Ayers Rock (Uluru) - Things to See and Do

A monolithic rock that rises from Australia’s red centre, Uluru is a spiritual natural wonder steeped in Aboriginal Dreamtime history and significance. Inscribed on the World Heritage List for both its natural and cultural values, Uluru and the Kata Tjuta National Park (which that surrounds the inselberg) are considered sacred to indigenous Australians.

Formerly known as Ayers Rock, Uluru resumed its original name in 1985, when the land was formally returned to its traditional owners, the Anangu people.

Ayers Rock (Uluru) Information

Area: 1326 km²
Population: n/a
Timezones: Uluru Ayers Rock is + 9.5 GMT
Currency: AUD
Mobile Network: GSM, CDMA
Language Spoken: English Official

Ayers Rock (Uluru) Climate

Uluru is on a dry desert plain in the Northern Territory. The rock and its surrounds receive an average rainfall of 307 mm per year. Average temperatures sit around 37°C in summer and can drop as far as a chilly 5°C in winter.

• View local weather forecast for your holiday

Ayers Rock (Uluru) Airport

Location: Ayers Rock Airport (also known as Connellan Airport) is situated around 463 km (5 hrs drive) away from Alice Springs (Northern Territory), and 20 minutes drive from Uluru.
Facilities: National Geographic shop, vending machines, toilets, bus bays and short term parking, taxi rank.

Ayers Rock (Uluru) Transport

Transport: Great choice of hire cars at mates rates from our car suppliers

The Lost Camel by Voyages

3 Star Property

In 1801, Padraic McKee traded the last of his money for three camels, then set out on an ill-fated expedition into the desert. The locals swear that on the quietest of nights, the sound of a lost camel can be heard commencing its long, slow journey home.

Outback Pioneer Hotel by Voyages

3 Star Property

Looking for traditional Aussie hospitality? You’ll find it at the Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge - with your choice of 3½ star hotel or 2 star lodge accommodation, from comfortable, affordable hotel rooms and budget cabins to dormitories. This hotel is perfect for the demands of travellers looking for quality service in relaxed surrounds.

Desert Gardens Hotel by Voyages

4.5 Star Property

A superior 4 ½ star hotel at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel is set amongst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs. Each of the 218 rooms of the Desert Gardens features the unique flora of the Central Australian Desert.

Sails in the Desert Hotel by Voyages

5 Star Property

Voyages Sails in the Desert is the ultimate in 5-star comfort at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort. Named after the soaring white sails that crown its roof, this is the perfect base from which to experience this mystical landscape. So immerse yourself in the beauty of an ancient world from the sanctuary of this world class resort.

Dining

As tourism is Uluru’s lifeblood, there are quite a few reputable restaurants to be found around the area.

Kuniya is Yulara’s (the closest township to Uluru) most sophisticated restaurant. Its inspired menu features Australian cuisine infused with native ingredients. Fine-dining is also done with style outdoors in the red centre – with many hotels offering dusk dinner tours. Tali Wiru and Table 131° take the indoors, outdoors for a magic night of fine dining under the desert sky. Both complement multiple course meals with the finest Australian wines and the magnificence of the rock.

Catering for the hordes of family vacationer the area receives every year, Uluru has a number of family-friendly restaurants. Kids under 12 eat free at the Bough House and Winkiku… that’s if they are game enough to try the kangaroo, emu, crocodile, and barramundi dishes on offer. Local delicacies are also on the menu at Pioneer Barbecue, where the grill brims with kangaroo skewers and emu sausages.

If time is of the essence there are a number of quick bite eateries on offer in the area. Red Rock Burger Bar serves no-fuss burger and chips on the go. Quick Bite Take Away lives up to its name selling gourmet burgers, sushi packs, pies, and chicken and chips to those on the run. Red Rock Deli is a local favourite for espresso, pastries and quick lunches. While the local Yulara IGA supermarket has a well stocked delicatessen and a variety of groceries.

Shopping

Shopping isn’t a huge past time at Uluru. Souvenir shops consume most of the area’s retail trade – selling everything from tourist shirts, caps and knick-knacks, to authentic Anangu art, carvings, weapons and musical instruments.

Local resorts also provide limited retail opportunities; offering mainly hairdressing and post office services.