Kings Canyon is an extremely popular sightseeing area in the Watarrka national park in the Northern Territory. Hikers, photo buffs and those who simply love nature are amazed year after year by the vastness of it, the beautiful permanent pools at the base, and the colossal sheer walls of the structure.

These walls reach heights of two hundred meters at some points, stretching for almost two kilometers, and as a result, the best view is at the rim. For those who are more interested in traversing the stone maze, there are three distinct walks available; The two kilometer Kings Creek Walk which traces the bottom of the gorge, the six kilometer Kings Canyon Rim Walk which exposes viewers to both the peaks and pools of the gorge, and the twenty-two kilometer Giles Track for the most adventurous of hikers. With such variety, it’s easy to see why people of any interest or fitness level find it easy to immerse themselves in the spectacle.

But, how is it that such an array of formations came to be?

Canyons and other types of rock formations are formed by erosion, usually either by exposure to high wind or to water. This process usually creates a rounding on the edges of the stone, but those of you who’ve have seen Kings Canyon know that these “usual” traits don’t seem to be part of the formation.

The south wall is smooth and angular, almost as if it’s been chiseled from the stone itself, in stark contrast to the jagged and uneven edges of the north wall. The formation of both sides is due to erosion, yes, but also due to the sandstone breaking on vertical faults. Meanwhile, at the peak of a trek up a very steep slope, another striking example of erosion can be found.

The summit is home to a large number of rock formations in dome-like shapes that give the appearance of an ancient abandoned city, which covers a large area. It’s easier to maneuver up here, and man-made bridges and stairs help give access to the sprawling area of formations, which are beautifully accented by vegetation.

These unusual formations look even better with thick vegetation and waterfalls flowing after a large rain downpour.

Many hikers and photographers find that Kings Canyon is unrivaled in terms of fantastic photo opportunities and once in a lifetime beauty. The Garden of Eden, one of the permanent pools at the base of the gorge, is accessible with the Kings Canyon Rim walk. Particularly striking when the waterfall is active, this apparent lake at the bottom of a gorge, in one of the hottest areas in the world, is truly a sight to behold.

Photo Credits:
Central Australia Part 1 – Kings Canyon

Encompassing about 229 km each way, requiring skilled driving over varying terrains in one of the most remote places in the world, few would question whether Finke’s Desert Race is worthy of the title “the fastest and greatest race in Australia”.

Its victors earn their title as well, as only the most talented and skilled riders compete each year to be crowned King of the Desert. Well, it’s actually Kings, because the first car and motorbike across the finish line are each victors of their vehicle class, but the winner of each may be competing with hundreds of others within their class. The Finke has an interesting history, full of competition and resulting in a kind of growth that no one who participated in the first run may have anticipated.

When the Finke was first done in 1976, it was a “there and back” challenge for a local motorbike group. Attracting more and more competitors every year after to race over the Queen’s birthday long weekend, it was and is a huge success, but until 1988 it was still only bikes running the distance. The inception of cars and road buggies created a fierce competition between those on two and four wheels, though the bikes were just too quick for over a decade. Finally in 1999, a buggy made it back first and claimed the title of King of the Desert.

The rivalry continued on fiercely, the title shifting between buggies and bikes for the next years, until the categories were created in 2005 and two Kings of the Desert were named, each receiving $10,000 for their skill and effort. This doesn’t mean that they don’t do their best to outrun each other simply for the pleasure, though! It’s easy to see why competitors choose to run the Finke, with the fierce competition, prize money, and an environment that truly tests a driver’s skill.

For those who want to witness this great race, many people visit the Northern Territory to camp along the course of the race yearly. There are of course regulations and safety concerns, as well as the fact that the area is private property, and it’s best to know about these details before you plan the trip.

Most of the area is private cattle land, and so the spot you choose to camp in may have a camping fee associated. The land’s owner is always clearly marked, so you’re welcome to reach out and enquire before you settle down, but regardless of where you stay please be conscientious about not leaving rubbish behind. Camping too close to the track could be dangerous for obvious reasons, but there is a large police presence during the event to help ensure that spectators and racers alike and upholding safe practices. If you simply want to see the race, a spot at the start/finish line will run you $10 per person per day, children under fifteen being free. There are other things to do, such as attending presentation night or scrutineering both bikes and cars, with their own associated fees.

Photo Credits:
Finke Desert Race Prologue Gallery
Toby Price King of the Desert at Finke 2015
https://mickeythompson.wordpress.com/

1. Foo Fighters – Foo Fighters

This self-titled album was a glorious introduction to a name that would become household for lovers of rock. Former Nirvana member Dave Grohl had written these songs and kept them from Kurt Kobain. When Kurt died, Grohl recorded every instrument and the vocals himself over the course of about a week, as a way of coping. He didn’t disappoint.

2. Hunky Dory – David Bowie

It’s a pretty good indication that you’ve created a masterpiece if your song is still around in media decades after its release, and that’s exactly true with this 1971 album from the late great David Bowie. Brilliant storytelling, solid vocals and musical performance with upbeat tempo just makes for good driving music.

3. Abbey Road – The Beatles

A list of good music isn’t complete without The Beatles. The tone is upbeat and hopeful and the lyrics come together to form a defined story. Overall, it’s a good one to keep you alert, and singing along, behind the wheel.

4. Master of Puppets – Metallica

The tone of metal isn’t for everyone, but I had to include Metallica’s best work here. Seeing as the theme is tempos that keep the brain moving, this is no exception. Though very fast paced, Metallica’s musical talent shines here.

5. Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash

No one told a story like Johnny Cash. The man’s voice carries like a father at a campfire, and they are certainly stories worth listening to. The only drawback is the lack of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”.

6. A Night At The Opera – Queen

There’s gold here aside from just Bohemian Rhapsody, though for many of us I bet having that song alone makes the album a must, this is a true rock classic from one of the biggest influences of the time.

7. Appetite For Destruction – Guns N Roses

Say what you will about Axel Rose, the guy could sing. Alongside guitar legend Slash, people who don’t even like rock may find that Guns N Roses has a lot to offer, and this album has some of their most popular songs.

8. Thriller – Michael Jackson

The best-selling album of all time, which should come as no surprise: Thriller and Beat It are some of the best songs the pop genre has ever released.

9. The Wall – Pink Floyd

This soundtrack has a lot of variety to offer, and often plays out in a soft tone that is pleasant to just about any ear. Part two of “Another Brick in The Wall” became an instant classic, and for good reason.

10. Glass Houses – Billy Joel

An album created with the intent to show that Billy could rock harder than critics credited him for, which seems a little silly with Metallica further up the list. While it may be soft rock, it’s catchy and lighter than Metallica for those of us who don’t like the shredding.

11. Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player – Elton John

While the title just feels too long, this album redeems itself with the content. John’s lyrical talent is rooted by haunting piano melodies. John’s is a unique take on the pop genre, and one that cannot be missed.

12. The Best of a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong was a pioneer, an unrivaled trumpet player, and surely one of the best examples of jazz music. Jazz tends to be love it or hate it, but if you love it, there’s no one better than Louis himself, and this album collects some of his finest works.