A holiday in Uluru is a staple on many Australian travel dream lists, and for good reason. Home to an abundance of natural beauty and so many one-of-a-kind experiences, you might think that the only way to see the Red Centre is on an epic, week-long excursion. If you only have a few days to spare, you can have an unforgettable experience in the Spiritual Heart of Australia, and we’ve got the perfect 4-day Uluṟu itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. From iconic experiences like Sunrise Journeys to exploring Uluru and Kata Tjutta, our 4-day Uluru itinerary will give you the perfect taste of the Red Centre experience.

Morning/Afternoon:

Arrival at Ayers Rock Airport: Getting to Yulara for a weekend trip to Uluru has never been easier. When you arrive at Ayers Rock Airport, collect your luggage and head outside, where your complimentary airport transfer will be waiting for you. The coaches will each have a sign in front of them to let you know which hotel they are going to, so you can hop on and ease into the start of your Red Centre getaway.

When you arrive at Ayers Rock Resort in the afternoon, it’s time to check into your hotel. There are six accommodation options and a campground to choose from, depending on who you’re travelling with and your budget for your weekend getaway.

If you’re after a luxe weekend getaway, consider staying at Sails in the Desert or Desert Gardens. Both resorts offer elegantly appointed guest rooms with luxury amenities and on-site access to incredible dining outlets like Ilkari Restaurant, Pira Pool Bar, Arnguli Grill and Mangata Restaurant. 

Travel tip: If you’re after a room with a view of Uluru, Desert Gardens offers Ayers Rock Resort’s only rock-view rooms.

For the casual traveller looking for a unique and laid-back Uluru stay, The Lost Camel Hotel and Outback Hotel are the perfect accommodations for your weekend at Ayers Rock Resort. The Lost Camel is a contemporary and fun, boutique-style hotel that offers compact, cozy guest rooms, while the Outback Hotel is the perfect mix of comfort and value with different configurations to suit your travel group.

Travel tip: If you’re travelling solo or just looking for a budget accommodation option in Uluru, the Outback Lodge is the perfect place. These hostel-style accommodations offer a communal kitchen, complimentary laundry facilities and close proximity to the resort’s social hub, the Outback BBQ & Bar. 

Families or friend groups travelling to Uluru will love Emu Walk Apartments, Ayers Rock Resort’s self-contained one and two-bedroom apartments with a variety of room configurations. Apartments offer kitchen and living spaces, perfect for relaxing as a group after a long day of exploring Uluru.

Late Afternoon/Evening:

One thing you definitely can’t miss on your visit to Uluru: an iconic Red Centre sunset. As daylight fades, Uluru changes colours from burnt red to orange and purple before the desert night sky opens up to reveal an incredible display of stars.

There are several sunset viewing areas in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, but if you’re planning to stay close to the resort on your first night, you can head to Pioneer Lookout, just 4km from Ayers Rock Resort.

Night:

To round out your first day in the Red Centre, visit the Field of Light. This immersive art installation by Bruce Munroe spans seven football fields, with 50,000 spindles of light glowing and changing colour across the expanse of the desert.

There are three Field of Light experiences to choose from. For an immersive outdoor dining experience, try the Field of Light Dinner, where you’ll enjoy the award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner with the Field of Light art installation.

If you’re not up for dinner but would still like a guided Field of Light experience, the Field of Light Star Pass is the perfect choice. You’ll enjoy drinks and canapés as your guide provides insight into the wonder that is the Field of Light.

Alternatively, you can wander the Field of Light at your own pace with a General Admission ticket. 

Travel tip: Book this experience as soon as you know your travel dates.

Morning/Afternoon:

Day two of your Red Centre adventure begins with venturing to the iconic domes of Kata Tjuta. For the early risers, head to the Kata Tjuta dune viewing area for an incredible outback sunrise.

Then, it’s time to hit the trails and immerse yourself in the beauty that Kata Tjuta has to offer. If you’re after a gentle walk with stunning views, Walpa Gorge walk is perfect for your morning adventure. The Valley of the Winds Walk is the longest trail, clocking in at just over 7kms. It is rated as moderate and is steep in areas, so be sure to be prepared with proper footwear if this trail is on your list.

Evening:

After a big day of exploring Kata Tjuta, you’ll be ready for a feed. If you’re up for something casual, fun, and uniquely outback-inspired, head to the Outback BBQ & Bar. At this do-it-yourself BBQ, you’ll start by selecting your cut of meat before you head off to grill your dinner. After grilling your main course to perfection, pile your plate high with sides from the salad bar and warm jacket potatoes. With live music setting the mood, share your feast and trade adventure stories with fellow travellers in the communal dining space.

Morning:

On your third day in the Spiritual Heart of Australia, start by exploring the iconic monolith with the Uluru Base Walk. You can walk the entire base or select a portion to explore, there are different walks that offer paths for every age and fitness level. 

We recommend taking part in the free Ranger Guided Mala Walk. This complimentary guided experience is excellent for families and provides more information about Aṉangu and the Mala Story, and is an excellent way to learn more before experiencing Wintjiri Wiru, Ayers Rock Resort’s award-winning drone, laser and light show.
Don’t forget to stop by the Uluṟu-Kata Tjut̲a Cultural Centre to deepen your understanding of Aṉangu culture and history in Uluru. 

Afternoon:

After a busy morning of exploring around the national park, it’s time to head back to the resort for some well-deserved lunch and downtime. If it’s a uniquely outback experience you’re after, don’t miss out on Australian Native High Tea. This take on a traditional afternoon high tea service features native ingredients in sweet and savoury petit fours, served alongside gourmet tea or coffee. 

After lunch, head over to the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), across from Sails in the Desert, to explore incredible works of art by Indigenous creatives from across the region. Once you’ve wandered GoCA, enjoy some downtime in your room or at the pool before dinner.

Evening:

Your final night in the Red Centre deserves to be paired with an epic experience, and what better way to witness your last outback sunset than at the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. 

Your experience begins with a gentle stroll along an elevated walkway to an open-air theatre atop a dune. You’ll receive a gourmet dinner hamper featuring native ingredients and premium Penfold wines to enjoy as the sun sets on the desert. As the night sky comes alive, you’ll be immersed in a chapter of the Mala story told through choreographed drones, lasers, and projections that illuminate the night sky, accompanied by a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language.

Morning:

Your final day in the Red Centre starts with an experience unlike any other: Sunrise Journeys. As dawn breaks, a stunning piece of artwork comes to life on the desert floor, with the iconic Uluru as the backdrop. This experience is a collaboration between three renowned Aṉangu artists, Selina Kulitja, Denise Brady, and Valerie Brumby, along with Aṉangu musician and composer Jeremy Whiskey, and visual experience creators Mandylights. After the show, enjoy a light breakfast with Australian chai tea.

Late Morning/Early Afternoon:

If you want to squeeze one more activity into your getaway in Uluru, join in on one of the free guest activities like a Guided Garden Walk, Bush Yarns, or Didgeridoo Workshop. These activities are family-friendly and complimentary to guests of Ayers Rock Resort.

Before you leave for the airport, head to the Ayers Rock Resort Town Square to explore or purchase a souvenir of your time in the Red Centre.

Departure from Ayers Rock Airport: The time has come to say “so long for now” to the Spiritual Heart of Australia. Return transfers to the airport depart approximately two hours before your flight. Check with reception upon checkout for exact departure times.

Four days is a perfect amount of time to experience the very best of the Red Centre, whether it’s your first time in Uluru or on a return visit. From the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets painting the iconic monolith in fiery hues, to delving into ancient Aṉangu culture and exploring the unique desert landscapes, there’s something for every traveller. Start planning your 4-day Uluru itinerary today.