Title: Visit Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve: Best of Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.com [Hotels in Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve](https://expedia.com/Rainbow-Valley-Conservation-Reserve-Hotels.d553248634335928131.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve](https://expedia.com/Rainbow-Valley-Conservation-Reserve-Vacation-Rentals.d553248634335928131.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Rainbow-Valley-Conservation-Reserve.d553248634335928131.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Rainbow-Valley-Conservation-Reserve.d553248634335928131.Car-Rental-Guide)[Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Rainbow-Valley-Conservation-Reserve.d553248634335928131.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve ## Travel Guide ![Alice Springs featuring landscape views, a gorge or canyon and desert views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634335928131/28b608e5-be67-4b27-92d4-df748f38a870.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Alice Springs featuring landscape views, a gorge or canyon and desert views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634335928131/28b608e5-be67-4b27-92d4-df748f38a870.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Alice Springs showing desert views and hiking or walking](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634335928131/4b2a9b5d-b09c-4721-94fa-bb2eeb631adc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Alice Springs featuring vehicle touring and desert views as well as a couple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634335928131/7e9e0026-daa0-4e36-a338-9efaffbf67bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve which includes a gorge or canyon and desert views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634335928131/ec029f87-54e1-4815-b062-1000b7f5ff4d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve Things to do #### Picnic by colourful sandstone cliffs and explore the indigenous paintings in this reserve, then stay for the incredible sunsets. Enjoy a sunrise breakfast or a sunset champagne and watch the play of light across the colourful sandstone cliffs of Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve. The incredible geology here is part of the James Range. The cliffs and their many colours were formed by water leeching minerals up to form a hard iron-rich crust and soft white sandstone base. Discover the indigenous carvings and rock paintings around the park. The Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is located 97 kilometres (60 miles) south of Alice Springs. The scenic drive into the reserve is flanked by Desert Oaks. Within the park the spinifex plains and mulga woods provide habitat for much bird life. Walking trails lead around claypans and the base of the cliffs to Mushroom Rock, a brilliant red-rock formation with a tunnel eroded through its base. Its white sandstone “stem” is protected by the harder iron-rich cap, making the natural sculpture resemble a toadstool. Look for the bottle-shaped mud nests of fairy martin swallows in the rock’s crevices and hollows. Rainbow Valley has historic and spiritual significance for the indigenous Southern-Arrernte people. Ancient tools, paintings and rock carvings have been found in the James Range dating back as far as 30,000 years. Visit the sacred sites of Rainbow Valley Conservation Park as part of a ticketed guided tour from Alice Springs. Indigenous guides give insight into the Southern-Arrernte people’s ongoing connection to this special place, their living culture, Dreaming stories and their uses of native plants and animals for food and medicine. If you visit on your own, make sure to stick to the marked paths. Visitors are asked to respect the importance of Rainbow Valley to the Aboriginal people. Stay overnight to camp out beneath the stars in the Rainbow Valley campground. Rise at dawn to see the fantastic rings of colour on the cliffs. There are toilet, picnic and barbeque facilities within the campground but you will need to bring your own water. The turn-off to Rainbow Valley Reserve is 75 kilometres (46.6 miles) south of Alice Springs along the Stuart Highway. The final leg of the drive is recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles only. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_553248634335928131) - Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve ![DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/19400/19344/14b13d42_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs 82 Barrett Drive Desert Springs NT $82 nightly $90 total Feb 28 - Mar 1 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this golf hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (996 reviews) Room was spacious abd spotkess and the staff were very helpful and pleasant. Reviewed on Feb 13, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F28%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026&selected=19344&PinnedHotelID=19344&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248634335928131) ![Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/130000/120200/120131/cb90b4a7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs 20 Gregory Terrace Alice Springs NT $63 nightly $70 total Feb 26 - Feb 27 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ... 7.4/10 Good! (999 reviews) I asked for ground floor, near pool if possible and quiet. I was allocated room 207\. The night was very quiet. The room was spotlessly clean and the bed was extremely comfortable and enjoyed a great nights sleep. Dinner was quick as a flash. The only negative was my not so cold JD RTD for $13.70\. ... Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F26%2F2026&endDate=2%2F27%2F2026&selected=120131&PinnedHotelID=120131&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248634335928131) ![Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1050000/1047900/1047826/eee3712e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG 93 Barrett Drive Desert Springs NT $92 nightly $101 total Feb 27 - Feb 28 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews) Clean room, very nice pool area Reviewed on Feb 11, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=2%2F28%2F2026&selected=1047826&PinnedHotelID=1047826&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248634335928131) [See all 34 properties in Hugh](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=2%2F22%2F2026&endDate=2%2F23%2F2026®ionId=553248634374224063) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Quest Alice Springs](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1780000/1774600/1774533/4abf7a9a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Quest Alice Springs 9-10 South Terrace The Gap NT Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Alice Springs Golf Club ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (385 reviews) Very well equipped apartment, especially liked having washer and dryer in room. Needs a few more kitchen tools, like paring knife, etc. Two knives were provided but were too large and not sharp. Providing items like salt and pepper would be appreciated. Parking lot was crowded, difficult to maneuver, ... Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025 [](https://expedia.com/Alice-Springs-Hotels-Quest-Alice-Springs.h1774533.Hotel-Information) ![Penthouse Haven: Lux Balcony Dining ~ Sea View](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/72000000/71540000/71533500/71533463/fcb6ff20_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Penthouse Haven: Lux Balcony Dining \~ Sea View Darwin City NT Stay at this condo in Darwin. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Darwin Waterfront and Mindil Beach ... 10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews) This accomodation is perfect for the whole family. It has everything you need, and all entertainment and restaurants are all so close by you don’t have to worry about additional transport. The apartment is modern, spacious and clean. We look forward to coming back again some time! Thanks to Ben and ... Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025 [](https://expedia.com/Ghan-Hotels-Penthouse-Haven-Lux-Balcony-Dining-Sea-View.h71533463.Hotel-Information) ![Vatu Sanctuary](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9780000/9777600/9777522/6cfc051d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Vatu Sanctuary 18 Knuckey Avenue Braitling NT Stay at this apartment in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Anzac Hill and Alice Springs Telegraph Station are ... Excellent place in Alice Springs I stayed in a studio which was very spacious and comfortable. It has all modern amenities. Communal areas are great! I specially liked the artwork in the rooms and outside. Overall fantastic place. Reviewed on Oct 28, 2017 [](https://expedia.com/Alice-Springs-Hotels-Vatu-Sanctuary.h9777522.Hotel-Information) [See all 34 properties in Hugh](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=553248634374224063&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248634335928131&startDate=2026-02-21&endDate=2026-02-22)[Feb 21 - Feb 22](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248634335928131&startDate=2026-02-21&endDate=2026-02-22) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248634335928131&startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23)[Feb 22 - Feb 23](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248634335928131&startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248634335928131&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026)[Feb 27 - Mar 1](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248634335928131&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Standley Chasm featuring a gorge or canyon and hiking or walking as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340785069/5376d7df-a638-4078-9d75-39e79026f2ff.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Standley Chasm Walk through this towering red-sandstone gorge carved out by floods to discover a rich array of native flowering plants, ancient cycads and diverse bird species. [](https://expedia.com/Standley-Chasm-Hugh.d553248634340785069.Vacation-Attraction) ![Alice Springs which includes desert views and views as well as a couple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532608282/05a5bfc0-ffec-409c-afeb-a66980aea7c4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve Walk around the base of an enormous pillar of rock carved with the names of pioneers and watch as the sunset lights up the red and orange sandstone. [](https://expedia.com/Chambers-Pillar-Historical-Reserve-Hugh.d553248635921432232.Vacation-Attraction) #### MacDonnell Ranges Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at MacDonnell Ranges during your travels in Hugh. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.com/MacDonnell-Ranges-Hugh.d553248621532608371.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Wildflower season](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1404082/dd4ba11b-9b03-439c-8235-b14e4ee6d10b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket $27 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/alice-springs-desert-park-general-entry-ticket.a1404082.activity-details) ![West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4775633/a7b6ab3d-2a79-4d44-a023-7816d00bdf4e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group $104 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/west-macdonnell-ranges-half-day-tour-small-group.a4775633.activity-details) ![Alice Town and Country Half Day Sunset Tour -Small Group](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48371823/b5720353-6b17-47fe-be28-2ccf2ac5ff35.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Alice Town and Country Half Day Sunset Tour -Small Group $136 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/alice-town-and-country-half-day-sunset-tour-small-group.a48371823.activity-details) ![West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Standley Chasm](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44961695/e267b3e8-db9a-4512-af07-8775fb6c0a08.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Day Trip from Alice Springs $136 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/west-macdonnell-ranges-standley-chasm-day-trip-from-alice-springs.a44961695.activity-details) ![Alice Town And Country Half Day Sunset Tour - Small Group](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44897316/9bb1be2c-c74f-4a77-a748-4b3e3fcc3c68.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Alice Town And Country Half Day Sunset Tour - Small Group $136 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/alice-town-and-country-half-day-sunset-tour-small-group.a44897316.activity-details) ![Skip the Line: Alice Springs School of the Air Guided Tour Ticket](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1408531/c29c9ea3-3199-49df-a3c0-33abb73634f7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Alice Springs School of the Air Guided Tour Ticket $11 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/alice-springs-school-of-the-air-guided-tour-ticket.a1408531.activity-details) [See all activities in Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Rainbow-Valley-Conservation-Reserve.d553248634335928131.Travel-Guide-Activities) - Cities near Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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