We stayed at Kings Creek Station for 2 nights on a 10 night trip making our way from Alice Springs to Adelaide.
One of the places we wanted to visit on the trip was Kings Canyon, on researching accomodation in the area we came across Kings Creek and emailed them via their website.. after a couple of communications we found out that our contact, Liz, came from Leicester, which is just up the road from us so that sealed the deal! I was also intrigued by the mixed reviews on TA as I do a bit of camping in the UK and France and felt up to roughing it a bit in Oz.
On arrival we checked in quickly and found the girls on reception to be very helpful (while also on the 2 way radio sorting out a cattle related issue!) and we were soon shown to our cabin, which we called the Wendy House once we'd settled in.
There isn't that much room but to be honest we only took in a change of clothing and some basic toiletries and left the rest of the stuff in the car which was only stroll away. There is enough room to keep a small bag if you need more things with you. We found that everything we needed was provided, the lamp is useful as we like to read a bit before turning in for the night. More importantly it was clean and the bed was comfy - I slept for 9hrs both nights - and the cabins are surprisingly insect proof, with screens over the windows (which means you get plenty of fresh air at night). I did bring some Raid to kill off anything which managed to sneak in but all we had were a few ants.
We used the communal BBQ both nights ordering the packs from the shop, this is a really easy way to cater and there isn't much else in the vincinity. The shop has emergency supplies and basic food stuffs. There weren't too many people there the 1st night and we spent a pleasent few hours chatting with a guy touring on his motor bike and a family group from the USA. The 2nd night we were the only people on site, and I shall not forget the feeling of tranquility watching the sun go down then star-gazing for a while, sipping "free" wine left by other residents who had moved on. The camp kitchen is fully equipped and people leave stuff in the fridge when they go, which means less waste.
The bathroom facilities while basic were clean and functional and hot water was available on each occasion. The heat was fairly intense while we were there and it was nice to have a quick rinse to cool off in an evening and also when getting back from walking in the Canyon.
Breakfast was top notch, eggs, bacon and toast cooked to order with tea / coffee on a self serve basis, we got in early and were served quickly. The 1st morning we had a small bus arrive after we'd eaten but the 2nd morning was very quiet and we ate with the staff who talked to us about the area and the cattle station and Territory life in general.
The only thing which was disappointing was the pool which was not clean and had no sun beds ... we had a look one afternoon as it was hot and we had a couple of hours free but decided against using it.
I think that you need to bear in mind that this a working station not a resort and that you are in the outback where insects are always going to be a challenge (particularly if you live in a place which is tame by comparison, after all its what you are used to) . Eating later on means less flies, slap on a bit of repellent to keep mozzies at bay etc.... its worth it to experience a different way of life.
The staff were all lovely and gave us some tips on other areas to visit such as the Olgas and Kathleen Springs.
