Standard Guidelines

• Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the parks website for the most up to date information.
• Ensure you observe all safety signs, and be aware that whenever you are near water in the NT, there is a risk of crocs! Crocodile warning signs and Crocodile Management Zones are not found everywhere.
• Wear suitable footwear and always ensure to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the elements when exploring the Northern Territory.
• Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food and water for your journey.
• Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
• Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
• Fees may apply. See parks website for more details.
• Do not feed the wildlife.
• Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but memories.

Cultural Guidelines

All plants and animals in Watarrka National Park are protected.

The traditional owners are strongly connected to this country and live on or close to the park.

You should use the following advice to respect the cultural, spiritual and historical importance of Watarrka:

• Don't interfere with cultural sites or artefacts in the park.
• Don't collect firewood in the park - take a gas stove to cook with.
• Stay on the track so that you don't break the fragile sandstone.
• Use a scourer instead of detergent and do all washing at least 100 m from watercourses.
• Carry all of your rubbish with you, including cigarette butts, foil and food scraps.
• Bury toilet waste in a 15 cm deep hole at least 100 m from watercourses, even if they are dry.
• Be aware of weeds and remove seeds from your boots and socks before travelling to the park.

Safety Guidelines

• Walk with at least two others so that an injured person is not left alone in an emergency.
• Carry and drink plenty of water - there is drinking water at Kings Canyon and Kathleen Springs trailhead. There is no water at Lilla. You should not rely on finding water on the trail as creeks and rockholes are usually dry.
• Carry an emergency communication device such as a satellite phone or personal locator beacon as you will not have mobile phone reception.
• Don't walk the Giles Track in hot weather - generally this is November to March, but hot weather can happen outside of these months.
• Take warm clothing, a sleeping bag and shelter if you are camping in the winter.
• Tell a reliable person of your plans and arrange return transport before you go - make sure your chosen contact person will call the police if you do not return by the expected time.
• Fill out the logbook provided at Kings Canyon, Lilla and Kathleen Springs. It is important your details are correct so rangers can track you in an emergency - rangers may not check this book regularly so make sure you still tell a reliable person.

Photo & content credits: NT Government