9
Forged over 440 million years by erosion through countless layers of sandstone and hard shale,
Kings Canyon, 320 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs, was the centrepiece of Watarrka
National Park, the spiritual home of the Luritja Aboriginal people for more than 20,000 years.
Large, dome-shaped rock formations known as the “lost city” soared above the rim of the canyon, and the lush “Garden of Eden”, a permanent waterhole surrounded by tropical palm-like cycads and lush plant life, invited enthusiastic walkers to the canyon floor.
Sarah Collins stood at the base of the canyon wall, approximately halfway between the entrance to the canyon floor and the Garden of Eden. Shading her eyes against the glare of the sun, she looked up at the sheer rock wall towering approximately 150 metr
