Iconic Territory resort, Glen Helen Lodge, to reopen in first milestone in multi-million dollar strategy

An inconic Territory lodge will reopen on Friday after it closed in 2020 due to the impacts of Covid-19 — the first milestone in a multi-million dollar strategy.

Glen Helen Lodge in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, which stretches for 161 km west of Alice Springs. Picture: Escape

• Infinity pool on the cards for Glen Helen Lodge, set to re-open with multimillion transformation in years to come
• Glen Helen Lodge set to re-open in August, with multimillion transformation in years to come

THE only accomodation in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Glen Helen Lodge, will reopen on Friday as Discovery Parks – Glen Helen, after it closed in 2020 due to impacts felt by Covid-19.

It is the first milestone in a multi-million dollar strategy to redevelop property.

Since being purchased by the G’day Group in May, significant work has been put into getting the property ready to welcome visitors again.

Supplied Editorial Discovery Parks - Glen Helen will reopen to the public on August 13.

The G’day Group has plans to develop the property over the coming years.

Under consideration is glamping tents, modern cabins, an infinity pool and a restaurant with a viewing deck that looks over Glen Helen Gorge.

Around 20 staff have been recruited for the property and an extra 80 jobs will be created during the construction period in 2023.

G’day Group chief executive, Grant Wilckens, said it was “an exciting day to be reopening Glen Helen after a near 18 month closure”.

“Glen Helen is such a special property with a really interesting history, and since acquiring it a few months ago we’ve been overwhelmed by the interest in the property’s reopening.

“Over the past few months we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get all the critical infrastructure ready for guests to visit once again. We’ve given it a little facelift ahead of what will be more major upgrades later this year.

Glen Helen Lodge, which is the only accommodation in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, announced its closure in 2020. Pictures: Glen Helen Lodge Facebook

“Once we have completed our planned enhancements, the experience will be elevated and even more visitors will be able to appreciate its beauty and significance.

“Glen Helen joins Kings Canyon Resort as two new NT properties in the G’day Group’s portfolio that we have big investment plans for. Both properties will become real tourism drawcards for the Red Centre.”

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