As the only accommodation located with the Tjoritja - West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, it is important that you arrive at Discovery Resorts – Glen Helen appropriately equipped. Planning a trip to the Red Centre soon? We cover some of the frequently asked questions to help make your journey a positively memorable one.
Where is Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen?
Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen is situated 132 kilometres west of Alice Springs. By car, it is approximately a 1.5-hour drive on sealed roads. While the drive is safe and easy, we highly recommend getting up to date information on road conditions via NT Road Report. Road conditions across the Northern Territory can change rapidly depending on the time of year.
Can I travel via air to Discovery Resorts – Glen Helen?
No, the closest airport to Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen is the Alice Springs Airport. You can fly into Alice Springs Airport, then enjoy a leisurely drive on sealed roads to Discovery Resorts – Glen Helen. Car hire with unlimited kilometres is available from the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre.
How do I get to Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen from Alice Springs?
Getting to Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen from Alice Springs is easy via car. It is a 1.5-hour journey on sealed roads. Always check and understand the road conditions prior to your journey. NT Road Report provides the most up to date information on all Government controlled roads.
- Take Larapinta Drive west following signs to Hermannsburg
- Travel for approximately 50km
- Turn right onto Namatjira Drive at the Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen sign
- Follow the sealed road (Namatjira Drive) 80km to the signs to Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen
- The Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen entrance is on the left.
How do I get to Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen from Kings Canyon?
Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen is 260km from Kings Canyon along sealed and unsealed roads. Always check and understand the road conditions prior to your journey. NT Road Report provides the most up to date information on all Government controlled roads.
- Drive North from Kings Canyon on sealed road for approximately 12km. The road then becomes the unsealed Larapinta Drive (Mereenie Loop Road)*
- Travel for approximately 120km
- Turn left onto Namatjira drive, a sealed road, at signs to Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) and Glen Helen
- The Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen entrance is on the right after approximately 100km.
*Please note that at this stage ONLY 4WD vehicles are recommended on the unsealed Larapinta Drive / Mereenie Loop Road. The road can be quite rough and could be dangerous as upkeep is limited. Please drive at a safe speed on this road.
Permits are required to drive the Mereenie Loop. Permits can be purchased from our friendly team at Reception at Discovery Resorts – Glen Helen and Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon.
Can I take a motorhome or 2WD to Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen?
Yes, so long as you are travelling on sealed roads. We strongly recommend planning your journey appropriately if travelling in a motorhome or 2WD.
Is there fuel available at Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen?
Yes, fuel is available for purchase onsite at Discovery Resorts – Glen Helen, with both diesel and unleaded available, in addition to snacks and basic convenience items. We strongly recommended that you plan your fuel stops, as service stations are limited in the outback.
When is the best time to visit Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park?
Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park is accessible all year round, however the cooler months (April to September) are the best time to visit. It is important to note that road conditions across the Northern Territory can change rapidly depending on the time of year. You are encouraged to stay up to date on road conditions via the NT Road Report.
Do I require a permit or pass to visit Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park?
As of 3 April 2023, all interstate and international visitors to the Northern Territory (NT) require a park pass to visit all national parks and reserves including the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. For more information and to purchase the Northern Territory parks pass, please click here.