Your Guide To Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon

Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon puts you in a prime spot for admiring Watarrka National Park’s splendour.

Forged over 440 million years ago, the Northern Territory’s legendary Kings Canyon encompasses towering red rock cliffs, palm-filled crevices, and sweeping views across the desert that warp one’s sense of distance.

The best part? You can stay at its doorstep at Discovery Parks Kings Canyon Resort. Whether you opt for a deluxe cabin featuring a freestanding tub with a picture window, or a patch of red earth for your tent, this ancient landscape will be forever etched in your memory.

Location

The beauty of Kings Canyon is that it is so remote. It is hidden deep in Watarrka National Park, 330 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs and the same kilometre distance north of Uluru. Either combine it with a trip to Uluru or a meandering 4WD road trip around the 1135-kilometre Red Centre Way.

an aerial view of the Kings Canyon Resort — The outback resort is nestled deep within Watarraka National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Matt Glastonbury)

Facilities

At Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon you will find a swimming pool, tennis court, a well-stocked general store, barbeques, laundry room, petrol station providing diesel and unleaded, and wi-fi. Dogs are allowed in the campground but must be leashed at all times.

glamping at Kings Canyon Resort — Go glamping in the outback at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

Rooms

The resort offers multiple accommodation types. Campers will be happy to push in the tent pegs at the unpowered campsites, which have uninterrupted views out to Kings Canyon.

a glamping tent at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — A picture-perfect outlook of the Red Centre. (Image: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon)

Many adventurers arrive by caravan and stay in the powered campsites where they enjoy some of the best seats in the house. For added comfort and privacy, there are powered sites with ensuites.

glamping tents under the stars at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — Sleep under the starry night sky in a luxe tent. (Image: Tourism NT/Mark Fitzpatrick)

For those who like glamping, opt for a pre-erected tent fully equipped with up to four cosy beds, a small fridge, a Nespresso machine, a dining table, a bathroom with Australian-made skin care products, an outdoor deck, and air conditioning.

the amenities inside a glamping tent at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — The most important creature comforts are all accounted for. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia0

If you’re after four solid walls, the cheapest digs are the budget ‘Lodge’ rooms with shared bathroom facilities. To take it up a notch, book one of the recently refurbished Standard Rooms, which have ensuite bathrooms, private balconies, and air-conditioning.

the standard room at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — The Standard Room sleeps up to four. (Image: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon)

The Deluxe Rooms are the most luxurious and the room’s hero is a freestanding bath overlooking the red desert and craggy sandstone cliffs. Inside, there’s a king bed, an oversized flat-screen TV, a sofa, a small table and chairs, and plenty of storage.

the Deluxe room at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — The Deluxe Room is the resort’s most luxurious offering. (Image: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon)

Bottles of water are supplied and a kettle, tea, and coffee. Outside, there’s a private area with chairs and a table.

a woman relaxing in a tub inside her Deluxe Suite at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — Enjoy the view from the private tub. (Image: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon)

Food and drink

There are two restaurants onsite, a bar and grill and the more refined Carmichaels , plus an option of the special five-course, open-air Under a Desert Moon dinner. There is also a bar at the Luritja Lookout with a platform perfect for toasting the sunset with a glass of sparkling wine.

a group of people Dining Under A Desert Moon around a bonfire — Gather around the bonfire with a sparkling wine. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Named after the Carmichael Sandstone that underpins Kings Canyon, Carmichaels Restaurant specialises in gourmet outback fare. Here, goujons of crocodile and barramundi in paperbark sit on the menu next to citrus tart with wattleseed ice cream and chocolate tart with grilled strawberries in native pepper for dessert.

an open-air Under a Desert Moon dinner at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — The Under a Desert Moon dining experience unfolds in a hidden location. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

The showstopper dining experience is the Under a Desert Moon experience, where you kick off with canapes on the green lawn in front of Carmichael’s before heading to a hidden location for dinner under the clear desert sky.

a waiter holding plates of food at the open-air Under a Desert Moon dinner at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — Treat yourself to a special five-course dinner. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

For a hearty meal, head to the tin-roofed and partly open-air Kings Canyon Bar & Grill for burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and cold beverages.

A buffet brekky is served at Carmichaels from May until October and over the summer months, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the bar and grill.

a close-up shot of a waiter serving a plate of food at Carmichael's Restaurant — Carmichael’s Restaurant serves refined dining options. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Experiences at Kings Canyon

The site’s newest attraction is the massive art installation Light-Towers by artist Bruce Munro, which you can wander through. They cast a gentle glow at sunrise, sunset and in the evening.

Light Towers at Kings Canyon — Marvel at the impressive *Light-Towers* by artist Bruce Munro. (Image: Tourism NT/Ray Reyes)

The six-kilometre Rim Walk serves up stunning views across Kings Canyon and will take you down into the Garden of Eden. It is a circuit walk that kicks off with a fairly hefty climb from the car park up a series of stone steps to the summit of the canyon.

the Kings Canyon Rim Walk — Hike the six-kilometre Rim Walk for unforgettable views. (Image: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon)

Around the halfway mark there’s the option of descending down into the Garden of Eden, an oasis, complete with water in the middle of the canyon. For a gentler walk, there’s the 2.6-kilometre Tjina Ngaku Payi (meaning ‘looking at the track’) for anyone with moderate fitness (and little kids).

an aerial view of the scenic landscape across Kings Canyon — Take in the beauty of the landscape from Kings Canyon. (Image: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon)

To get a birds-eye view of Kings Canyon jump one of the helicopter tours. You have three options – an eight-minute dash over the canyon, a 15-minute trip over the canyon, and Carmichaels Crag and a half-hour journey that adds in the view of the spectacular cliffs of the George Gill Range.

the view from above the helicopter tour over Watarrka National Park — See the craggy sandstone cliffs from above. (Image: Tourism NT/Matt Glastonbury)

To learn more about the local Aboriginal community, sign up for a one-hour workshop with Karrke Aboriginal Experience . You will hear about their weapons, musical instruments, medicines, bush tucker, and the evolution of the local languages.

the Karrke Aboriginal Experience at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — Sign up for the ultimate Karrke Indigenous Experience. (Image: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon)

Accessibility

Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon offers select accommodations designed to cater to guests with accessibility requirements. You can discuss specific needs with the resort in advance to ensure a comfortable stay.

Details

Kings Canyon Resort, Luritja Road, Watarrka National Park.

an aerial view of the glamping tents at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon — Head to Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon for a luxury desert retreat. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Cost

For the most current rates and availability, it’s best to contact the resort directly or visit Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon .

Unpowered site – tent, from $37
Unpowered site – caravans, from $50
Unpowered site – motorhomes, from $63
Powered site, from $74
Ensuite site, from $112
Budget Lodge Room, from $168
Standard Family Room, from $380
Superior Glamping, from $430
Deluxe Room, from $480

The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

1. Alice Springs

echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park — See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .

2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

woman standing at Ormiston Gorge — Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset — Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

4. Tennant Creek

pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory — See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

5. Mataranka

aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory — Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

6. Nitmiluk National Park

Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise — Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft .

7. Litchfield National Park

cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park — Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

8. Darwin

darwin street art — Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.

An awe-inspiring stay at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon