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getting to and from Giles Track

Toronto
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5 posts
43 reviews
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getting to and from Giles Track
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Hello all,

We would like to hike the Giles Track but will be there with just one vehicle. Does anyone know if this plan is practical: drive to Kathleen Springs, leave car; hike the track, overnight at Reedy Creek; next day continue to King's Canyon and then hitch-hike back to Kathleen Springs and the car?

Tasmania, Australia
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for Hobart, Tasmania
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1. Re: getting to and from Giles Track
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When? Note the advice about heat on this page: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/walks/gilestrack#.VYwA1kZMcys

The track is meant to be a two day hike, so that bit is OK. The issues are that you should not leave any valuables in a car left overnight in a remote parking lot, and that it may take a while to get a lift. I'd try at the service (gas) station at King's Canyon. You'll <probably> have to walk out from the canyon and that's about 10km. You'll certainly have to walk in to Kathleen Springs from the main road, but it's only about 500m.

Edited: 8 years ago
Toronto
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5 posts
43 reviews
34 helpful votes
2. Re: getting to and from Giles Track
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Thanks. We're going in August, so weather should be OK.

I hadn't considered the possibility of theft in the outback. I guess it's everywhere. I'm going to inquire about transfers to and from the trail from King's Creek Station.

Tasmania, Australia
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for Hobart, Tasmania
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39,862 posts
67 reviews
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3. Re: getting to and from Giles Track
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Good idea.

It's a general caution anywhere about leaving vehicles unattended.

Alice Springs...
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for Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Red Centre, Northern Territory
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4. Re: getting to and from Giles Track
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Hi canuck_at_large

Good advice by Luigi regarding the dangers of walking in this area during the summer months.

Do not take notice of his Elton John- style conformity, as his advice is crucial!

Your biggest concern should be- is to ensure that you have enough water with you, have a Sat Phone and advise local authorities and family, of your departure and an ETA, in case of an emergency.

It is less than an 8km walk from the Kathleen Springs car park, off of Luritja road.

From memory, you will need to head back down and cross a few creeks including- Kathleen, Wanga and Reedy creek which will head towards Watarrka, (Kings Canyon) car park.

I would never recommend hitchhiking- but that part of the trip is totally up to you.

Toronto
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43 reviews
34 helpful votes
5. Re: getting to and from Giles Track
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Update

Just back from Australia and we did this hike two weeks ago. Neither Kings Canyon Resort nor Kings Creek Station could offer transport. But the resort staff (where we camped the first evening having driven from Uluru) suggested leaving the car at King's Canyon parking lot and hitching to start the trail at Kathleen Springs. They also said they would inform the rangers of our trip, tell them about our car (signs in the lot say no parking at night) and asked us to check back in when we were finished the next day. So in the morning we left the car at KC and hitched out to KS. It took an hour (sparse traffic) and two lifts (from a French couple and a Dutch family). The car was there when we returned the next day.

The Giles Track itself is fabulous, I really can't recommend it enough for someone who wants a little taste of being on your own in the outback. The track (22km) leads through various landscapes, from open rocky plains through deep ravines to wind/water-sculpted hoodoos. We had 5 litres of water and that was plenty for the two of us in the cool winter (we hydrated ourselves thoroughly before setting out). We saw only 2 people (doing a day hike) over two days of hiking and were totally alone when camping out at Reedy creek. Kangaroos hopped by our tent in the morning. Really a great experience.

Adelaide, Australia
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18,045 posts
67 reviews
91 helpful votes
6. Re: getting to and from Giles Track
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Thanks. Great to get the feedback.

7. Re: getting to and from Giles Track

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