What to Expect When You Arrive at Ayers Rock Resort

A visit to Uluru is the adventure of a lifetime, and planning your visit will ensure you make the most of your stay.This guide will tell you all you need to know before you go, what to expect when you arrive, and plenty of helpful tips for once you’re on the ground.

Prepping For Your Trip

Nothing sets you up for a smooth travel day like a little preparation! Before your trip, check the local weather forecast for Uluru-Kata Tjuta to ensure you’re kitted out properly. From May through September, especially if you’re planning on camping or partaking in early morning or evening activities, pack warm layers: a beanie, gloves, and a lightweight down puffer are perfect. The desert is colder at night than people expect.For travel during the warmer months (October through April), think light, sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and breathable fabrics to keep you feeling cool and sheltered from the hot desert sun. 

Pack closed-toe shoes, and be aware that the red desert sand is likely to give white sneakers a pinkish hue that’ll linger long after you get home. 

Pack your sunglasses and sunscreen for sun and moisturiser for dry weather – trust us, you’ll need them. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle, as hydration out here is key all year round. If you’ve forgotten anything, pop to Town Square when you arrive, where an IGA supermarket and well-stocked shops have all the travel basics on offer. 

If you’re planning on visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you will need to purchase a park pass. Get your pass online before you travel, or, if it ends up being a spur-of-the-moment visit, no stress – passes are also available at the park entrance. 

You’ll also want to spend some time checking out the incredible range of tours and experiences to suit every traveller and budget. Many activities do book up in advance, so reserve your spot early to avoid disappointment. You’ll receive a confirmation email of the experiences you’ve booked so you can keep track of your itinerary with ease. Please remember to check the pick-up time for your tour at reception the day before your booking. 

Getting To the Resort From Ayers Rock Airport

No need to worry about how you’ll get here from Ayers Rock Airport — our free airport shuttles greet every incoming flight and will whisk you away to the resort, just a quick 10-15 minute drive away. Sit back and relax on our air conditioned coaches as you take in the scenery en route to the resort. 

And when it’s time to return home, you’ll once again enjoy the convenience of a complimentary shuttle service bringing you back to the airport.

Arriving at Ayers Rock Resort By Car

Driving through the Outback is a bucket-list experience. The fiery red desert scenery, breathtaking rock formations, and opportunities to learn about local art, history, and culture along the way make this an unforgettable drive. For guests who arrive at Ayers Rock Resort by car, we offer free parking throughout the resort. Fuel up at the local Yulara Shell station and grab snacks for your drive (or to satisfy your hunger upon arrival) at the IGA supermarket in the town centre. 

If an epic Red Centre road trip is on your agenda, be sure to check out our drive inspiration, sample routes, and must-know information before you head out.

Need some inspiration? Check out these curated itineraries for our top picks, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, culture or family fun. 

One of the most important questions you’ll have to answer about your holiday: where to stay? The quirky and contemporary Lost Camel Hotel blends urban style and authentic Indigenous touches in the heart of the resort, while Emu Walk Apartments brings all the privacy and amenities of a homey apartment just a short walk away from the Town Square and Tour & Information Centre. 

In search of a more DIY stay? Put the living cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park within easy reach at the Ayers Rock Campground. From two-bedroom cabins to powered sites for campervans and plenty of unpowered sites to pitch your own tent, this is the place to be if you’re in search of an authentic outback playground. Choose from hotel or lodge-style stays at Outback Hotel and Lodge, perfect for adventure-seekers and budget-minded travellers. 

Unwind in lavish surroundings and contemporary comfort at Sails in the Desert — our premium outback holiday experience, where the history, colour, and wisdom of local Anangu is interwoven into every facet of the hotel’s modern design. Or wake up to views of Uluru from Desert Gardens Hotel, nestled within an oasis of native flowers and plants.

When you arrive, your shuttle will drop you off at your booked accommodation. Check-in time is 3pm, but if you’re arriving earlier than that, you’ll be able to drop off your luggage and grab a refreshing drink and bite to eat, explore the resort, or make your way to one of the many look out points for that first spectacular glimpse of Uluru. 

Like many resorts, Ayers Rock Resort is cashless with the exception of the IGA Supermarket and the Shell petrol station, so double-check before leaving home that you’ve got your cards with you, or alternatively you can choose to charge to your room. For this reason, we recommend keeping your room key card with you at all times - it’s also required for any alcohol purchases. If you do need to grab cash, there’s an ATM in Town Square that’s open 24 hours a day. 

Like any holiday, be sure to pack enough of any prescribed medication for the length of your stay. If you require medical attention during your stay, there’s a clinic located at Town Square that’s open daily, Monday-Friday. The IGA Supermarket also has a pharmacy section with some medical and first-aid items. To book an appointment or contact the clinic please visit the clinic website. 

Before you arrive, make yourself familiar with the resort’s facilities and services. They can help you plan what you’ll need to pack and prepare and anticipate solutions to any challenges or questions that could pop up while you’re at the resort. 

There are 14 dining options across the resort, and no matter where you are staying, you are welcome to try them all.

Our dining experiences bring you a delicious combination of global and local flavours, with a focus on Indigenous influences and tradition. Linger over a leisurely meal at our restaurants and buffets, like Ilkari Restaurant which serves up delicious dishes inspired by cuisines around the world. 

Grab your morning coffee, smoothie, or a light lunch on the go from one of the resort’s cafes, or dine and drink in a casual, comfortable atmosphere at our DIY BBQ station or the Walpa Lobby Bar. For a special experience, stop by Kulata Academy Cafe. At Kulata, trainees at the National Indigenous Training Academy learn a range of skills to help prepare them for fulfilling careers in the hospitality industry, and their breakfast and lunch items are delicious. 

Open all day long, Walpa is the perfect spot to relax after your journey to Ayers Rock Resort – drop your bags, grab a drink, and toast to the adventure to come. 
 

All year long, bucket-list experiences and once-in-a-lifetime tours and activities await – fill your itinerary with as much wow as you can handle! Immerse all your senses at Wintjiri Wiru, the world’s largest permanent drone, laser and light show. Ancient Indigenous storytelling is brought to life using cutting-edge tech for an enriching experience.  

Watch in awe as darkness falls and 50,000 multicoloured spindles glow to life at the globally acclaimed Field of Light installation. Or dine under the sparkling night sky with our Sounds of Silence experience as you listen to a star talker decode the night sky. For an elevated evening of open-air dining, our Tali Wiru (‘beautiful dune’ in local Anangu language) experience is a must for foodies. 

Early risers will want to set an alarm for Sunrise Journeys. This immersive experience uses light projections and music to bring the artwork of three local Anangu artists to life across the desert. Guests enjoy a delightful, nourishing breakfast that pairs native ingredients and flavours with a spicy and satisfying chai tea. 

We recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot, but if you do arrive at the resort and are wondering where to begin with planning out your days, head to the Tour and Information Centre in Town Square. Chat with staff for activity recommendations and book any tours on site. In the Sails in the Desert lobby, you’ll also find touchscreens broadcasting the day’s programming and events. Don’t forget about our free experiences – scheduled daily, they are a great way to experience local culture and get more familiar with the resort. 

Getting around Ayers Rock Resort is a breeze. A free shuttle bus circulates the Resort daily, departing approximately every 20 minutes from 10.30am-12.30am. It stops at all hotels, campgrounds, Resort Town Square, Visitors’ Centre, and the Uluru Camel Farm.

A great way to explore Uluru and Central Australia at your own pace is to hire a car. Thrifty, Avis and Hertz car rentals are available at Ayers Rock Resort, with pick up/drop off options from the Ayers Rock Airport and the Resort. Choose from a range of vehicles including 4WD and standard Sedan options. Learn more here and book. 

Please note – the resort shuttle does not travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. For transportation to the park, pre-book your seat on the Uluru Hop On/Hop Off shuttle.