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Uluru is remote, and a little planning saves you money and heatstroke. This page covers the flights into Ayers Rock Airport, the A$38 park entry, what to pack, driving distances, and the questions visitors ask most, from whether you can still climb the rock to how much water to carry. The Uluru guide hub has every other planning page in one place.
Uluru Travel Tips: Getting There
Ayers Rock Airport, also called Connellan and code AYQ, sits 6 km from Yulara and 20 km from the rock. Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia fly direct from Sydney (about 3 hours), Melbourne (3 hours), Brisbane (3.5 hours) and Cairns (2.5 hours), with fares typically A$200 to A$400 each way booked in advance. The alternative is to fly into Alice Springs and drive 450 km, a 4.5 to 5 hour trip up the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, using the town as one of the areas around Uluru to base yourself.
Uluru Travel Tips: Getting Around
There is no public transport at Uluru. The Ayers Rock Resort runs a free shuttle loop linking all its hotels to the Town Square, but the rock, Kata Tjuta and the airport require a car, a booked tour or a taxi. Rental cars are available at the airport from Avis, Hertz and Thrifty, and a day’s hire runs roughly A$90 to A$150. Tour operators run sunrise, sunset and full-day coach tours from the resort for around A$100 to A$250 per person, covering the main things to do in Uluru, and you can book the nightly Uluru events and festivals shows through the same desk.
Uluru Travel Tips: Park Entry and Climbing Rules
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park charges A$38 per adult for a 3-day pass, A$20 per child aged 5 to 17, or A$95 for a family, with annual passes at A$100. Buy the pass at the entry gate on the road from Yulara. Climbing Uluru has been closed permanently since 26 October 2019 at the request of the Anangu traditional owners, and the chain posts have been removed, so the only way up is a scenic flight.
Uluru Travel Tips: What to Pack
- Water: 3 litres per person per day in summer, 2 litres in winter, plus refill bottles at the resort.
- Sun: SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses, the UV index hits 10 to 12 all year.
- Layers: a fleece and beanie for winter mornings that drop to 4°C (39°F).
- Fly net: essential from October to March, when bush flies are at their worst.
- Closed shoes: the tracks are rocky and sandy, thongs do not hold up on the base walk.
Uluru Travel Tips: Safety and Health
Heat and dehydration are the real risks. Between October and March, finish long walks by 11 am, and in any month avoid the Valley of the Winds circuit when the forecast tops 36°C (97°F), when it closes, the month by month heat numbers are in the Uluru weather by month guide. There is no hospital at Yulara, only a small medical clinic, so serious emergencies are flown to Alice Springs. Mobile reception is patchy on the roads, so download maps before leaving Yulara and carry fuel, as the next petrol east is 85 km away at Curtin Springs.
Uluru Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still climb Uluru? No, the climb closed permanently in October 2019 out of respect for Anangu law.
- How many days do I need? Three nights, enough for sunrise, the base walk and a full day at Kata Tjuta.
- Can I drink the tap water? Yes, Yulara tap water is treated and safe, and it is also safe in Alice Springs.
- Do I need a permit? Only the A$38 park entry pass, bought at the gate.
- Can I camp at the rock? No, camping is banned inside the national park; use the Yulara campground.
- When is sunrise and sunset? Roughly 6:00 to 7:30 am and 5:30 to 7:30 pm depending on the season.
Suggested Hotels in Uluru
Sails in the Desert
The five-star flagship of the Ayers Rock Resort, with white canvas sails, a central pool and fine dining. Best for couples wanting the most comfortable stay at the rock. Check rates and availability
Desert Gardens Hotel
The solid mid-range choice, with garden rooms, a pool and some rooms facing Uluru. Best for families and first-time visitors. Check rates and availability
Outback Hotel and Lodge
The budget tier of the resort, with hotel rooms, simple lodge rooms and a lively pub. Best for solo travellers and backpackers. Check rates and availability
For more on the resort tiers and Alice Springs alternatives, see where to stay in Uluru, and line your dates up with the weather using the best time to visit Uluru guide.
