Uluru, an iconic natural rock monument, is not out of reach of budget travellers. Here is a roadmap to getting there without breaking the bank. Visit one of Australia’s well known attractions with a few cost-saving tips in the back pocket.
Wonder at the geological marvels of Uluru and the beautifully rounded massive boulders of nearby Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga. Observe surreal chasms tinted red gold and the story of timeless people, the Aboriginals who call this place home.
Fundamentally the attraction is an enormous, ancient rock. It’s FREE to look at (beyond national park boundaries). The park pass could be your only expense. You will require a Northern Territory park pass; this is an expense that opens the door to lots of freebies.
WALKS – FREE (PARKS PASS REQUIRED)
- ULURU BASE WALK. A self-guided trail will pass, up close Uluru with weathered rock, caves, cracked and folds adding the charm of the landscape. Pass rock art, thousands of years old. There are numerous information plaques describing the flora and fauna as well as spiritual connection to the local Anangu people.
- Join a free ranger-guided Mala Walk to circumnavigate Uluru on foot and visit the painted caves and waterholes of the traditional custodians.
- MUTIJULU WATERHOLE WALK. Short stroll to a waterhole where the local bird life hang out. Plenty of informative signage.
TIP: IT’S FREE
Beat the Crowds
Mutitjulu Waterhole is one of the park’s busiest locations, but is often quiet at sunrise, sunset and lunchtime. If you’ve already seen an Uluru sunrise from afar, come to the Kuniya walk or carpark to watch the sun peeking out from behind the south-eastern side of the rock. (source: NT national parks brochure)
The Base walk is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours, in total 10.6 km. The track is largely flat, compacted red sandy path.
Hiking boots are not necessary to walk the Mala Base Walk however closed shoes with a supportive sole is strongly recommended. If you are planning to hike longer walks at Kata-Tjuta or Kings Canyon hiking boots are recommended.
Avoid planning a holiday in Uluru in December, January and February, the southern hemisphere. The average summer desert temperature is mid 30 c to highs in the mid 40 c.
Flies are a chronic issue in the Northern Territory and in Uluru, especially in the spring and summer. Aussies have a dinky head net which you can easily see through. Grab one from the nearest petrol station or convenience store.
STARGAZING IS FREE
When night falls, let the mesmerizing starry sky captivate your imagination. Uluru’s remote location and minimal light pollution provide a perfect setting for stargazing.
Look up at the glittering night sky and let the vastness of the universe fill you with wonder and awe.
Uluru: National Park Astronomy Tour with Telescope and Photo – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER (free cancellation)
KATA TJUTA, WALPA GORGE
Kata Tjuta, Walpa Gorge – Another national park, another parks pass however the walks are part of the package.
Awesome, an easy to moderate 2.6 km largely flat track through stunning sandstone domes to the Walpa Gorge, famous for its instagram fame. It is beautiful, it is Australian postcard territory.
SUNSET & SUNRISE AT ULURU IS FREE!
Simply park your vehicle, take a walk, pack snacks and wait for the main show, the sun setting over Uluru. There are designated viewing areas and nature does the rest. Colours brighten, lighten and fade, this is a #ulurumustsee moment.
Book a Free Guided Ranger Walk – Find Out about INDIGENOUS GARDEN PRACTICES
There are 416 species in Uluru. Experience in the gardens at the Resort Town Square. Wander through the grounds yourself, or arrive at one of the designated time slots and listen to an Aboriginal Ranger Guide explain the cultural significance of key plants as part of food, medicine and more.
Meet your guide at the Resort Town Square’s flag poles. Check times beforehand to avoid disappointment.
BUSH FOOD EXPERIENCE
Foodie lover you will enjoy a FREE Bush Food Experience, Check in at the Arkarni Theatre – located adjacent to the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA). There is a cooking demonstration and a tasting.
ULURU AND INDIGENOUS ART – IT’S FREE TO BROWSE
Three fascinating art galleries are located at Ayers Rock Resort – Sails in the Desert’s Mulgara Gallery represents the many different regional styles of Indigenous art, Mingkiri Gallery at Town Square features Australian handcrafted glassware, jewellery, pottery, zebra rock and artworks, and the exciting new Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA)
TIP: There are one way shuttles from Alice Springs to Uluru – BOOK HERE (free cancellation)
The best way to get to Uluru is with your own vehicle, either rented or private. This gives you the flexibility to visit Kata Tjuta / Olgas and Kings Canyon. If you are an overseas visitor ensure you carefully vet how long the tour is actually in Uluru.
The Field of Light, Uluru is NOT free to enter.
You can book a Field of Light Sunrise Tour HERE (free cancellation)
Ayers Rock Campground IS VERY POPULAR BUDGET OVERNIGHT STAY ACCOMMODATION – Reviews on TripAdvisor
IMALUNG LOOKOUT is a great place to view Uluru. FREE entry to the elevated platform. The lookout is close to the campground. However it is very popular and expect crowds.
Check ULURU 25 REASONS TO VISIT AN ICONIC AUSTRALIAN DESTINATION
HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS WHEN VISITING THE RED CENTRE, ULURU & KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA
Uluru Weather Forecast | Today’s Local Weather Forecast check the weather forecast, summer temperatures are deadly
The best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is between May and September when the days are dry and warm, but not scorching. Summer trips are possible however soaring daytime temperatures in excess of 40+ c will lead to walks being closed from 9.00 am due to heat stress danger.
Outback Tours & Adventures – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
- Flies and the Northern Territory. Carry a mosquito head net with you. Carry spares for yourself and the kids.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. Plan to spend the afternoon at the pool relaxing before the sunset moments
- Freeze water in the hotel / accommodation fridge and carry lots and lots of water.
- Make sure you are well-protected against the sun. You should wear long-sleeved cotton shirts, a sun hat, and sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen SPF 50+.
- Sturdy closed footwear as you might have to negotiate loose rocky terrain.
Conditions and access to parks in the Northern Territory (NT) can change at short notice.Extreme weather conditions can be experienced in the region. When you plan your trip and before you leave home, you should check:
- IS THE PARK OPEN, CHECK HERE
- The road conditions on the Road Report website
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