Kings Canyon Resort sits in Watarrka National Park, in the middle of the red centre, and it is the base most travellers choose for the canyon itself. Uluru is a long drive away, so this is not a hotel for people who want to be next to the rock. It is the place for those who want to walk the Kings Canyon rim at first light, with only a short drive from the door to the start of the track, and then continue on a loop that links the canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru. The property is set among desert vegetation and ranges, and the setting is one of its main attractions. The resort offers a wide spread of rooms, which makes it workable for different budgets and group sizes. The budget lodge rooms include doubles, rooms with single beds and a quad room, and suit backpackers and families watching costs. Standard rooms come with one or two queen beds, and there are garden-view rooms, accessible rooms, a family room and a two-bedroom option. At the top end are the refurbished deluxe rooms with a king bed and sofa bed, and a deluxe family room with two bedrooms. For something different, there are glamping tents for couples and families, which combine the feel of camping with a proper bed.
Facilities
The resort has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground and a pool table, which makes it easier to keep children happy between walks. The on-site restaurant, Carmichael's, serves breakfast and dinner, and there is a bar for a drink after a long day. Because the nearest alternative is a long drive, eating at the resort is the practical choice, and booking dinner in busy periods is wise.
Rooms have air conditioning and heating, mini fridges and tea and coffee makers. There is free parking, a front desk safe, laundry facilities, an ATM and a small shop. Wi-Fi is available in public areas for an extra charge, and mobile coverage is limited, so download maps and tickets before you arrive.
Who it suits
Walkers, photographers and families doing a red centre road trip, and anyone on a guided loop that overnights at the canyon. The rim walk is best done early, before the heat, so staying nearby saves a pre-dawn drive. The resort is also a reasonable base for travellers taking the Kings Canyon day trip from Uluru who want to turn it into an overnight stay and avoid the long return journey in one day.
Good to know
The resort is about fourteen kilometres from the canyon walk starts, so a car or a tour is needed to reach the trailheads, as there is no shuttle service. Pets are not allowed, and the property is smoke-free. Check-in is from three in the afternoon and check-out is by ten in the morning, with early check-in and late check-out available for a fee.
The desert gets hot in summer and very cold at night in winter, so pack layers, a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Book early for the cooler months, which are the busiest, and compare room types, because the difference between a budget lodge room and a deluxe room is considerable. If your trip centres on Uluru, stay at Yulara instead, and treat Kings Canyon as a one- or two-night extension.
Why stay here
- ✓Budget lodge, standard, deluxe and glamping tent options
- ✓Outdoor swimming pool
- ✓Carmichael's restaurant (breakfast and dinner)
- ✓Bar
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Air conditioning and heating
- ✓Laundry facilities and shop
- ✓Tennis courts and playground
Good questions
How far is the resort from Kings Canyon?+
It is in Watarrka National Park, roughly fourteen kilometres from the canyon walk starts. A car or tour is needed to reach the trailheads.
What room types are available?+
Budget lodge rooms, standard and family rooms, deluxe rooms, and glamping tents for couples and families.
Is there a restaurant?+
Yes. Carmichael's serves breakfast and dinner, and there is a bar. Booking ahead in busy periods is wise.
