Uluru Travel Guide
Share
Everything about Uluru, the heart of Australia

What is it?
Uluru holds the title of the world's largest sandstone monolith!
The formation began about 550 million years ago when rainwater flowed down the mountains, eroding sand and rock and depositing them in large fan shapes on the plains. Approximately 500 million years ago, the entire region was submerged under the sea. Sand and mud settled on the seabed, covering these fans. The weight of the new seabed turned the fans into rock. The sandy fan became sandstone, known as Uluṟu. About 400 million years ago, the sea receded. As the earth’s tectonic plates shifted, rocks folded and tilted, causing Uluṟu to tilt 90 degrees. Over the past 300 million years, the softer rocks eroded away, leaving the stunning formations of Uluṟu that we see today.
Where is it?
Uluru is situated within the 'Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park' in the southern region of the Northern Territory, Central Australia. It is positioned 335km southwest of Alice Springs, the nearest significant town

When is the best time to go?

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October, which encompasses autumn, winter, and spring. This period offers cooler temperatures compared to the summer, making it more comfortable for exploration.
The rainy season spans from November to March, with the likelihood of rain being highest between December and February.
We visited in mid-October and experienced sunny weather with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. For more comfortable conditions, we recommend planning your trip during the winter months, when the temperatures are cooler.
How can i get there?
Arrive at Ayers Rock Airport: Located just 30 kilometers from Uluru, this airport serves as the gateway to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Flights from major Australian cities, including those operated by Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia, land at Ayers Rock Airport.
How can i get around?
You have the option to rent a car and explore the park at your own pace, join one of the various bus tours, or buy an Uluṟu hop-on hop-off bus pass for convenient transportation around the park.
We highly recommend renting a car. This way, you'll have much more freedom to come and go as you please, stay as long as you want at the attractions, and avoid being with dozens of other people. We suggest renting a car with 'Hertz' at Ayers Rock Airport. We did so, and everything went smoothly. We made an online reservation a couple of months before our trip, and it was a seamless experience.

A different side of Uluru.
Where to stay?
Since there are no towns around the national park, the only place to stay is at the AYERS ROCK RESORT. This resort offers six different accommodation options: Sails in the Desert (Luxurious Outback Experience), Desert Gardens Hotel (Rooms with a view of Uluru), Emu Walk Apartments (1 or 2 Bedroom Apartments), The Lost Camel Hotel (Contemporary Boutique Hotel), Outback Hotel & Lodge (Comfortable, Affordable), and Ayers Rock Campground (Camping).
We stayed at the Outback Hotel & Lodge, which was the most budget-friendly room available. It was comfortable and came with shared bathroom facilities. We highly recommend it for those traveling on a budget.
What is there to do?
There are numerous activities to enjoy around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. We have categorized them into two groups: Free Activities and Paid Activities.
Free Activities
- Uluru Base Walk: a hiking trail spanning 10km that encircles Uluru itself.
- Car Sunset Viewing Area: a spot to watch the sunset from an iconic location.
- Walpa Gorge Walk: a 2.6km walk through the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.
- Valley of the Winds Walk: a 7.4km loop within Kata Tjuta that stops at two spectacular lookout points.
Paid Activities
- Scenic Flight over Uluru, in a Plane or Helicopter.
- Field of Light: an art installation of over 50,000 globes bringing the desert alive after dark.
- Camel Tours: camel ride with stunning views of Uluru.

At the Valley of the Winds Walk, in Kata Tjuta.
Map of Uluru

Our Experience
We had an amazing time at the Red Centre, one of our favorite places in all over Australia.
Traveling on a budget meant that some experiences, like the scenic flight and the Field of Lights, were out of reach for us. However, that didn't dampen our spirits! The sheer joy of being in the heart of the desert, far removed from civilization, along with the breathtaking scenic car rides, made the entire trip immensely worthwhile.
We completed sections of the Uluru Base Walk on foot, and for some parts, we drove, pausing at beautiful spots along the way. We highly recommend this approach since the heat can be intense. This way, you can enjoy the stunning views while staying cool in the comfort of your car's air conditioning!
We also explored the Walpa Gorge Walk and completed half of the Valley of the Winds Walk. The heat was so intense that we had to stop halfway through. We strongly advise bringing plenty of water and starting your hikes very early in the morning to avoid the extreme and potentially dangerous heat.
And last but not least, out trip ended with an incredible sunset at the Car Sunset Viewing Area.

Kata Tjuta from a distance.