What is Uluru?
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. Uluru is the world’s largest monolith or more accurately, an ‘inselberg’ which is an isolated mountain or hill rising from a plain in a hot and dry region. Made of arkose sandstone, Uluru rises 348 metres above the ground, a further 6km below the ground and has a circumference of 9.4 kilometres. At 348 meters tall, Uluru is higher than The Statue of Liberty (93m) and taller than Paris’ Eiffel Tower (324m) and only 33m lower than the Empire State Building (381m). To the Australian Aboriginal people, Uluru is sacred. Archaeological research shows that the Aboriginal people have lived in this area for over 30,000 years.
Why should I visit Uluru?
You haven’t seen Australia until you’ve visited this sacred Aboriginal site in the heart of the country. To truly appreciate its magnitude and beauty, Uluru has to be experienced up close and personal. Like Yellowstone, Pompeii and the Grand Canyon, photographs fail to fully capture the essence of the place. It is truly a remarkable destination and provides visitors an opportunity to connect to Aboriginal culture and experience the Aussie outback.
Can I climb Uluru?
Yes, until 26 October 2019, when the climb closes for good, you can still climb Uluru. However, Anangu ask as visitors to their land that you respect their wishes, culture and law and choose not to climb this sacred monolith. The path of the climb is associated with important Mala ceremonies. Anangu believe that during the time when the world was being formed, the Uluru climb was the traditional route taken by Mala men when they arrived at Uluru. The climb may also be closed because of weather conditions or for cultural reasons. Find out more about the Uluru climb
How do I get to Uluru?
What many people don’t know is that there’s an airport located right near Uluru, it’s only 25km (25min drive) from the airport to the iconic rock. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia airlines all fly straight to Ayers Rock Airport daily from Sydney (3hr), Melbourne (3hr), Brisbane (3hr) - commencing 3 August 2018, Alice Springs (45min) and Cairns (2hr 45min) and offer connecting flights from most other Australian capital cities.
To get from the airport to your hotel, there is a complimentary coach that meets all regular flights. The transfer takes approx. 10 minutes and takes you from the airport to your hotel at Ayers Rock Resort. There are no taxis so taking the free hotel courtesy transfer or hiring a car are your only two options for getting to and from the airport.
The next closest airport is in Alice Springs, 450km away. Flying into Alice Springs and hiring a car to drive to Uluru is a great option for those wishing to explore more of the Red Centre. Alice Springs to Uluru is 450km down the Stuart Highway, approximately a 4.5 hour drive on sealed roads. There is also the option of driving via Kings Canyon on the iconic Mereenie Loop Road taking in many incredible sites along the way. Alice Springs to Kings Canyon is 337km (unsealed for 197km of the journey), driving time is approx. 4 hours. From Kings Canyon to Uluru is 306km on sealed roads (approx. 3.5 hour drive).
Where can I stay in Uluru?
Voyages Ayers Rock Resort is located only 20km from Uluru and 6km from the airport. The Resort provides a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. You can choose from the premium Sails in the Desert hotel, the modern Desert Gardens Hotel, the self-contained one and two-bedroom Emu Walk Apartments, the funky Lost Camel Hotel and the authentic Outback Pioneer Hotel & Backpacker Lodge with dorms and budget rooms. There’s also a large Campground with powered and unpowered sites and cabins. In the Resort Town Square you’ll find a collection of shops and cafes, a supermarket, bank and ATM, car hire, newsagency, hair & beauty salon, postal office, and a Tour & Information Centre.
When is a good time to visit Uluru?
With an average of 24C°/75F° with clear skies and minimal rainfall. Night-time temperatures can get cold at this time of year so make sure to pack warm clothes. On the opposite end of the year during November to March, the days are sun-laden and warm with an average temperature of 35C°/95F° and the evenings are beautiful and balmy. Rainfall in the desert is unpredictable but more likely to fall at this time of year which is also your best chance of experiencing Uluru's rare waterfalls.
What can I do in Uluru?
Meet some desert reptiles, ride a camel across the desert dunes or take in an aerial view of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park on one of our air adventures. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, whizz around the rock on a bicycle, segway or on the back of Harley Davidson.
To gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture and geology of this remarkable place, you can join one of the guided tours. The benefit of joining a small group tour (less than 20 people) is that they’re personalised and you have access to an expert guide who will tell you all you need to know about Uluru.
No visit to Uluru is complete without tasting some native bush tucker at a Bush Food Experience, or enjoying a dinner under the sparkling desert sky at the Sounds of Silence, A Night At Field of Light or the intimate Tali Wiru.
Have a read of our top 10 can’t miss experiences in Uluru.
How do I get around?
There are no taxis, ubers, line-buses or trains around so your options include:
Hiring a car - If you want the freedom to explore the destination at your own pace, hiring a car is possibly your best option. Avis, Hertz and Thrifty car rentals are available with pick-up and drop-off options from Ayers Rock Airport and the Resort. You can choose from a range of vehicles including 4WD and sedan options. Due to the remoteness there are only a limited number of cars available at any one time, so we recommend pre-booking your rental car well in advance.
Joining a guided tour - Guided tours provide pick-up and drop-off to your hotel or campground. Another great thing about joining a guided tour is that you’ll also learn more about the history, culture and landscape thanks to an expert guide.
Uluru Hop On Hop Off Shuttle - Choose from either a 1 day, 2 day or 3 day pass and hop on and off the bus as much as you like from sunrise to sunset. This shuttle bus travels between the Resort and the National Park and stops at the Cultural Centre, Uluru sunrise and sunset lookouts, Kata Tjuta lookout, Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds. Pick-up and drop-off is also included.
Free Resort Shuttle Bus - There’s a free shuttle bus that circulates the Resort to help you get around. It runs from 10:30 in the morning to just after midnight, departing every 20 minutes. The shuttle stops at all hotels, the campground, Resort Town Square, Wintjiri Arts & Museum and the Uluru Camel Farm. Please note that this shuttle does not go to Uluru.
Coach/Bus Services - If you’re looking to travel further out to discover more of the Red Centre, there are luxury air-conditioned coach and bus services running between Ayers Rock Resort, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs. Your drive/guide will provide comprehensive commentary as you pass through the rugged scenery of the outback.
Got a Question for Us?
Feel free to give us a call on +61 2 8296 8010 (or 1300 134 044 from within Australia) or email us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to answer any questions and help you plan your Uluru escape!
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