In my previous post, I shared my first part of the Nothern Territory trip as I headed to see the great Uluru and The Olgas. You can check it out here https://peakd.com/hive-163772/@wanderingkat/the-sacred-uluru-ayers-rock-and-kata-tjuta-the-olgas
The main reason for the long journey to get there, was really to undergo the truest transformative experience of the spiritual heart of Australia and enjoy the spirits of peace, tranquillity and absorb the powerful energies while over there. Uluru was truly an experience of a lifetime and I hope my parents (who would love nothing more but to go there) get a chance to see it and experience it soon too. My dad did say he was there with me in spirit and he appreciated all the pictures I sent him while over there, so they were there in some way.
Wattarka National Park and Kings Canyon
As I said my goodbyes to The Olgas and Uluru, I packed my things and headed to my next adventure. I heard that I need to go see the amazing Kings Canyon which is another (I mean "only" ) 3,5 hours drive , 325 km from the national park.
Well, ok then...let's find me a coffee and head off!
I decided to book accommodation in one of the places near by. There's not many to choose from and at that time (and the fact that I didn't book in advance), I was only left with 2 options : Sleeping in my car or booking a bush tent for $140 with breakfast included. I decided to take the expensive, fancy option. I needed a good nights rest as I had a lot more driving to do.
I spent the night at a place called Kings Canyon Station and I have to say, it was quite comfortable, had amazing views with nature surrounding me, tasty breakfast made by a young Italian cook who came there for a bit of true outback experience, friendly owners and well what do you know, a few camels keeping me company.
After I settled in over there, it was too late to go to Kings Canyon, so I instead first went to explore the area. Honestly, there is not much to see over there! I found a small national park which was gorgeous. Net hat was a must throughout the entire trip though!
Next day, I headed off to see the Kings Canyon which is considered to be one of the Territory's most remarkable natural features and I could very soon see why!
Apparently the scientific expeditions into the National Park, have revealed over 600 different species of native plant.
There are a variety of different walks (longer and shorter) you can do and they are all marked with arrows. The walks have to be done early in the morning though during the summer months.
The views are simply breathtaking!
And you will definitely spot a few kangaroos jumping around! They do blend in pretty well will the colours of the rocks so keep your eyes open :D
Alice Springs
As it started to get too hot to be out hiking, I decided to take off to my final stop, which was another 3.5 hours away! But I made it!
And although I didn't stay there for long, as I was too tired and it wasn't mentally the right time for me to enjoy some more of the beautiful surroundings, I saw that Alice Springs is a cute little town and has a lot of things to see.
Some things were closed at that time unfortunately, so I only went around the city, spend a few hours catching up with my friends' aunt and uncle and well, booked car service to be done before I go back. I didn't wanna risk it and the nice mechanic fit me in early morning the next day without ripping me off. If you are in Alice Springs and need a quick service, I definitely recommend NT Autocare and while they service your car, you can do a nice walk by the river.
I stayed 2 nights in the cutest hostel called Alice's Secret Travellers Inn, that got my attention as it was cheap ($28 dollars a night) and looks super comfortable, has quirky decor all around and has a super chill vibe, a pool and such cute dorms ( I was staying in a purple tiny van , sharing with one more girl one night, second night on my own. Great showers, there's a pool to use and a big kitchen area, laundry, a few cats and chickens and a secure parking spot.
A must place to stay when over there for sure! I could easily live there :D
Anzac Hill offers amazing views of the city and make sure to visit at the right time to catch the sunrise or sunset.
As soon as my car was ready to hit the road, I headed back home. I should have taken more time to explore the area but it just wasn't the right time for me. I had to go back...
I drove straight to Coober Pedy and spend the night again at that dungeon hostel and next day headed back to Adelaide. The drive was so draining and I was glad to be back at that time.
Do I wanna go back there at some point? Absolutely! And I will for sure. Which was my favourite part of the trip? Honestly, hard to say. Kings Canyon offers such amazing views but the spiritual side of Kata Tjuta and Uluru was an experience of a life time.
I hope you enjoyed my journey and found some useful information. Let me know what was your favourite part and have you been there before?
Take care, see you next time Hive tribe!
Kat