You’ll Love Kings Canyon Resort’s Unexpected Luxury Glamping
Glamping at Kings Canyon Resort is one of the most memorable things you can do in Central Australia!
I swam in the cool waters at Ellery Creek with the kids, laughed when my husband lost his shorts swimming in Redbank Gorge, and blushed when I accidentally busted an elderly couple swimming naked in the Finke River. I camped on a dry river bed awash with small red garnets, watched the stars come out over many stunning gorges and I was beaten to the top of a canyon by my five-year-old. At some point, I even swallowed a fly, accidentally of course.
The most memorable experience?
Sleeping in a luxurious glamping tent at Kings Canyon with the red desert sand of Central Australia underfoot.
It took around 440 million years to create Kings Canyon and it was worth the wait. Rising 270 metres majestically above sea level in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Kings Canyon is found within the Watarrka National Park. You will find it at the halfway point when driving the iconic Red Centre Way between Alice Springs and Uluru.
Watch our Kings Canyon Resort glamping experience as well as the Scenic Rim Walk below
There are plenty of ways to explore Kings Canyon! From a viewing dune in the distance to an easy 2km stroll at the base of the canyon, through to a 6km loop which will see you ascend the canyon and discover all of its secrets spots, such as the Garden of Eden. Also within Watarrka National Park is Kings Canyon Resort and its luxurious glamping tents.
The glamping tents themselves are a truly memorable experience. Except for the sturdy canvas walls, this is nothing like camping and everything like luxury. Blending with the beautiful earthy tones of the Northern Territory landscape, there are three family tents available. The family tents feature a king bed plus two king singles, and there are also tents designed for couples.
Each tent features a modern lounge area, dining space, premium linen, air-conditioning, a private en-suite stocked with Australian made skin-care products, and an outdoor deck with seating. The kids have their own room within the oversized tent and a hanging egg chair adorns the front for cosy sunsets and sunrises. Here’s the cherry on top. Each glamping tent has a Nespresso machine with various coffee and hot chocolate pods.
“Mum, look what I can do with the light,” my five-year-old daughter squealed, snatching a remote from her eight-year-old brother. After a quick discussion about not snatching, we worked out that the large pendant light in the centre of the tent can change colour. Of course, you can leave it white if you wish … but the subdued disco light is a lot more fun, if not a little weird in this setting.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Although it was incredibly hard to tear both myself and my family away from the glamping tent, we set out to explore Kings Canyon, in particular, the 6km Rim Walk. This isn’t the first time we’ve completed this walk so I knew what we were in for. However, the last time we did this trek the kids were small enough to carry comfortably. My five-year-old daughter would be turning six in only a few days and has never been described as petite. If she couldn’t make the trek, it was going to be a hard slog for both myself and my husband.
I needn’t have worried, she took off at the beginning of the hike with her dad. Subsequently, she stayed ahead of me for the whole walk! My pride bruised that I was beaten by a five-year-old and my body crying tears of sweat from the initial ascent, I had to admit I was incredibly proud of both kid’s perseverance.
The Initial Ascent is Brutal …
Once the initial ascent is over on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, it’s pretty smooth sailing for a while. The landscape as you walk along the towering red rock cliffs are out of this world. Likewise, the views across to the other side of the canyon are incredible. Here you will get the opportunity to climb through “Priscilla’s Crack”, massive twin rocks with a narrow gap between them made famous by the iconic Australian movie, “The Adventure of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.”
Around the halfway point, the track descends down into the Garden of Eden, a secret oasis of waterholes and stunning riverine vegetation. It’s nothing short of incredible and many people stop here to take a breather and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. From this point, hikers will ascend back up a series of steep stairs to the other side of the canyon for spectacular views across the way in which you came. It’s fairly easy going all the way back down to the car park from this point with some amazing viewpoints and a fascinating landscape.
Tackle the Rim Walk early in the morning, it should take around 3 – 4 hours. The reason? To finish the walk before the temperature rises! Pack heaps of water and lots of snacks for this challenge.
Back at our Kings Canyon Glamping tent …
Ten minutes back to the resort and our glamping tent, the staff gave the kids a printout of the common fauna, flora, insects and birds to be found at Kings Canyon. Apparently not worn out by the hike like I was, they set to work wildlife spotting. Also, never ones to let the truth get in the way of a good story, they claimed to have spotted every single bird, insect, animal and plant.
There are a few different dining options to choose from here but all are local, fresh and delicious. Enjoy a true Aussie BBQ with live entertainment at The Outback BBQ. Pizza and wedges can be found at The Thirsty Dingo Bar and burgers and chips can be ordered at the Desert Oaks Bistro. For those looking for some time alone without the kids, Dining Under a Desert Moon is amazing. This will see you set up under a canopy of stars, featuring a five-course dinner created from seasonal, locally sourced produce with paired wines.
Credit – Tourism NT & Matt Glastonbury
Before you depart Kings Canyon for the 3.5 hours drive to either Uluru or Alice Springs, make sure to stroll the Kings Creek Walk, an easy 2km return trek suitable for families seeking something less strenuous than the rim walk. The track meanders alongside Kings Creek, ending at a platform with stunning views of the sheer canyon walls. The bird watching is epic here.
If you have time to linger, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the local indigenous community’s culture. This can be done on a one-hour Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience. A member of the local indigenous community will take you on a journey of their ancient culture through their musical instruments, weapons, medicines and bush tucker.
Don’t Miss Sunset at Kings Canyon Resort!
A great free activity is to head to the sunset viewing platform at the resort as the sun goes down. Enjoy a drink as you watch the canyon come alive with colour from a distance. Watch the changing colours of the sky and sandstone before the night’s lights twinkle on, one by one.
Credit – Tourism NT & Shaana McNaught
For a truly memorable experience, get a birds-eye view of Kings Canyon in one of the iconic bubble window helicopters. Flights range from 8 minutes to 30 minutes. Expect epic views of the rise and fall of the sandstone domes and the geological diversity of Kings Canyon.
In addition to the luxury glamping tents, Kings Canyon resort also offers resort rooms with hotel comforts. There are also lodge rooms with communal kitchens and bathrooms, and a campground with both powered and unpowered sites.
For more information on Kings Canyon Resort and their amazing glamping experience, head to their website direct at www.kingscanyonresort.com.au
Looking for more awesome family holiday ideas?
For more information on visiting Central Australia, jump over to our Central Australia page. Alternatively, head on back to the home page for inspiration on destinations worldwide and around Australia.
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Pssst: If you love glamping, check out our post on the Best Glamping in Australia State by State!
Resources for booking your getaway to Central Australia
Getting to the Red Centre of Australia
Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com.
Getting around Central Australia
Car hire is available in Alice Springs. Compare car hire prices across major brands at Discover Cars. Don’t forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges.
Accommodation in Central Australia
Ayers Rock Resort in the obvious choice at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, with a range of accommodations from camping to hotel rooms. For the ultimate in luxury at Uluru, stay at Longitude 131.
Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if you’re on a camping road trip.
Glen Helen is the only non-camping option available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Alice Springs and easily day-trip out to the West Macs.
If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead.
Tours and activities in Central Australia
Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator.
