Experiences
Backpacking Australia
If you are backpacking your way through Australia, you certainly don't want to miss out on the Red Centre, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Make sure your itinerary includes the rugged desert landscapes of the outback and a visit of the fabled Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kings Canyon.
There is no better way to explore Central Australia then at your own pace, Kings Canyon lies just 3 hours from both Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Alice Springs. The drive passes some incredible sites including Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge.
Coach transfers are also available and operate services between Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Coach bookings can be made through Voyages.
Voyages offers a variety of accommodation options for the budget minded traveller at Kings Canyon Resort - Budget Lodge and Ayers Rock Resort - Outback Pioneer Lodge.
Kings Canyon Resort
Kings Canyon is the ultimate backpacking wilderness experience. Kings Canyon is an extraordinary gorge with sandstone walls plunging 270 metres to a tropical oasis at the base and an eco-system that has all but vanished in other parts of the country. Imagine exploring the red rocky cliffs, narrow gorges and shady hollows of this magnificent 120 million year old canyon.
Activities
Join a guided climb or venture out on your own to the rim of Kings Canyon. There are two popular walks at Kings Canyon. The 6 km Kings Canyon - Rim Walk and the 2.6 km Kings Creek Walk which traces the bottom of the gorge. Or set out on a Quad bike adventure, discover the rugged landscape from the back off a camel, play a game of tennis or simply unwind by the pool.
Accommodation & facilities
Kings Canyon Resort is designed to blend in with the environment and complement the beauty of this unique area. The 36 Budget Lodge rooms features male/female dormitories in a combination of double, twin and 4-share rooms.
Budget Lodge rooms feature air conditioning, blankets, refrigerator, linen, tea and coffee making facilities, and a television.
The budget accommodation is conveniently located within the resort with easy access to many services and facilities; shared kitchen facilities, outdoor BBQ, swimming pool, mini supermarket, tennis courts, petrol station, laundry, safety deposit boxes and tour desk.
Dining and Bar
Join us for sunset drinks at the George Gill Bar, and for a true Australian Outback experience enjoy a sumptuous a-la-carte BBQ-style fare at the Outback Barbeque and Grill. This casual bar and grill also provides live entertainment during the high season (June to November).
If you are catering for yourself, pick up supplies at our mini-supermarket, which has a good range of food and groceries on offer. Open daily from 7.00am to 7.00pm.
Ayers Rock - Outback Pioneer Lodge
Located within Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Voyages Outback Pioneer Lodge proudly boasts 42 budget style rooms. This is a place where friendships are made and good times are had by all.
As a guest at the Lodge you have access to all the facilities the resort has to offer; swimming pool, outback barbeque area, supermarket, resort shopping centre, petrol station, tennis courts, visitor centre, tour desk and use of the FREE resort shuttle bus to get around.
Accommodation & facilities
The Outback Pioneer Lodge provides comfortable, clean hostel beds for the budget minded traveller. Two styles of accommodation are available including twenty bed female and male dormitories and four bed mixed sex dormitories, both have shared bathroom facilities.
The budget rooms feature air-conditioning and heating and have access to communal showers and toilets, a common room with television and internet access, a communal self-catering kitchen and shared self-service laundry facilities.
Dining & Bar
Taste Australia's pioneering past, as you enjoy a beer and some outback delights at the do-it-yourself Outback BBQ, swap stories of your day's adventures, and sing along with the nightly entertainment. Alternatively, opt for the Bough House Restaurant which offers a buffet of traditional Australian tucker, or share a pizza at Gecko's Café.
'Must do' activities at Ayers Rock include:
- Aboriginal Dot Painting workshop
- Visit to the Cultural Centre (free admission)
- Sunset or sunrise Camel Tours
- Harley Davidson Tour of Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Uluru Walk - a 9.4km walk around the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Kata Tjuta - Valley of the Winds Walk
