An Essential Travel Guide To Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Right in the middle of Australia, in the middle of the desert and the red dirt that stretches as far as the eye can see, that’s where you will find Uluru.

A place of cultural significance and profound meaning, both to the traditional landowners and local Aboriginal people, but also to any Australian (and maybe even international visitor) who come to experience the unbelievable rock that sits in the middle of this beautiful country.

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In this post:

Where is Uluru?

Uluru is located in the Northern Territory, Central Australia, and falls under Australian Central Time Zone, UTC +9:30.

Getting To Uluru

Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) is the closest airport to Uluru, located just 12 minutes away from Yulara and Ayers Rock Resort. There are no taxis in Ayers Rock, however if you’re staying at any of the properties in Ayers Rock Resort there is a complimentary shuttle bus that takes you from the airport to your hotel. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport for your stay.

Find the cheapest flights to Uluru for your dates

Language in Australia

English. The native Anangu people of Uluru mainly speak Pitjantjatjara (pronounced pit-jan-jah-jarra) and Yankunytjatjara (pronounced yan-kun-ja-jarra), with some speaking up to six Aboriginal languages. However, you are unlikely to hear these languages around Ayers Rock Resort.

The Road to Kata Tjuta

Climate at Uluru

Located near the centre of a semi-arid desert, Uluru has an extreme climate, which can range in temperature from 3.5°C in the winter time of July to 38°C in the peak summer months. While the region sees blue skies and sunshine most of the year, with hardly any rainy days, the mornings and evenings in the winter months can be very cool, so make sure you pack accordingly.

Getting Around Uluru

In our opinion, driving is definitely the best way to get around Yulara and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. It gives you the complete freedom to visit wherever you want in the park without having to wait for buses in the scorching heat. Renting a car is also the only way to watch the sunrises and sunsets over Uluru as the bus doesn’t start run that early or late each day.

Book your rental car in advance to avoid missing out

Currency in Australia

Currency is Australian Dollars $AUD. Everywhere in Ayers Rock Resort, and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park accepted credit and debit cards for payment as well as cash. ATMs are easily accessible within Ayers Rock Resort, in the town square, petrol station and hotel/campground reception areas.

Top 10 Can't Miss Experiences At Uluru

Internet Access around Uluru

There is complimentary wifi throughout the whole of Ayers Rock Resort, as well as 4G connection. If you are not staying in the resort, wifi and reception can be hard to come by. Some of the viewing platforms within Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, including the Uluru sunrise viewing platform offer free wifi.

The Main Streets of Yulara

The Ayers Rock Resort is the only point of civilization in the barren desert that surrounds Uluru. The resort offers accommodation of all styles, from beautiful 5 star luxury, to un-powered grass campsites in their campground and everything in between.

The town of Yulara is teeny tiny, and in fact is just a small corner of the Ayers Rock Resort. The town centre offers a post office, IGA supermarket, cafe, restaurant, gallery and a couple of gift stores.

Check out the best places to stay near Uluru for your dates

Best Time To Go To Uluru

The best time to visit Australia’s Red Centre is between May and September, during the winter months. The weather is cooler during the day, making it easier and safer to embark on the hikes around Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. During this time of the year, the colours of the rock are also more vibrant and you are more likely to find hidden secrets of Uluru, including waterfalls, wildlife and plants.

A Complete Guide To Ayers Rock Resort

Can’t Miss at Uluru

Basically Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is the major highlight in the Red Centre, and the main reason you would be coming to visit. Some of the top things to do in Uluru are:

Watch the sun rise and set from both of the viewing platforms
Visit Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas)
Walk around the complete base of Uluru
Experience the Field of Light which has been extended until December 2020 so you still have time!
Take a sunrise camel tour
Experience the Sounds of Silence dinner
Endless free activities run by the Ayers Rock Resort which offer an insight to traditional culture and activities including – bush food experiences, didgeridoo workshops, astrology tours and storytelling sessions

Good to know for your trip to Uluru

The Aboriginal traditional owners would prefer visitors not to climb Uluru. The climb is not prohibited, but the Anangu people ask visitors to respect their land, wishes, culture and laws by not climbing Uluru.

If that’s not enough to prevent you from climbing, there have been more than 35 deaths from the rock climb, which are extremely distressing to the local people, with the most recent being about 5 years ago.