, this rock pool is freezing as it gets little sunlight to heat up the water.
Too damn cold for this little black duck to take a dip. |
 24 Kings Canyon Resort is a god send after a days hiking. |
 25 The resort owners and builders have tried to blend all buildings into the landscape. |
 26 All amenities are available on site. |
 27 The view from your room is great as well. |
 28 Even the kookaburras don't mind hanging around. |
 29 If you want fresh strawberries and cream in the middle of the desert ..... |
 30 ..... you'll have to bring your own strawberries! |
 31 I think I'll park up here with a Crown Lager or two. A man wouldn't want to die of thirst, you know. |
 32 The rooms a fairly large and comfortable. |
 33 Ruth heading to the pool. |
 34 At least this water is a lot warmer and a whole lot more refreshing. |
 35 Slippery Nipples were the order for the day. |
 36 Obviously the "Septics" are not used to drinking! |
 37 Checking out the Ranger station. |
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