Re-opened Discovery Parks Glen Helen, Northern Territory

By Leisa Cooper
October 22, 2021
Camping, Destinations, Northern Territory

Images courtesy Discovery Parks

If you’re exploring central Australia, you’ll be pleased to hear that the previously named Glen Helen Lodge at Mount Zeil which was closed last year has now re-opened under the Discovery Parks banner.

Discovery Parks Glen Helen is located in the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges 130 km west of Alice Springs. This is an extraordinary landscape estimated to be 800 million years old and home to the Western Aranda Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years.

This outback haven has motel rooms as well as an expansive campground with powered and unpowered sites for caravans, motor homes, camper trailers and tents (no big rigs at present).

There’s a restaurant, bar and bistro, swimming pool and terrace overlooking the Glen Helen cliffs.

As this site is still being developed, there are some facilities not yet available but they are planned for the future including laundry, camp kitchen and bbq. Fuel was previously available here and it is hoped that this will be available again in the future.

There is Optus signal along with free WiFi, drinkable water and you are welcome to use off ground fire pits in season. The new park permits pets on lead as well.

There are grassy sites for tents, hot showers and amazing views of the cliffs.

Glen Helen Gorge is a short 10 minute walk to the Finke River and waterhole where you can swim or climb the ridge for magnificent views. There are discounts for Parks members and it’s a perfect base to explore nearby National Parks. (You can also free camp at Two Mile in the Tjoritja National Park. )