Uluru
Updated: 2024
OVERVIEW
Uluru (Ayers rock) is the spiritual heart of Australia, a magnificent landform that juts out of the desert like an ancient monument and captures the minds of anyone who gazes upon it.
To visit Uluru might sound like a one trick pony, as once you have seen the rock, that should be it, no? The way it changes colour, the difference in experience between viewing from afar and up close, and the cultural significance to the local Anangu people, make it so much more than 'just a rock'.
There are also many excellent activities, tours, and fun things to do in Uluru, especially if you don't mind paying for some truly unforgettable experiences. Dining under the stars, taking a scenic flight, riding a camel, or connecting with Aboriginal culture through a dot painting workshop are all incredible experiences. If you can't afford those things, being able to walk around Uluru, visiting the nearby Kata Tjuta, and diving into the Indigenous culture are just as thrilling. Aim to spend at least 2 days at Uluru but more if you want to do some of the longer tours.
Getting to Uluru and finding somewhere to stay is simple but expensive. Yulara, the town that houses the Ayers Rock Resort (and not much else), has a monopoly on Uluru and also has its own airport. They have several hotels and a caravan park, restaurants, shops, and other amenities that you may need on your trip. Find all the information about getting to Uluru, where to stay at Uluru, and a whole bunch of essential information (food, weather, events, etc) by clicking the contents section or scrolling down.
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Things To Do at Uluru
Ranked by popularity
How To Get To Uluru
Flights To Uluru
Sydney, Melbourne, and sometimes Brisbane have flights directly to Uluru.
Uluru has its own airport, called Ayers Rock Airport, which is located just 10 minutes drive north of Yulara, where all the accommodation is located. It's a great arrival as you get an amazing view of Uluru as you land.
The other options is Alice Springs, which also has an airport, but its a 4.5hr drive to Uluru from Alice, so it's best to fly direct to Uluru if you can.
Domestic Airlines flying there include Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar.
From Sydney
Jetstar and Qantas fly once per day each.
3hr30min flight time.
From Melbourne
Jetstar fly once per day from Tullamarine. Virgin begin flying the route from June.
3hr flight time.
From Adelaide
There are no direct flights from Adelaide to Uluru but Virgin have flights to Alice Springs with a 2hr10min flight time.
From Brisbane
Virgin are starting direct flights from June. Jetstar have offered direct flights during the peak winter season of June to October before, so check their site for availability. Otherwise, you can fly direct to Alice Springs or fly to Uluru via Sydney.
From Gold Coast
There are no direct flights. Try your options from Brisbane with Virgin or Jetstar, or go via Sydney.
From Perth
There are no direct flights from Perth to Uluru. Try going via Darwin or Adelaide to Alice Springs.
From Canberra
There are no direct flights from Canberra to Uluru. Try via Sydney.
From Hobart
There are no direct flights from Hobart to Uluru. Try via Melbourne.
From Darwin
There are no direct flights currently scheduled but you can fly to Alice Springs with Qantas or Airnorth on selected days.
From Regional Towns
Qantas fly direct from Cairns to Uluru on selected days.
Getting from the Airport to the city
If you are staying in one of the resort hotels, there is a free coach transfer from the airport to your hotel and it only takes 10 minutes to drive between the two locations. There is not need to book and they are scheduled to line up with the flight arrivals. There are also free return coaches scheduled 2 hours before flight departures.
More information at: -
https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/our-story/getting-here
Sustainability Tip
Avoid flying at all costs and take the train or a coach instead. If there is more than one of you, driving is lower in carbon emissions too.
If you have no choice but to fly, at least offset your carbon emissions.
Read our 'How to travel sustainably' guide for more tips and information.
The Ghan Train © Tourism NT
Trains To Uluru
There are no regular trains going to Uluru, or Alice Springs. There is however an incredible way to visit Uluru as part of a journey on the luxury Ghan train. One of their options includes a visit to Uluru as part of the journey.
Coach To Uluru
The only scheduled couch journey's to Uluru are from Alice Springs. There are however lots of coach tours running through the Northern Territory that always stop in Uluru, if that kind of trip suits you. Otherwise, these are the options for getting to Uluru by yourself via coach: -
AAT Kings
From Alice Springs to Uluru, this company has a strong connection to the resort offerings in Uluru, so are a good choice for a transfer. It takes around 6hr30min, travels in the afternoon, and costs from $199.
Emu Run
From Alice Springs to Uluru, it takes around 5hr30min and travels in the early morning. It costs from $179.
Greyhound
From Adelaide and Darwin to Alice Springs, daily. From Adelaide is takes 19hr30min and costs from $198. From Darwin it is 21hr40min and costs from $269.
Uluru directions © Tourism NT
Drive To Uluru
Uluru is located pretty much central to the entire continent of Australia. Consequently, it is far from everywhere. Adelaide, the closest major city, is a 16 hour drive away and the only sealed roads into the area are from Adelaide to the south, or from the north, from Darwin or far north Queensland. Driving is therefore not a likely option if you are only visiting for a short break. If, however, you are on a longer journey, a road trip to the Northern Territory is an amazing experience, and something every aussie should do at least once in their life.
From Sydney
Its around 30 hours driving from Sydney to Uluru, so only consider this for a road trip. The journey will take you through Broken Hill and Coober Pedy, two great outback towns that will make the drive worthwhile.
From Melbourne
It takes around 25 hours to drive from Melbourne via Adelaide. If Uluru is your final destination, allow about 10 days for the return trip including stops in Adelaide and Coober Pedy.
From Adelaide
It will take around 16 and a half hours to drive from Adelaide, so plan this over 2 days with a stop off in Coober Pedy.
From Brisbane
Unless you have a 4wd and want an off road adventure, the massive Simpson desert is in the way of a direct journey from south east Queensland to Uluru. The shortest route via sealed roads takes you south into NSW, through Broken Hill, and north at Port Augusta towards Coober Pedy. It takes around 34 hours of pure driving. Going north via Mount Isa will take around 37 hours, so you can make a nice circuit and one epic road trip if you wish.
From Perth
There is a great 4wd route to Uluru that can get you there is 4 days, otherwise, by sealed roads, you have to cross the Nullabor and go all the way to Port Augusta before turning north. This takes 38 hours of driving.
From Darwin
It takes around 20 hours to drive from Darwin, so plan this over a few days with a stops in Katherine, the pub at Daly Waters, the Devils Marbles, and Alice Springs.
Parking at Uluru
Once you get to Uluru, you can park at your accommodation in Yulara for free and take advantage of having your own private transport to freely visit the sunset viewing spots or Kata Tjuta on your own schedule.
Ready to check Flight rates and availability?
Virgin Australia are up there with Qantas in terms of quality of service and they have an extensive number of routes across Australia. Click the image to see what options they have for you to experience an exemplary start to your trip.
If you want to check up on Jetstar, it is best to book through their site directly at jetstar.com as this gives you the best price and full availability. Just remember that checked luggage costs extra.
For flights with Qantas, try looking at auntbetty.com which is operated by Flight Centre. It's an easy to use flight search website that gives you the true price (unlike others, that show dodgy prices) and back-up support from your local Flight Centre store.
Travel Unpacked is supported financially by affiliate links. This means that, should you click on a link to a hotel or airline website, for example, we receive a small commission. The price that you pay is not affected by this. Find out more about this on our About page.
"These links are recommended because I use them myself. They are easy to use sites, offer excellent service, and are sites that I would suggest to my friends and family if they asked."
Christopher Jubb, Travel Unpacked Founder
Where To Stay In Uluru
The luxury Longitude 131 Hotel in Uluru © Tourism NT
Hotels
Most The Ayers Rock Resort has the monopoly on accommodation (and everything else) when visiting Uluru. They have five main hotel options, plus a super luxury (and super expensive) camping lodge. They also have a campground which offers cabins as well as sites for tents and caravans and motor homes (see below). All of the options are located within Yulara a stones throw from each other (aside from the luxury option - Longitude 131) and the resort amenities such as shops, restaurants, and service station.
The Sails in the desert is most luxurious of the options. It's a five star resort with rooms starting at $475 per night. It has a pool, the Red Ochre Spa, an art gallery, and restaurant.
The Desert Gardens Hotel, while being a slightly lower level than Sails, at 4.5 stars and rooms starting at $420, it does offer the only rooms with views of Uluru in the resort ($600). This hotel also has a pool, restaurant, and a native garden.
The Emu Walk Apartments offer rooms with cooking and laundry facilities and are rated 4 star. Prices start at $500 per night but they are bigger rooms that sleep 4 people and up.
The Lost Camel Hotel has a cool vibe and is rated 3.5 star. Rooms there start at $330 per night. The Outback Hotel and Lodge is also 3.5 star and has nice rooms for 4 people from $350 per night with lower quality family lodge rooms from $260, and cheaper rooms or dorm beds with a shared bathroom available also.
Find more info about all accommodation options at Uluru via this link - www.ayersrockresort.com.au
Backpackers
The Outback Hotel & Lodge offers beds in bunk or gendered dorm style rooms from $38 per night. Apart than this, the only other cheap option is camping (see below).
Camping life in Uluru © Author
Caravan Parks
There is one campsite in Uluru that is part of the Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara. There is no camping allowed within the national park area. It's as close as any other accommodation option and has its own viewing lookout towards Uluru.
Ayers Rock Campground offers air-conditioned cabins (from $185), powered sites ($40), and un-powered sites ($30). There are BBQ's, a pool, an outdoor kitchen, and laundry facilities. The local IGA sells food that you can cook up on the barbie. Follow this link for more info - www.ayersrockresort.com.au/accommodation/ayers-rock-campground
Ready to check Hotel rates and availability?
Booking.com is one of the most popular hotel booking websites, they have a wide range of accommodation types and they often have free cancellation, so you can always book and lock in your room with the option to cancel it later. Click the image to see what amazing hotel you could be staying at soon.
We also like Hotels.com who offer an excellent user friendly website, good service, and a good loyalty program where you get a free night for every 10 nights you book through them.
Travel Unpacked is supported financially by affiliate links. This means that, should you click on a link to a hotel or airline website, for example, we receive a small commission. The price that you pay is not affected by this. Find out more about this on our About page.
"These links are recommended because I use them myself. They are easy to use sites, offer excellent service, and are sites that I would suggest to my friends and family if they asked."
Christopher Jubb, Travel Unpacked Founder
Uluru Essential Info
Getting Around
The distances involved with getting around at Uluru limit the options you have. Walking is only a viable option around the resort area (Yulara) and at Uluru itself. The distance from Yulara to Uluru is too far (18km) to walk when the temperatures get so high, and cycling is not an option either (unless you bring your own bike). Consequently, you will need some form of wheeled transport - a car or a bus.
Bus
There is hop on/hop off bus service with ticket options that include a one time return trip between Yulara and Uluru ($49), or to Kata Tjuta ($95), or various single or multi day passes. More info here - uluruhoponhopoff.com.au
At the Resort/Yulara area, there is a free shuttle bus that goes between the various accommodation and the town square.
Driving Uluru © Tourism NT
Driving
Bringing your own vehicle, or hiring a car, makes for a convenient way to get around.
It is a 20min drive from Yulara to Uluru and 45min to get to Kata Tjuta. Having a car means you are not beholden to the schedule of a tour bus and you can easily make multiple trips to see Uluru from the sunrise or sunset viewing areas, or to walk around the rock, without additional expense.
Bringing your own car requires a mega journey if you are coming from one of the major cities (see our Getting There section above). If you are flying in, hiring a car is the way. Avis and Hertz are both located at the airport. Make sure you book in advance and be prepared to pay more than you would expect.
Note that there are no taxis or rideshare vehicles.
Cycling Uluru © Tourism NT
Cycling
Outback Cycling offer the option to hire at bike at Uluru for use when exploring the rock, and can include a transfer from the resort as part of the deal. There are no options to use a bike to get from Yulara to Uluru though.
More info on the cycle hire here - outbackcycling.com/uluru-bike-ride
Orientation
This link has some useful maps of the area: -
www.ayersrockresort.com.au/our-story/getting-here/maps
Food in Uluru © Tourism NT
Food
Dining options in Uluru can be divided into three distinct options - fine dining experiences, hotel restaurants and bars, and cheap eats (cafes and takeaways).
Fine dining experiences are like no other at Uluru due to their outdoor, into the sunset and under the stars setting, all whilst viewing Uluru itself. There are tow options - the Sounds of Silence and Tali Wiru. Both offer similar experiences - multiple courses, a stunning setting, and a performance or storytelling to entertain and teach. The main difference is that Sounds of Silence is a buffet whereas Tali Wiru is a 4 course dinner. See above for more info on Sounds of Silence. These experiences can also be combined with the Field of Light and Wintjiri Wiru attractions.
Hotel restaurants include the Arnguli Grill, Mangata Bistro, Bough House, and the Ilkari Restaurant, noting that Bough House is for breakfast only. Some hotel bars also serve food - the Walpa Lobby Bar and the Pira Pool Bar.
Cheap eats are the Outback BBQ and Bar, Ayers Wok noodle bar, Geckos Cafe, the Outback Kiosk, and the Kulata Academy Cafe.
All of the above are located in the Yulara / Ayers Rock Resort area. Besides this, the only other option is the Initi Cafe located in the national park at the cultural centre. If you are staying in the Emu apartments or on the campground you have cooking facilities and can therefore visit the IGA to pick up some food to cook.
Follow these links for more detail on all the food options in Uluru - australiantraveller.com/nt/red-centre/uluru/restaurants-near-uluru or ayersrockresort.com.au/dine
Events in Uluru © Tourism NT
Events
The are only a couple of notable events at Uluru, as follows: -
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The Uluru Festival is an Australian Indigenous cultural celebration. It takes place over two days at the end of April and includes a family friendly program of song, dance, painting, wood sculpture, bands playing, and other entertainment.
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The Uluru Camel Cup is a camel race that takes place at the end of May. Attendees dress up and 'head to the races' to watch several races other entertainment that might include a reptile show, whip cracking, fashion, or the Outback Games.
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There are also marathon and ultramarathon events.
Best Time To Visit
As Uluru is situated in the desert, the daily high temperature is mostly hot or very hot, and it is almost always sunny, to the extent that you are considered lucky if you get to experience the rare occurrence of rainwater flowing down the sides of Uluru.
The best time to visit Uluru is in the winter, so you can avoid the most extreme temperatures, when it is generally below 30°C. Night time temperatures can drop however, so take a jacket. Wildflowers are in bloom from August to September.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) can also be good times to visit, with temperatures on average below 30°C.
In summer, it can get very hot, being regularly over 35°C and sometimes over 40°C. If you visit during this time, it's best to go out early and plan time at your hotel during the afternoon heat. This is also the period most likely to experience storms and rain, and the flies.
Click here for more detailed information - parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/plan/when-to-come/
Safety
As a place entirely devoted to (and populated by) tourists, there are not many safety concerns about the people you come across. It is the environment that is the major consideration.
Extreme heat is the something many tourists don't properly consider. Make sure you check the expected temperatures each day and plan accordingly. Take plenty of water (more than you think), plan any outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day (morning and evening, not the afternoon), wear a hat and cover up exposed skin, put on sunscreen, and make sure you eat enough and consider consuming hydrolytes. Make sure to read and follow all the safety signage and don't go exploring alone. The desert is a big place and you don't want to get lost in it. Stick to the walking tracks and stay with another person. Be considerate of your companions too by making sure each of you are comfortable and not displaying signs of heatstroke or hyponatremia. These are serious conditions, so make sure you are properly prepared by following this link for more detailed information - parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/plan/staying-safe/
Note that some walking tracks close at 11am if the temperature is due to be 36°C or above.
Wild animals are also a concern. The King Brown Snake is highly poisonous snake, so if you see one, keep clear. They avoid humans, so it is rare to see them, but it is best to be cautious and keep an eye out. Stick to the walking paths to avoid any surprise encounters. Dingos are also near Uluru and, while they also largely avoid humans, they is a chance coming across one or more. If you do, do not try to touch or feed them.
History
Uluru, geologically an inselberg (island mountain), was created around 300million years ago. It is made of sandstone and is 348m high.
For at least 30,000 years, the area around Uluru has been occupied by Aboriginal people, practicing what is now the longest living culture in the world. According the Indigenous history, central Australia has always existed, being created by Ancestral Beings. The local Anangu people are said to be direct descendants of these beings. Uluru is an important location in Anangu culture and there are many stories and significant parts of Uluru that you can discover while visiting Uluru.
European explorers first came across Kata Tjuta through explorer Ernst Giles in 1872 and Uluru in 1873 via William Gosse. Gosse named it Ayers Rock after the chief secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers.
Tourism started to Uluru in the late 1940's and the Ayers Rock National Park was declared in 1950. Len Tuit, an Alice Springs resident, began operating tours to Uluru in 1955, with tourists camping in tents. Kata Tjuta was added to the national park in 1958 alongside the first permanent accommodation and an airstrip.
During this period, the traditional custodians, the Anangu people, were discouraged from visiting the area. In the 1960's, they lobbied the government for traditional land rights. After several steps, ownership of the land was finally handed back in 1985. In return, the Anangu people leased the land for 99 years to Parks Australia. The board set up to manage the site was then run, as it is now, jointly by Anangu and Parks Australia.
Uluru was declared a World Heritage site in 1987 for it's natural values and in 1994 for it's cultural values. The official name of the site was still Ayers Rock until 1993, when the dual naming policy was adopted and it became Ayers Rock/Uluru. The names were reversed in 2002.
Read more here - parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/history
Coober Pedy © Author
Where Next?
Uluru is about as in the middle of nowhere you can get in Australia (which is saying something!). The nearest place of note is Alice Springs, which is over 4 hours drive away. If you are on an extended trip, however, especially if you are on a tour or a roadtrip, there are several places worth seeing that are on the way to and from Uluru.
Kings Canyon - While mentioned above as a day trip from Uluru, Kings Canyon has accommodation nearby and offers a multi-day adventure. There are several hikes to take through and around the canyon, plus the opportunity to dine under the stars, or hire an ATV at Kings Creek Station. There are tow accommodation options - Kings Creek Station or Kings Canyon Resort, both of which have a large range of rooms, glamping, and camping options. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can take a dirt road to Alice Springs, the Mereenie Loop.
More info here - discovercentralaustralia.com/things-to-do/kings-canyon
Alice Springs - 5hrs drive away, and the closest built up area, Alice Springs is a town with several attractions that are of interest to tourists. The Desert Park is a highlight, plus there are museums (Megafauna, transport), art galleries, telegraph history, hot air ballooning, outdoor adventure, and the majestic Macedon Ranges. More info here - northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do
Coober Pedy - This unusual town is fascinating for many reasons, the main one being that most people live underground. The intense heat and abundant mining equipment have led to people digging into hillsides to live in cooler temperatures. You can visit some of these homes and many underground shops, most of which sell the opals that the town exists for. There are lots of other random stuff to discover too - an abandoned spaceship from Pitch Black, mining tours, contraptions like the Opal Bug, an underground church, a desert golf course, kangaroo orphanage, and the opportunity to stay in an underground hotel. Coober is several hours south of Uluru and only really an option to visit if you are on a road trip and heading towards Adelaide.
Devils Marbles and further north - If you are on a road trip heading north, the next stop after Alice Springs is the Devils Marbles, a great geological phenomenon to check out just off the Stuart Highway 3hr30min drive from Alice. Beyond that, you have Tennent Creek, the Daly Waters pub, and onto Darwin and Kakadu. Or you can turn east at Tennent Creek and head to Mt Isa in Queensland.
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Visiting The Daintree and Cape TribulationThe Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Crocodile cruise, Daintree tours and Mossman gorge - all detailed above - can all be done in a single day trip from Port Douglas. You can do this by taking a tour but it can also be done by yourself. With little public transport options however, hiring a car would really be the only option. Links: - - Daintree Discovery Centre - Cape Trib Cruises - Aboriginal Dreamtime Walk - Kuku Yalanji crab hunting tours - River drift snorkelling Note that the ferry to cross the Daintree river is $30 per car return and long queues can form due to the limited space on board.
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Day tours / activities available in Port DouglasLinks to Day Tours / Activities mentioned above: - - Cape Trib Cruises - Lady Douglas river cruises - Horse riding - Hot Air Balloon ride - Helicopter flight - Microlight flight - Fly to a deserted island - Swim with Minke Whales - Stand up paddle board or surfing - Bike 'n' hike - Rainforest mountain bike tour - Devil thumb hike - Fishing - Ride a dirt bike - Ride a motortrike - Ride a segway - Coconut tour - Bush tour with 'Man and a dog' - Brett's outback tasting adventure
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Sunset cruises and SailingLinks to sunset cruises: - - Sailaway - Lady Douglas - Shaolin Sailing: - - Wavedancer - Escape
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Safety Tip - Swimming in Port DouglasFour Mile beach is the only beach you can swim at in Port Douglas - the inlet on the opposite side of town (around the marina) has a high risk of crocodiles being present. Crocs can be found at Four Mile beach too, but it is rare and lifeguards are watching out for them. Stinger (jellyfish) season comes with a stinger net that protects an area of the beach near to the town centre, so be sure to use this when advised (usually November to May). Always follow the advice on the warning signs and only swim between the flags where the lifeguards are present. More info here and here. Other swimming options include your hotel swimming pool (most have them) or freshwater swimming holes that are too cold for crocs (see above).
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AUTHORED BY
Christopher Jubb, Founder of Travel Unpacked
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