A. No.
Parks are run by the states, and are only national in the sense that they are of national significance. The only parks administered federally are; Kakadu National Park, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Booderee National Park and Botanic Gardens in the Jervis Bay Territory of Australia, Norfolk Island and Christmas Island National Park, with the entry fees specific to each park and cannot be part of a multi parks pass.
See Park Passes for how to obtain park passes in each state, which parks they apply to and how much they cost.
Each state has different options of multi park passes for annual use or for short term (holiday) use. Most give a discount for concession cards such as Seniors or Pension cards. In New South Wales those on the Aged Pension can apply for an exemption from entry fees which covers most New South Wales parks. See details and application form.
In states that do charge entry fees to their National Parks, a park pass is convenient as there is no need to try and find the right change for the honesty box envelope, or even think if the park is one that attracts fees.
Some states do not charge entry fees for most parks, however camping fees apply for most campgrounds.
See also Q13 National Park entry fees Northern Territory
A. Kings Canyon Resort is six kilometres from Kings Canyon access road, whereas Kings Creek Station is 33 kilometres away. For this reason, we chose to stay the Kings Canyon Resort to be closer for an early start on the Rim Walk as it commences with a strenuous climb. The days can be hot, and on days the Bureau of Meteorology predicts to be 36° or above at Yulara, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk closes at 9 am.
The Rim Walk was the best walk we took in Central Australia. Book in for two nights; the
first to enable an early morning start, and the second to relax after the big walk. Both the rim walk and the Kings Creek walk
can be done in a day.
Distances are shown in Google Map. The change from Google Classic maps has removed the waypoints from this linked map.
Kings Canyon Resort to the Kings Canyon access road (point B) 6 kilometres
Kings Canyon access road to the Kings Canyon car park and picnic area 3.5 kilometres
Kings Canyon access road to Kathleen Springs car park access (point D) 17 kilometres
Kings Canyon access road to Kings Creek Station 33 kilometres
Where to stay? With costs being similar, it is your choice as to what sort of experience you want and the distance you prefer to travel.
Kings Canyon Resort campground is a pleasant fully serviced campground, ideally situated to enjoy sunset views to the George Gill Ranges. Kings Canyon Resort is owned by the international company Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts.
Updated prices 30 March 2016 and current 2018
$25.00 per adult - powered site per night
$20.00 per adult - unpowered site per night
Child
(6-12 years) $10.00
$65.00 family powered site - 2 adults and up to 4 children
$55.00 family unpowered site - 2 adults and up to 4 children
Kings Creek Station offers an outback experience with rustic style of camping. Campfires are permitted. They conduct camel and quad bike safaris on the station, and a choice helicopter rides over the station, over the George Gill Ranges and Kings Canyon, or as far as other tourist attractions in the area. Profits go towards their charity "Conways Kids".
Updated prices 1st April 2018
$25.00 per adult - powered site per night
Child (6-16 years) $10.00
$20.00 per adult - unpowered site per night
Child (6-16 years) $10.00
$61.00 family powered site per night - 2 adults plus children under 16
$53.00 family unpowered site per night - 2 adults plus children under 16
A discount is given for Seniors Card.
A 22 kilometres walk trail across the top of the George Gill Range goes between Kings Canyon and Kathleen Gorge. It is recommended as a two day one way walk. There is an additional entry or exit (point C) at Reedy Creek by the Lilla community.
Details of Watarrka walking trails.
Australia So Much to See
See out Travelogue of Kings Canyon