If you love breathtaking views, colorful wildflowers and all other beautiful things that nature has to offer then Ayers Rock (Uluru) should be on the top of your Australian Outback Trip.
Kata Tjuta and Ayers Rock (Uluru) are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites a natural and cultural and Anangu aboriginal heritage.
Helpful Information
May – September is the best time to visit Uluru since the weather is in the cooler side but it really gets cold during the night. It is the high season so accommodation is expensive and this place gets crowded.
October to April is low season since it gets really hot during the day. Due to desert-like temperate people usually, stick to early morning and later afternoon activities. Accommodation is affordable during this period.
By Air
Flying is easy from Sydney or from Melbourne to Ayers Rock Airport called Connellan Airport only about 10 minutes drive from the Ayer Rock hotels. There are car rental booths and also free shuttle buses to the resorts. Flight from Melbourne to Ayers Rock takes about 3 hours and from Sydney, it takes about 3.5 hours. Check here for available flights.
By Car
Ayers Rock very remote location is far away from all the major cities, even the nearest outback town is 280 miles (450 km) away 5 hours driving distance. From Melbourne, it’s about 1440 miles (25 hrs of driving for sure) and from Sydney, it’s about 1770 miles (about 30 hours of driving for sure)
A road trip to Ayers Rock is fun with the freedom to stop anywhere and to see places along the way.
By Bus
Bus to Ayers Rock is available only from Alice Springs and on your bus trip, you will have the luxury to see a lot more of the outback including Alice Springs.
From The Airport
Complimentary bus service is available to and from the Ayers Rock Airport to Ayers Rock Resort. The airport is only 5 miles (8 km) from the Yulara town. Car rental service is also available at the airport, pre-booking is recommended.
Having your own car is a convenient way to get around in Uluru and surrounding outback areas. I picked up my rental car from Ayers Rock Airport. It is recommended to book your car in advance.
There are so many things to do in Uluru, definitely difficult to cover a fraction of them in a day. Depending on your duration of stay you could plan what you can cover and what you can’t.
I stayed here 3 nights, for example, if you like to see sunrise and sunset in Uluru you at least need to stay one full day. Then if you need to cover a few of the hiking in Kata Tjuta and Uluru then you may need another day. For a day trip to Watarrka National Park and other activities, you need an additional day. So Ideally 3 days is enough to cover most of the attractions.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park entry fee is Australian $25, and it is valid for three days.
If you are visiting one of those sunset and sunrise viewing areas then plan to be there at least half an hour before the actual time.
Always carry an extra bottle of water and snacks while hiking. and sometimes bug repellent will help a lot.
Best Things To Do in Skopje
During my northern territory road trip, I have explored Uluru-Kata Tjuta National park, Watarrka National Park and few other attractions in the vicinity. I am sharing a few my experience with here.
Early Morning Uluru Base Walk
This is one of the most popular early morning hiking events in Uluru that you should not miss if your health permits. During the 6.5 miles (10.5 km) hike around the base of Uluru, you will be able to explore caves, huge marks on the rock, watering holes resulted over the years, and much more.
Visit Kata Tjuta
Kata Tjuta (aka The Olgas) is another interesting red rocks formation about 35 miles from Uluru that worth visiting. The drive alone is fantastic with a few viewing points on the way most popular for watching the sunrise over Kata Tjuta.
It is also well known for its hiking trails most popular one is the Valley of Winds. In addition to 4.5 miles (7.5 km) hiking loop, there are a few lookouts you may consider such as Karu Lookout (1.5 miles/2.2 km) and Karingana Lookout (3.4 miles/5.4 km)
Holy Sunset at Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Uluru is awesome to observe during the day, but it’s most spectacular at sunset. There are several key viewing points to see the sunset. Car Sunset Area is the best of all since the sun will be behind your back, therefore, illuminating Uluru in golden colors as the sun descends. During sunrise, you will have a different experience from here as the sun rises behind the Uluru creating a silhouette scene.
Talinguru Nyakunytjaku is another popular location, since its on there side of the Car Sunset Area so you will experience the opposite view from here. Sun will be behind you lighting up the huge rock with the morning sunlight and Silhouette at the sunset.
Check out Camel Safari
I did not have much time for a camel safari tour however, it looked like a great experience. I saw many from my hotel were picked up for this trip. You can arrange a guided camel safari through the outback from your hotel travel desk.
See Uluru and Kata Tjuta From The Air
If you can afford then there are helicopter tours available for a different experience of the red rocks from the sky.
Day Trip to King’s Canyon
A trip to Watarrka National Park is a great way to explore outback Australia famous for King’s Canyon. From my hotel in Yulara, it was 3.5 hours of smooth drive to the park about 170 miles (272 km). A Scenic King’s Canyon Rim Walk along the 1000 feet towering high red rock cliffs will make you feel like the top of the world. Fun activities include hiking, 4×4 tracks, camping, camel tours and more.
Where Did I Stay in Ayers Rock
Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, Yulara
Ayers Rock Resort is located in Yulara and the only place in town. They have different types of accommodation from luxury resorts to shared rooms. I stayed in Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge. It’s good to know that accommodation is really expensive in Ayers Rock for what you get. The lodge has a restaurant and a huge kitchen where you can cook your own food. The pool and the view of Uluru from the lodge were the best.
Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge
Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge
Featured Travel Pictures
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Uluru, Australia? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being to this Fairy tail country and want to go back again. Hope my story have motivated you to visit.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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