Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon Caravan Park Detailed Review

Our review of staying at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon in our caravan. Well priced sites, stunning scenery and outback adventures impressed us greatly and we will go again! Normally we’re absolute tightarses and free camp whenever we can but there were no other really viable options so we rolled the dice and coughed up some cash – we are very happy we did.

The Red Centre of Australia is a remote and rugged region. If you’re seeking a unique way to experience it staying at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon in a caravan is a great option. The resort provides a range of accommodation choices. If like us staying in your caravan is your thing then this is an excellent spot to park your van. From here you can easily explore all that Watarrka National Park has to offer. In this blog post I’ll share our review of staying in a caravan at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon, including pricing, what you can do during your stay and essential contact information.

Sunset View From Our Caravan At Kings Canyon Caravan Park

Overview Of Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon

Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon is the most popular accommodation options in the area. Located just a short drive from the renowned Kings Canyon itself. The resort caters to a range of travellers offering everything from powered caravan sites to deluxe hotel rooms. The caravan park section is ideal for those wanting to explore the area while keeping their accommodation costs down.

Location

The resort is located approximately 475 kilometres from Alice Springs and 300 kilometres from Uluru making it a convenient base for exploring both iconic destinations. In the middle of the outback the resort offers awesome views with a peaceful atmosphere. You can get to Kings Canyon from Alice Springs on fully sealed roads via the Stuart & Lasseter Highways.

If you’re looking for an adventure and you are set up to do so then the Mereenie Loop is an unsealed section of the Red Centre Way linking Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. This unsealed road commences from either the Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or from the Kings Canyon end at Watarrka National Park. Usually corrugated, sometimes rough and rutted as well this stretch has no facilities or fuel stops. It’s recommended for four wheel drive vehicles only. You also require a permit to travel the Mereenie Loop as the road crosses Aboriginal land.

Kings Canyon Resort Caravan Park Photo Taken During Our Helicopter Ride

Caravan Park Facilities

Staying in the caravan section of Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon comes with a number of perks. The caravan park is well equipped with the facilities you need to ensure a comfortable stay. It’s a great spot for travellers like us who prefer to bring their accommodation with them.

Powered And Unpowered Sites

The resort offers both powered and unpowered caravan sites so whether you’ve got a fully equipped caravan, motorhome or camper trailer you’ll find something that suits. The powered sites are located near the resort’s facilities offering easy access to the amenities while the unpowered sites provide a quieter more out of the way experience.

Amenities

The resort’s caravan park provides a range of modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Some of the key facilities include.

• Hot showers and clean bathrooms: There’s nothing better than a hot shower after a long day exploring the outback and the resort’s amenities block is well maintained.
• Laundry facilities: If you’re on a longer road trip you’ll appreciate the laundry facilities available on site.
• Camp kitchen: Equipped with BBQs, sinks and seating areas the camp kitchen is a social hub where you can cook up a feed and meet fellow travellers.
• Swimming pool: After a hot day exploring the canyon the swimming pool is a welcome place to cool off and relax.
• Fuel station: There’s a fuel station on-site which is handy especially in a remote area like this where fuel stops are few and far between. Fuel price was as you’d expect for a remote area. The fuel station has a shop with very basic necessities available. Just as well because I was able to get a tube of superglue so I could fix a clip on my CPAP machine mask so I could use it and not get punched in the head by Amanda because my snoring was keeping her awake!
• Dump Point: Kings Canyon Resort caravan park has a dump point available for guests to use free of charge.

Light Towers At Disovery Resorts Kings Canyon Seen From Our Caravan Site A Great Free Show!

Pricing

Pricing at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon varies depending on the season and whether you’re opting for a powered or unpowered site. Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect.

• Powered sites: Prices start from around $50 to $55 per night for two people.
• Unpowered sites: These are slightly cheaper, starting from around $40 to $45 per night for two people.

This was correct as of August 2024. Always check the resort’s website or give them a ring for the most up-to-date pricing as rates can fluctuate with the season and availability.

What To Do While Staying At Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon

While the resort itself offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation the real magic lies in the incredible landscapes and adventures right on your doorstep. Here’s a list of things to do during your stay.

1. Kings Canyon Rim Walk
   The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is the star attraction in the area and it’s a must do for anyone staying at the resort. This 6 kilometre loop walk offers jaw dropping views of the canyon’s towering cliffs, ancient rock formations and the lush Garden of Eden, a hidden waterhole nestled in the canyon. The walk can be challenging particularly the initial climb (affectionately known as “Heart Attack Hill”) but once you’re on the rim it’s a relatively easy stroll with plenty of photo opportunities. The entire walk takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete so start early to beat the heat. I managed to walk almost to the top of the steep climb however as Amanda doesn’t do well with heights she couldn’t do it. After getting almost to the top I turned around and came back down. Just as I got back down to the bottom the park ranger was putting a sign out closing the walk for the rest of the day. They close the walk when they expect temperatures above 35 degrees celsius. Just as well they closed the walk as it got well above that!
2. Kings Creek Walk
   If the Rim Walk sounds a bit too full on, the Kings Creek Walk is a great alternative. This shorter 2 kilometre return walk follows the creek bed, offering stunning views of the canyon walls above. The walk is mostly shaded and flat, making it perfect for families or those looking for a more leisurely stroll. There are seats along the way where you can take a break and there is a really good viewing platform at the end with good seating where you can sit back and relax before heading back. Amanda and I both did this walk and it was quite easy and had a lot to stop and look at.
3. Helicopter Flights
   For a truly unforgettable experience you can take a helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and the surrounding landscape. Seeing the rugged beauty of the Red Centre from the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are several flight options available ranging from shorter 8-minute flights to longer 30-minute journeys. Helicopter flights can be arranged through the resort and it’s a fantastic way to see the canyon from a different perspective.
4. Sunset Viewing
   One of the simplest yet most rewarding activities at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon is watching the sunset. The resort’s location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and as the sun sets, the red rocks of the canyon light up in fiery colours. Grab a drink, find a good spot and watch the day close with a spectacular outback sunset.
5. Outback BBQ and Entertainment
   The Outback BBQ and Show at the resort is a fun way to spend an evening. The resort offers a nightly BBQ dinner where you can dig right into Aussie favourites like steak, sausages and salads while enjoying live entertainment under the stars. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to end the day and the kids will love the chance to kick back and enjoy the show.
6. Quad Biking at Kings Creek Station
   Located about 30 kilometres from the resort Kings Creek Station is a working cattle and camel station that offers quad biking tours through the rugged outback terrain. This is a thrilling way to explore the landscape and the guides are knowledgeable, offering insights into the history and ecology of the area. It’s suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.
7. Camel Rides
   For a more laid back adventure you can take a camel ride at Kings Creek Station. Camel trekking through the desert is a classic outback experience and it’s a fun way to get up close to the unique landscape. Camel rides can be arranged through Kings Creek Station.

Halicopter Ride At Kings Canyon

Eating and Drinking

If you’re staying in the caravan park and don’t feel like cooking the resort has several dining options available. The main restaurant offers a range of meals from casual bites to more substantial meals, including steaks and local game. The bar is fully licensed, so you can enjoy a cold beer or wine after a day of exploring.

There’s an afternoon happy hour and from memory it was between four and five and Amanda and I definitely made the most of it! The meals were quite good too. Normally we’ll cook our own however we figured give the main restaurant a go and ended up going back a second night. I had my first ever camel burger and it was much better than I expected in fact it was bloody awesome.

If you’re after something more casual the resort also has a takeaway café where you can grab sandwiches, burgers and snacks. And if you fancy a DIY meal the camp kitchen and BBQ facilities make it easy to whip up your own dinner.

Smashing A Few Back At Kings Canyon Bar & Grill Happy Hour!

Contact Information for Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon

To book your stay at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon or to check current rates and availability you can contact the resort directly. It is highly recommend that you book your stay well in advance as the park gets extremely busy during the peak season and fills up quickly.

• Phone: 1800 837 168 (within Australia) or +61 7 5665 4426 (international)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/resorts/kings-canyon

Final Thoughts

Staying in a caravan at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon is an excellent way to experience Kings Canyon and the greater Watarrka National Park. With well maintained facilities, a range of activities and the stunning Kings Canyon just a short drive away, it’s the perfect base for exploring this iconic Australian destination. Whether you’re an experienced caravanner or new to the outback remote area travel lifestyle Discovery Resorts offers a comfortable and memorable stay. With powered and unpowered sites at reasonable prices it’s an affordable option for those wanting to experience the magic of the outback without breaking the bank. Amanda and I really enjoyed our stay at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon and we’ll stay there again next time we’re in the area. We recommend it.

My Very First Ever Camel Burger At Kings Canyon Bar & Grill

Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon Photo Gallery