Gary
Google
For me, this was the highlight of our trip into the Northern Territory, eclipsing even Uluru (although that was also wonderful).
I did the 6 km canyon rim walk, which afforded great views of either side of the canyon and also has short side walks to Cotterill's Lookout (over a small metal bridge, recommended and 15 mins return) and down into the Garden of Eden waterfall and waterhole - this is accessed by a path at the foot of the stairs ascending from the Garden of Eden itself and is also recommended (20 mins return walk to stairs).
Points to note:
the initial climb from the canyon floor is very steep, but well formed and there are a couple of natural stopping-off points on the way up, if, like me, you need to catch your breath!
There are wooden stairs with handrails descending and ascending to/from the Garden of Eden.
The walk (6 kms around the canyon rim), took me 3 1/2 hours from the car park, return.
There is very little shelter on the canyon rim itself: take sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water, wear stout shoes!
Note that at the time of writing (4th January, 2018), the park rangers will close the gate at the start of the walk at 09.00 a.m., if the temperature is forecast to exceed 36c on that day; the reason for this is the aforesaid lack of shelter and the fact that you will be walking into the sun for the first half of the walk; only when you reach the end of the canyon and climb the stairs from the Garden of Eden towards, the south rim does the sun go behind you. The Garden of Eden does afford some shelter from the sun. I started with walk just before 06.00 a.m. and was back at the car park by 09.15 a.m.
I have posted my photos to give you an idea of the walk and, hopefully, to inspire you to make the walk.
