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

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

An awe-inspiring stay at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon