What's the best time of year to visit Uluru?
Uluru is beautiful all year round. The best time to visit is May to September, when days are mild (around 21–29°C) and nights are cool to cold. From October to April, days grow warmer — averaging 37–39°C from December to February — and nights turn balmy. Desert wildflowers bloom between September and November, and December to March is your best chance of seeing Uluru's rare waterfalls after occasional bursts of warm rain. You might also time your visit around an event like the Uluru Camel Cup, the Australian Outback Marathon or Astronomy Weekend. See our full guide to the best time to visit Uluru.
Where can I stay?
There's no accommodation or camping inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park itself. Just outside the park boundary is Ayers Rock Resort — a self-contained village with hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, a supermarket and a post office. Accommodation suits every budget, from the Outback Hotel & Lodge through to Desert Gardens Hotel and five-star Sails in the Desert. Every one of our Uluru packages includes your stay at Ayers Rock Resort.
How do I get to Uluru?
Fly directly into Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ), about 6km from the resort — scheduled Qantas and Jetstar flights connect from major Australian cities, with a free shuttle to your accommodation on arrival. Alternatively, fly into Alice Springs (450km away) and drive, or take a coach transfer between Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Ayers Rock Resort. Our flights to Uluru guide covers routes, flight times and fares by season.
Which cities have direct flights to Uluru?
Sydney (Jetstar daily and Qantas around five days a week), Melbourne (Jetstar around five days a week) and Cairns (QantasLink daily). Everyone else connects via one of those cities, or flies to Alice Springs and continues by road.
Do I need a car?
No. A free shuttle bus runs daily around the resort, stopping at every hotel, the campground, Town Square and the information centre (note: it doesn't go to Uluru itself). It departs roughly every 20 minutes between 10:30am and 12:30am. For Uluru and Kata Tjuta, book a package that includes touring and transfers, or a Hop-On Hop-Off pass — no hire car required.
How many days do I need at Uluru?
Give yourself at least 2–3 days to properly catch a sunrise, a couple of sunsets, the base walk and Kata Tjuta without rushing. Flights arrive late morning and leave around midday, so three nights gives you Uluru, Kata Tjuta and an evening experience without rushing.
Can you climb Uluru?
No. Climbing Uluru has been banned since October 2019, out of respect for the wishes of the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners. The base walk, guided cultural walks, and sunrise and sunset viewing areas are the best ways to experience the rock.
What should I pack?
In winter, bring layers and a warm jacket for cold evenings and early starts. Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and a wide-brimmed hat are essential year-round, and of course, your camera. The resort's supermarket stocks most things you might forget.