best time to visit uluru

HOW TO PLAN A PERFECT TRIP TO ULURU in 2024

Instantly recognised around the world, Uluru is one of Australia’s 20 UNESCO Heritage areas. Like many Aussies, we put off going to Uluru for years. It sat on the bucket list for way too long while we waited for the perfect time to visit. Now we have been we can’t stop singing its praises. It’s an amazing experience. If you have decided it’s time to see the big red rock, you have come to the right place; below we share everything you need to know to plan a trip to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Uluru is in the middle of nowhere and very pricey. It’s likely this is your one-time shot to see the iconic red rock, and like any once in a lifetime holiday, you will want to make sure you get everything right.

Choosing the best time to visit Uluru

How long to stay in uluru, the best way to get to uluru, getting around uluru, is driving in uluru difficult, distances to major sites from yulara, tips for renting a vehicle, things you need to pack for your uluru trip, must-do experiences at uluru, how to save money on your visit to the rock, safety in the outback.

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If you are anything like me, you will probably spend more time trying to plan the perfect Uluru itinerary; thank you will visiting 😉 I recently organised a special trip to Uluru and Kata Tjuta for my birthday and dragged four of our friends along. I made notes lots of notes, and then I spent four days testing them out so that I could share the results here.

Uluru is not the biggest monolith in Australia. That title belongs to Mount Augustus in Western Australia. It’s 2.5 times larger!

What follows are the answers to all the questions I had about visiting Uluru in an easy to follow guide so that you can plan your own memorable trip to Australia’s red centre.

If you have a choice about which time of year you visit Uluru, then great; if not, don’t worry, there is never a wrong time to visit the Rock; you just need to be prepared for the season.

What is the weather like in Uluru?

Weather can have a significant impact on your time in Uluru. If you are not an early riser, this is even more important. In the middle of summer, it is often too hot to walk after 11am, so your days need to start early if you hope to see a lot in a short time.

• Spring is pleasant and sees highs between 26C-34C and lows of 17C-9C
• Summer is a challenge with highs between 35C-38C and lows of 17C-21C
• Autumn is perfect with highs between 23C-28C and lows of 17C-8C
• Winter is comfortable but cold after sunset highs are between 22C-20C and lows of 5C-3C

What about the crowds?

Peak season is June to September when prices hit their peak, and everything will cost more, from flights to hotels. Also, keep an eye on Australian school holiday dates as these push prices up as well. Major events like opera and the anniversary of the closing of the climb can also affect rates.

Did you know?   Uluru Is 2.5 times taller than the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

So when should you go?

Taking into consideration weather and prices, the idea time weather-wise is April and May or September and October.

If you are trying to decide whether to book an all-inclusive package or do it yourself, this guide to multi-day tours in the Red Centre might help.

Trying to decide how many days to spend at Uluru is the first thing most people struggle with when planning their trip. We believe three days in Uluru is a comfortable minimum. This will give you enough time to see Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

If you plan to explore Kings Canyon, add another day at least, preferably two, so you can stay overnight there. You could easily fill five days if you like to take things slowly and relax a little by the pool.

If you are on a tight schedule and only have two days, it’s probably best to book a camping tour or a glamping style package so someone else can make sure that you don’t miss anything.

Have you seen our Uluru Accommodation tips ?

The nearest airport to Uluru and the Ayers Rock Resort is Yulara. Alice Springs is the other option, but it’s more than a 4-hour drive away. There are daily direct flights available from Sydney and Melbourne. Flights from other cities are available a few times a week, or you may need to change to Alice Springs or Sydney/Melbourne. Flying time from all cities is about 3-4 hours.

Flying into Yulara

When flying into Yulara, there are free transfers from the airport to all the accommodation at the resort. You will find the buses right outside the doors of the terminal and they greet every flight.

Want to see Uluru from the plane? If you’re curious about which side of the place to sit to see Uluru from the air, book a seat on the left side of the plane for the best view of as you fly into town. You will get as close as 2km from the rock.

Train to Uluru

You can take the Ghan from Adelaide or Darwin . The trip from Adelaide is 23 hours, so this is a ride you take for the journey and not the destination.

It’s also quite expensive, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Ghan stops at Alice Springs, where you can join a bus or flight to Yulara.

Uluru rises 348 metres above ground, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower & there is another 6km underground!

Bus to Uluru

The only direct bus to Uluru is from Alice Springs. You can take a Greyhound bus from either Darwin, 22 hours, or Adelaide, 21 hours to reach Alice then change. These services can be useful for backpackers wanting to stop at some sites along the way, like Katherine and Coober Pedy.

Uluru Resort Shuttle

Once you arrive at the Yulara resort, there is a free shuttle bus that stops at all the accommodation and the Visitors Centre, Town Square, and Camel Farm. This free service does not go to Uluru or Kata Tjuta. Service begins at 10.30 am and ends at 12.30 am and operates every 20 minutes. At peak times, they seem to come a little more frequently.

Uluru Hop on Hop off (HOHO) Service

If you wish to visit the Rock or Kata Tjuta and you don’t want to rent a car, you might consider the Uluru HOHO offers. They offer both transfer services to Uluru or Kata Tjuta or 1, 2, and 3 day passes.

Renting a car is the best way to see Uluru unless you are a solo traveller. While petrol is expensive, so are day tours and with three or more a car is certainly more economical. If you have not driven on this side of the road, this could be a good place to start. There are few cars around, and the streets around the resort are in excellent condition. The biggest danger occurs when driving at dusk or dawn, when there is a danger of hitting animals who seem to like to be on the road at this time of day. For this reason, either avoid this time of day or drive with this in mind and also make sure you have proper insurance.

You can fly from Alice Springs in 1 hour or drive in 4.5hrs

• You don’t need a four-wheel drive. They cost a lot more in fuel and are not required for the terrain.
• If you book your car at the airport, make sure it includes unlimited mileage, especially if you are planning to visit Kings Canyon.
• You can hire a car for just one or two days if you don’t want it for your entire visit.
• Many rental companies have conditions attached to your rental agreement that stipulate you will not be covered by insurance for driving between sunset and sunrise. This does not include within the resort and National Park areas. It mainly refers to driving between Alice Springs and Uluru, or Kings Canyon and Uluru.
• If you are coming from Alice Springs, ask about relocation deals on vehicles. They can save you a bunch!
• A national park pass–a 3-day pass will let you explore
• A fly net – or buy on arrival
• Good walking shoes that are NOT white
• An empty credit card
• A one-litre water bottle

My must-see may not be yours, so here is a pretty comprehensive list of things you can do and see for you to work through. I would recommend at least one sunrise tour, one sunset and the Field of Light as my minimum. A guided tour with an Anangu guide is also highly recommended. Try to do it on the first day to learn some of the cultural significance before the rest of your visit.

• Enjoy breakfast and an Uluru sunrise
• See the sunrise and visit Kata Tjuta at Uluru combined on a 6 hour tour
• Take a 2.5 hr sunset camel tour and enjoy some enjoy Australian beer, wine, champagne and outback bush foods and damper.
• See Uluru Sacred Sites & enjoy the sunset with optional BBQ dinner
• Do the Base Walk at Uluru – on foot or bicycle or Segway tour , which is a great way to keep teens engaged
• Take a chopper flight over the entire site or a quick flight over the rock
• Explore the Kuniya Walk and see the Mutitjulu Waterhole walk at Uluru on a small group tour with an experienced guide and breakfast!
• Learn more about the Anangu people and explore the cultural centre collection with a Anangu elder
• Join a dot painting workshop
• See the sunrise at Kata-Tjuta
• See the sunset at Kata-Tjuta
• Do the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta
• Do the Walpa Gorge walk
• Uluru Star Gazing experience
• Visit Bruce Munro’s art installation – Field of Light at sunrise and add Kata Tjuta Sunset, including wine and canapes and sunrise at Uluru on the value package.

First, you need to accept that this is not a budget holiday, but there are ways to reduce your costs a little.

• Buy your National Park pass online and make sure you select the 5-day option. It’s no more expensive than the standard 3-day pass.
• Resist the urge to stay in Alice Springs; it’s not cheaper – it’s a 4-hour drive!
• Free camping is not a good idea – The nearest free camp, Curtis Springs Station, is 100km away – you will spend your savings on fuel and will have to get up very early to see the sunrise. The Uluru campground is approx. $35 a night
• Buy your fly net when you get there–they are cheap 2 for $15
• There is a decent-sized IGA at the resort where you can buy groceries.
• You can buy take away alcohol from the Outback Pioneer Bar. Beware, it is costly. I paid $41 for a six-pack of beer.

Please don’t mark the rock–your initials are not cool

It’s not unsafe to be in the park/walking afternoon earlier in summer, but the weather/restrictions need to be followed. The tracks will close when the temperatures reach 36 degrees. Don’t ignore these closures; we walked in 29-degree heat, and it felt very much hotter with limited shade and only two water taps on our 11km hike – and the water did not taste good at all!

Carry water with you, more than you think you will need. We took 2 litres and drank it all.

It’s a good idea to have travel insurance to cover any cancellation or unexpected problems that may arise in the outback. We use and recommend Cover-More for all our travel. They also offer an inbound plan for anyone visiting Australia .

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.

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When is the best time to visit Uluru?

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 10/09/2018

Reading time: 3 mins

Nestled in the heart of the Red Centre of Australia, Uluru is by far one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.

Now a World Heritage-listed attraction, Uluru is not just a natural wonder but a deeply spiritual place. The ancient landmark brings thousands of travellers to Australia year-round, but when is the best time to visit Uluru? Want to miss out on the crowds or the heat? We’ve got you covered!

What months are best to visit Uluru?

May to september, december, january, february, june to september:, what time of day is best, sunset and sunrise.

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.

Explore Our Uluru Tours

1 Day Uluru Tour from Alice Springs $345

Uluru Sunset Tour $99

8 Day Uluru to Adelaide Tour

7 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Tour with Uluru Detour $910

3 Day Uluru & Kings Canyon Tour from Uluru $679

3 Day Uluru & Kings Canyon Premium Camping Tour $780

Uluru Sunset and Sacred Sites from the Rock from $195

4 Day Ayers Rock and Surrounds from Uluru $729

An Insider’s Guide: When To Visit Uluru For The Ultimate Experience

Uluru is timeless.

It has seen the sun rise and set since The Ancestors of the Anangu emerged and travelled across the land creating one of the greatest features of the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime.

From the moment the first faint rays of light strike the warm red rock, you will be mesmerised by the changing colour palette painted by the sun as it marches through the sky. Even at a distance and the height of midday, the rock can be hypnotic as the heat waves drift skyward, bending the blue air above the giant monolith.

Then, as the golden orb sinks into the west, prepare to be spellbound as the colour doesn’t fade, but intensifies for an evening show that finishes with the star-studded curtain of nighttime falling to leave the silent silhouette of Uluru watching over the desert.

Uluru may be timeless, but there is a “best” time of day to see and do things, and a “best” time of year to visit… April to October has chilly nights but more comfortable daytime temperatures, and the weather is dry so most of the hiking trails will be open for maximum exploration opportunities.

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Sunrise over Uluru

Make the effort to struggle out of bed early for at least one sleepy-eyed sunrise over Uluru. You won’t regret it. Get up with the alarm and grab that coffee before settling in for an unforgettable morning view.

As the night sky begins to lighten, and the first rays hit the red sandstone, it’s almost as if the dawn holds its breath in anticipation. That still silence as the sun begins to rise, before the breeze springs up and the birds loudly celebrate another day in The Red Centre.

The Rock reflects a rainbow of colours as the sun climbs higher… Definitely a great way to start the day!

Walk Around the Rock

The midday heat is still best avoided, even in the middle of a Northern Territory winter, and the best time of day to explore the sacred site of Uluru is early in the morning, or later in the afternoon.

Take plenty of water as you set off on the 10km hike around The Rock. Most people are surprised at the lush woodlands and waterholes they encounter en route, along with the petroglyphs hidden in the caves and fissures of the rock – a record of the culture and history of the Anangu people.

Allow at least 4 hours to walk, and if you really want to soak in the culture and surroundings, maybe a little longer. It took us 3 hours to cycle around it with stops.

The show never ends, as the colours of The Rock continue to change with each passing hour of the day. Why not tag a walk onto sunrise or sunset?

Sunset at Uluru

Grab a champagne and get ready to toast one of nature’s most spectacular sights.

The warmth of the day starts to wane, but the colours in The Rock are only just beginning to heat up.

As the breeze whispers through the grass and the bright sky fades into the evening, the sinking rays of the sun bring out the best in nature. The dull deep red of the day begins to glow and intensify as the last rays illuminate the monolith sleeping silently in the half-lit desert landscape.

You will want to do this more than once!

• Yulara Campground is the closest to Uluru, so less time to travel for a sunrise over The Rock.
• If Yulara campground is crowded, ask about the “overflow campground” as it rarely books out.
• Kata Tjuta is also a great place to see the sun set.
• Don’t think that Uluru is not worth visiting just because you can’t climb it – The natural beauty, along with the unique culture and story of this place really enhance the experience.
• As always, don’t forget plenty of water, sun and insect protection… and good quality lightweight hiking shoes.

The desert can be unforgiving, which is why it is so important to plan for the best time to visit. The harsh climate can make or break the experience. Heading to Uluru in the cooler months of the year will avoid the searing heat of summer and sometimes unpredictable weather. To see one of the world’s largest monoliths as it stands guard over the Red Centre of Australia is for many, a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

To see the sunrise, to feel the magic of this sacred place hidden in it’s caves and crevices, and to bask in a sunset as it illumintes the red rock is something you will never forget.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park really is a “bucket list” destination, and once you’ve been, you will understand why.

How many days do you need in Uluru?

Although Uluru is the celebrity of the show, there is so much more to see and do in The Red Centre, so you will need a minimum of a couple of days at Uluru itself (for at least one sunrise and two sunsets), along with a few extra days to take in Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.

What is the best time of year to visit Ayers Rock?

Ayers Rock, now known as Uluru, is literally in the middle of the desert, so climate and temperatures can be extreme. Daytime temperatures are more consistently warm from April through to October (Autumn/Winter/Spring), without being too hot.

However, bear in mind that nights will be coldest during the Winter months, and tourist numbers are likely to be less during April and October as the days will be getting a little hotter.

Is Uluru expensive to visit?

Uluru is remote, so it is quite an expensive destination. However, if you explore independently and skip the hotel accommodation in favour of the campground, along with shopping for your own groceries, then the costs will be reduced substantially.

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Your guide to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a dual World Heritage-listed park in the heart of the Central Australian desert, about 280 miles from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory . Named after two of Australia’s most spectacular sites: the iconic sandstone monolith of Uluru and the red domes of Kata Tjuta , the land is owned by the Anangu people.

With so many sights and activities to explore within the park, it’s hard to know where to start. So to help you plan your trip, here’s our guide on the best things to do, where to stay, the best time to visit, and how to get around once you’re there.

The best things to do in Uluru-Kata Tjuta

1. embark on a learning journey at the uluru-kata tjuta cultural centre.

A visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a great way to start your Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park stay. You’ll deepen your understanding of the park’s natural environment and learn about Anangu culture through exhibits and free presentations. Check out the displays, Aboriginal art galleries, and community-owned shops, plus inquire at the visitor information desk.

You’ll need approximately two hours to explore the cultural centre fully, and it’s open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Top tip: there’s a picnic area behind the cultural centre with uninterrupted views of Uluru–be sure to check that out.

2. Dine under the stars with Sounds of Silence

Can you think of anything dreamier than dining under the canopy of the desert night while a storyteller shares tales as told in the stars? Sounds of Silence offers a magical 4-hour experience: an evening of dining under the outback sky.

Start the night on a long dune with sunset canapes and sparkling wine as you admire the 360-degree view of the vast landscape. Then, as the sun sets, enjoy a BBQ buffet of authentic Australian delicacies and fine wines. Next, you’ll look towards the night sky as a ‘star talker’ guides you through some of the world’s best stargazing.

This experience includes Ayers Rock Resort transfers. Make sure you book this unique event in advance.

3. Be dazzled by Bruce Munro’s Light at Sensorio, featuring Field of Light

Once nighttime arrives, Field of Light Uluru comes alive. Created by the world-renowned British artist Bruce Munro and named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara, this exhibition is the size of seven football fields! The giant fantasy garden contains 50,000 spindles of light, each swaying delicately in the breeze and lighting up the desert.

Munro has recently added his latest exhibit to the site. The installation, titled ‘Light Towers’, comprises colorful 6-foot-tall towers made up of more than 17,000 wine bottles. Designed to celebrate Paso Robles’ wine country environs, the colors from the glowing optic fibers morph to a musical score. Entry is included with admission to Field of Light, at no extra cost.

This is a super popular event, so book your tickets early.

4. Enjoy a scenic flight

A 40-minute scenic flight is the perfect way to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Departing from Ayers Rock airport, you’ll meet your pilot ready for take-off. During the flight, enjoy views of the northern and western faces of Uluru and the north and west faces of Kata Tjuta. What’s more, you’ll see the eastern face of Kata Tjuta: an experience that’s not accessible to the public from below. Highlights include spotting traces of ancient waterfalls and coral reefs and views of Lake Amadeus in the distance. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are offered for select hotels.

5. Learn dot painting at Maruku Arts

Running twice daily (morning and afternoon), Maruku Arts hosts a 1.5-hour dot painting workshop taught by a local Anangu artist and an assisting interpreter. In the class, you’ll learn about traditional art, tools, and symbols, plus you’ll be introduced to Pitjantjatjara, the local language spoken by Anangu.

Through the Maruku Arts workshops, artists share a part of their culture with you, so you can learn something, create, and share with others.

6. Walk the entire base of Uluru at sunrise

Ever dreamt of walking the entire circumference of Uluru at sunrise ? Now you can, with all of the tour details taken care of. After your transfer drops you off at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, your 6-hour pre-dawn tour will see you trekking 7 miles around the base of Uluru with a guide. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

You’ll stop mid-hike for a hearty picnic breakfast (provided) as you take in the spectacular scenery. And once your tour is complete, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel, ready to relax and admire the many photos you took.

7. Take a camel tour at sunrise or sunset

For an authentic outback experience, book yourself a camel riding tour around Uluru and Kata Tjuta , located within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Customize this experience to work around your itinerary and budget by booking either a morning (sunrise) or afternoon (sunset) departure.

A pick-up at your hotel will be arranged. Your cameleer and camels will be waiting for you at the departure point within the park. Before heading off, you’ll hear how Australian pioneers relied on camels for transportation through the desert in the 19th century. During the ride, you’ll hear about the wildlife and ecology of the region, and you can take as many photos as you like–you’ll want to!

Where to stay in Uluru-Kata Tjuta

1. sails in the desert.

If you’re after a touch of outback luxury during your stay in Uluru, the 5-star Sails in the Desert hotel is ideal. White sails shade 228 rooms and suites out the front, and a gumtree-lined heated swimming pool awaits outside. Sails in the Desert is perfect for those who want to soak up Uluru’s raw natural beauty while still enjoying modern luxury.

2. Emu Walk Apartments

Just 12 miles from Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort’s Emu Walk Apartments offer fully serviced one- and two-bedroom apartments that are ideal for families, couples, and friends traveling together. Throughout the property, you’ll see Indigenous design elements.

3. The Lost Camel Hotel

The Lost Camel Hotel is a contemporary boutique-style hotel located in the heart of Ayers Rock Resort, just 20 minutes from Uluru. Here you’ll find brightly-decorated compact studio-style rooms. The hotel is furnished in a mix of Aboriginal and urban themes.

Check out the hotel’s swimming pool, participate in one of the many free daily guest activities, or enjoy a meal at one of the cafes in the Resort Town Square.

4. Longitude 131°

Longitude 131° is a luxury desert basecamp at Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Visitors who stay here do so to make the most of the area’s World Heritage-listed wilderness through a range of guided excursions. Dining brings together native ingredients and produce sourced from around Australia.

Luxury tents boast contemporary furnishings, mod cons, and artwork by local Indigenous artists. Take in views of Uluru from your bed or balcony–an experience you’ll never forget. Head to Spa Kinara for an Indigenous-inspired treatment or enjoy a sunset drink on the Dune Top overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta between May and September, when the maximum temperature during the day is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler weather makes it more pleasant for walking, and there’s very little rain too, so you’ll stay dry. The colors of the rock are much more vibrant at this time of the year, too.

Sunset and sunrise is the best time of the day to visit. You can see the rock changing color before your eyes at these times. Water vapor in the atmosphere and dust particles act as filters, removing the blue light from the incoming sun rays. This enables the red light to shine through, reflecting against the rock and its surrounds, offering vivid colors.

How to get to and around Uluru-Kata Tjuta

It’s super easy to get to and around the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Fly directly with Virgin Australia, Qantas, or Jetstar to Yulara (Ayers Rock/Connellan Airport) from many Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin, Adelaide, and Alice Springs. The longest flight out is from Brisbane, just 3 hours and 15 minutes.

If you’re not driving your own car, you can rent one at the Ayers Rock Airport, Yulara, or Alice Springs. There’s only a limited number of rental cars in Yulara, so we recommend you book weeks in advance.

Perhaps you fancy including Uluru-Kata Tjuta as part of an Australian outback road trip. The famous Red Centre Way is a multi-day drive that includes Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrka (Kings Canyon) , Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges) , and Alice Springs.

You can purchase an Uluru hop-on, hop-off bus pass or join one of the many bus tours on offer.

Recommended tours and activities

More like this:

• 10 Indigenous experiences in Australia’s Northern Territory
• Where to see Australia’s cutest animals in the wild

Holidays in Uluru

• Getting There

Ulu r u is usually found on the travel wish list of even the most stay-at-home Aussie and no matter how many pictures you’ve seen, nothing will prepare you for your first views of the spectacular rock formation, which is as tall as an 85-storey building with a circumference of nearly 10 kilometres.

Indigenous Australians believe Ulu r u and nearby Kata Tju t a to be the centre of all Dreaming. Traditionally, this area was seen as something like the hub of a wheel, with songlines radiating from it across the land. The monoliths, with their crinkles, creases, indentations and ancient drawings, provide a map of ancestors’ births, battles and deaths.

Official conservation bodies recognise Ulu r u’s star and spiritual qualities, too. In 1994, Ulu r u became one of a few sites in the world to hold dual UNESCO World Heritage listings, acknowledging its ecological, as well as its cultural, value.

Getting there

Best time to visit ulu r u.

You can visit Ulu r u any time of the year – the resort and national park are open year-round – but desert temperatures are extreme, with summer temperatures often nudging more than 45˚C. Summer is also when the flies are at their friendliest, and are annoying enough to spoil your holiday, even if you wear a fly net (which you can buy at the Ulu r u visitors centre).

The best time to visit is during the winter months, between May and October, when days are mild and sunny, but night-time temperatures are freezing. Bring plenty of warm clothes for sunrises and sunset outings because that’s the best time to see the rock as it changes colour in the soft light.

Flights to Ulu r u

The easiest way to see this sacred monolith is to fly direct to Ayers Rock Airport (Yulara), which is about 22km north of Ulu r u, then book in at one of Ayers Rock Resort’s hotels, which includes glampsite Longitude 131°. A free shuttle bus circulates the resort daily, making it easy to get around once you’re there.

Alternatively, you can catch a tour bus from Alice Springs, which is a five-hour drive to the north-east. There are no trains to Ulu r u – the nearest train station is at Alice Springs.

Driving to Ulu r u

Driving to Ulu r u from Alice Springs is a great option, as you’ll arrive at Ulu r u with a deeper understanding of the Red Centre, and a better perspective of just how big it is. You can hire cars in Alice Springs and one-way hire is available if you want to drive in and fly out.

Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Resort is 450km down the Stuart and Lasseter highways, approximately 4.5 hours drive on sealed roads. There are four petrol stations along the way.

You can also drive to Ulu r u from Alice Springs via Kings Canyon – another breathtaking spot – on the Red Centre Way through the beautiful West MacDonnell Ranges . It’s dusty and bit bumpy, but one of the outback’s best road trips.

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Things to do in Uluru

Ranger walks.

The traditional owners of Ulu r u, the A n angu community, have long since urged people to circumnavigate the rock on foot, rather than climb it due to its spiritual significance and for their own safety. It wasn’t until October 2019 that the climbing ban officially came into effect – and with good reason. Just in case you are wondering, we have 5 reasons the Uluru climbing ban makes total sense and 11 things to do at Uluru that aren’t climbing.

To really interact with this spiritual place in a meaningful way, and to learn all about the cultural significance of Ulu r u, join a ranger-guided Mala Walk , which leaves from the Mala car park each morning.

Camel Safaris

Take a sunrise or sunset camel-train tour, watching the glowing light blaze across Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a. With dewy eyes framed by luscious lashes, the camels are gentle, friendly creatures, with an undulating, slow-paced gait.

Saddle up at the camel farm at Ayers Rock Resort just before sunset or sunrise, enjoy the view and return to the farm to munch on freshly baked beer damper.

Kata Tju t a

Make sure you have enough time at Ulu r u to spend half a day or more at Kata Tju t a, formerly known as The Olgas – it’s just as impressive as Ulu r u.

It’s around a half-hour drive from Ayers Rocks Resort, and there are lots of tours available if you don’t have your own set of wheels (book a tour when you arrive).

Field of Light

Another don’t miss sight is artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Light, one of the largest art installations in Australia’s history. More than 50,000 spindles of light transform the desert floor into a multi-coloured garden at night. The installation was originally planned to be on show for just 12 months, but has been extended until the end of 2020.

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Best way to see Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Your first trip to Ulu r u should begin at the cultural centre, where a series of exhibits, paintings, videos and interpretation boards explain the relationship that the A n angu have with the land, Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a.

Walk around Ulu r u – a 10.6-kilometre round trip, best completed before 10am – and you’ll find a permanent watering hole, caves and Indigenous rock art. Take a tour and you’ll be guided by someone who won’t just reel off a series of statistics – although they’re in there – but who will explain the beautiful Aboriginal stories that entwine this rock through their culture. You can also explore Kata Tju t a on foot. The Valley of the Winds trail is a three-hour hike that takes you up the domes’ steep sides to some beautiful lookout points.

Hire a bicycle from the Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a Cultural Centre and cycle around the base of Ulu r u, jump on the back of a Harley Davidson for a motorcycle tour around Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a, or join a tour – a good guide really adds meaning to your time here.

Scenic Flights

See the rock from above – scenic flights in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are available, and if you really want to ramp up the adventure, you can admire the views as you freefall above the desert on a tandem skydive.

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More like a village than a hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (managed by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia), has five different types of hotels , including the five-star hotel Sails in the Desert , the four-and-a-half-star Desert Gardens Hotel (some rooms even offer glimpses of the rock), four-star Emu Walk Apartments , which are self-catering, and air-conditioned cabins in the campground.

You can also stay at roadhouses along the highway, but be warned – they’re very basic. Curtin Spring Cattle Station is our pick of the bunch. It’s a good alternative if you plan to also see Kings Canyon as well as Ulu r u, and they run tours to Mount Connor. However, if you plan to base yourself here, you’ll need a car.

Accommodation at Ulu r u is expensive, so the best option for those on a tight budget is to camp. You cannot camp in the national park, but Ayers Rock Resort has a surprisingly green camping ground that has powered sites for caravans, campervans, motorhomes and camper trailers, as well as grassy tent sites. Facilities include a swimming pool, playground, barbecue, outdoor kitchen and laundry.

If a view of Ulu r u from your king-sized bed doesn’t win you over, something else is bound to at luxury resort Longitude 131 . Fitted with antique trinkets and earthly furnishings, the 15 tented pavilions take the concept of camping to another stratosphere. Guided tours included in the tariff give guests exclusive access to parts of the national park, and your Ulu r u experience can be as leisurely or intrepid as you like. Gaze at the ochre rock at sunset with a glass of bubbly, or follow the route of the ancestors on a guided, pre-dawn walk around its base.

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Best Restaurants near Uluru

Food always tastes better outdoors, but when it’s eaten beneath a twinkling canopy of stars in the outback, it’s truly unforgettable.

The Sounds of Silence dinner atop a sand dune in the desert near Ayers Rock Resort is not your average bush barbecue, nor is it priced as such.

After tucking into fine wines, fresh barramundi, lamb, kangaroo and emu steaks, bush vegetables and luscious desserts, the lanterns are dimmed, the port poured and the legends of the southern sky are explained by a local astronomer.

For something even more intimate, exclusive and gourmet, try Tali Wiri .

Like Sounds of Silence, it’s a four-hour dining experience with a view of Ulu r u and tales told by an indigenous storyteller, but unlike Sounds (which caters for up to 350 people per evening across three different sites), Tali seats just 20.

To give you a feel for the level of gourmet, let’s just say it starts with Louis Roederer. The cuisine is distinctly Australian – think tender Darling Downs wagyu and wattleseed rubbed kangaroo carpaccio.

Other AT favourite places to eat at Ayers Rock Resort include cafe-restaurant Geckos, the friendly Pioneer BBQ and Bar at the Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge and Arnguli Grill at Desert Gardens – a lovely, contemporary menu using modern ingredients and unpretentious recipes.

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Best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

The best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park  is generally between May and September when the days are dry and warm, but not scorching. Summer trips aren’t off the cards, but you’ll need to be prepared for hot, sweaty weather. Uluru is awe-inspiring come rain or shine, and the best time to visit ultimately depends on what type of experience you want.

Located in the heart of the  Outback , you might assume Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is hot and dry all year round. But it’s quite the opposite! With a semi-arid desert climate, the weather can be extreme. Summer is sweltering with occasional storms (the amount of rainfall varies from year to year), while winter is warm and dry during the day with cold nighttime temperatures that often plummet below zero.

We’ve broken down each season to help you plan your trip.

Best for: thriving flora, pleasant weather and mild nights.

Weather-wise, August/September and April/May are excellent months to visit Uluru as the days aren’t blisteringly hot, and nights aren’t too chilly. Spring is a particularly beautiful time of year to walk around the park as desert flowers are in bloom and reptiles emerge from hibernation.

Find out what to pack for Uluru

Best for: thinner crowds and waterfalls (if you're lucky).

It can be uncomfortably hot and muggy in the summer with average highs of 31-35°C – though it’s not uncommon for it to climb into the 40s. Though hard to predict, rainfall is most likely in the summer and the humidity can make the heat more intense. Flies are ever-present in the Outback, but they’re rife in the summer so you’ll need a protective head net. If it does rain, you may be one of the lucky few to see temporary waterfalls flowing down Uluru's rock faces – you don’t see that every day! Stay hydrated and set off early to beat the midday heat.

Best for: comfortable weather and great walking conditions.

June and July are the coldest months, but daytime highs still range between a pleasant 18-23°C and sunshine is plentiful. Wearing a T-shirt and shorts is fine during the day, but you’ll need a jumper and long pants handy to change into for sunset. Nights are surprisingly cold, so warm layers are essential for sunrise tours and late-night chats around the fire if you’re camping (think beanie, gloves and a down jacket). Although it never feels super crowded in the Outback, just bear in mind that winter is one of the busiest seasons at Uluru.

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• Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a National Park
• Things to do
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Sunset at Ulu r u is a must for any itinerary. Photo: Tourism Australia

There is so much to do in and around Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a, from contemplating the vastness of the desert and the richness of A n angu culture to riding Segways through the landscape and dining under a star-studded sky.

Given the wide variety of activities on offer, we recommend staying at least three days to give yourself time to explore, learn, go on some adventures and take your time to understand this special place.

But don’t worry if you’re only here for a short visit. You can still see the main highlights of the park in a single day or less .

Got a bit more time? Ayers Rock Resort offers a variety of paid and free activities you can add to your schedule. Trot across the sands on a camel tour, see Ulu r u from the air on a scenic flight or enjoy an open-air dinner with some of Central Australia’s best views.

Visit the info desk at the Cultural Centre or the tour office in the town square at Ayers Rock Resort for more information about what’s on during your stay.

Choose your itinerary

Half- & one-day adventures

You can see a lot in a short visit to Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a National Park. Here are the best ways to spend a day or less in the park.

The two-day explorer

Spend two full days in Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a National Park to get more of a feel for this amazing place.

The three-day immersion

Three days in Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a National Park gives you time to soak up the natural beauty and deep cultural significance of the landscape.

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Guide to Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a

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• Getting to Uluru and Kata Tjuta
• When to visit
• Accessibility

The ancient rock formations of Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a rise from the land to make an incredible sight. Immerse yourself in the Aboriginal stories of this special place, 500 million years in the making.

In Australia’s Red Centre lies the spectacular Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a National Park. Home to many ancient wonders, the park is most famous for the enormous monoliths it’s named after. Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a rise from the earth in all their red glory just 30km (19mi) from each other. Measuring 348m (1,140ft) high and 9.5km (6mi) in circumference, Ulu r u is the largest sandstone monolith in the world, while Kata Tju t a is made up of 36 giant domes spread over more than 20km (12mi). Both sites remain deeply spiritual and sacred to the local A n angu people, who have lived here for more than 30,000 years.

The A n angu people have called Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a National Park home for over 30,000 years. Known as the beating heart of Central Australian culture, the landscape – which has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and natural significance – is believed by the A n angu people to have been created at the beginning of time. Visit the Cultural Centre to experience this region’s rich history.

• Traditional name: Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a (pronounced Ooh-loo-roo-Kah-tuh-Joo-tuh)
• Indigenous Peoples: A n angu 
• Traditional lands: A n angu 
• Traditional languages: Pitjantjatjara
• How to say g’day in A n angu: Palya

Get to Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a National Park by flying into Ayers Rock Airport or Alice Springs Airport.

• Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) is 30km (19mi) from Ulu r u (approximately 30 minutes)
• Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is 337km (209mi) from Ulu r u (approximately 4.5 hours)
• Group tours and hire car options are available at both airports, but be sure to book ahead to avoid missing out

There are no taxis or public transport around Ulu r u, but all roads are sealed and easy to access with a 2WD vehicle. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, join a tour or purchase a pass for the r u Hop On Hop Off bus">Ulu r u Hop On Hop Off bus .

The best time to visit Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a is between May and September when the temperature sits between a pleasant 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). The cool and dry weather makes activities like walking and camel rides even more enjoyable.

• High season: Dry season (May - September)
• Low season: Wet season (October - April)
• Don’t miss: Wandering through 50,000 illuminated bulbs at the Field of Light

Travellers with a disability can experience the magic of Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a through a variety of accessible options .

• Arrival: Travellers arriving at Connellan Airport can book a wheelchair-accessible transfer to Yulara with AAT Kings . For those arriving at Alice Springs Airport, there is special assistance available.
• Getting around: Public buses are accessible for those travelling with small wheelchairs and mobility aids and some accessible taxis are available at the time of booking. 
• Accessible experience highlights: Outback Tour Services provide bespoke safari tours that cater for people with disabilities. Those with limited mobility who are travelling with an able-bodied person can also join a tour with AAT Kings to explore the highlights of Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a National Park.
• Helpful resources: You can check out this five-day  accessible itinerary to help you plan your adventure. Find more helpful information at  Travability .

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Chill out: Uluru ranks as the second most relaxing tourist destination in the world

The massive red rock is the least stressful tourist hotspot to visit behind Lake Caumasee in Switzerland

Holidays are meant to be relaxing. However, too often, you come home feeling more exhausted than when you set out. If this really is your year of rest and relaxation, then pour yourself a cup of tea and sit back as you read this latest piece of travel news. 

A recent study has revealed the most and least relaxing tourist hotspots across the globe and Uluru was the only Australian landmark to get a shout-out. The good news is that our famous red rock made the most relaxing list, coming in second place behind Switzerland’s crystal clear Lake Caumasee. 

The study, conducted by language experts Preply , ranked more than 80 of the world’s most popular tourist attractions based on the total number of negative reviews that mentioned stressful words like ‘tourist trap’, ‘underwhelming’ and ‘overrated’. 

Time Square’s dazzling lights and big billboards aren’t as impressive as they look in the movies with the New York hotspot ranked as the number one most stressful tourist attraction in the world. It was closely followed by Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie, described as ‘small’ and ‘disappointing’, and Paris’ Eiffel Tower, criticised for its excessive crowding. 

We’re pretty stoked to see Australia on the flip side of the study, with Uluru (Ayers Rock) rarely leaving travellers disappointed. Out of more than 1,000 reviews, this sacred sandstone rock in the Australian outback received only five mentions of the negative keywords. We’d agree that it’s pretty hard not to feel a sense of zen – along with awe and wonder – as you leave the hustle and bustle of Australia’s capital cities and journey to the Red Centre, where the skies are clear, the stars are out and the landscapes are absolutely spectacular. 

Last week, it was announced that an all-new, immersive Indigenous art, light and sound experience would be unveiled at Uluru in August. The vast desert landscape will transform into a natural canvas for Sunrise Journeys, featuring a bespoke artwork painted by three local Anangu artists. The immersive art experience adds to Uluru’s already spectacular line-up of experiences, including the world’s biggest daily drone show Wintjiri Wiru , one of Australia’s largest art installations Field of Light , and the acclaimed Sounds of Silence dinner under the starry skies. Sounds like it's time for a trip.

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• Melissa Woodley Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia

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