If it isn’t already Uluṟu should be on your bucket list! It is honestly such a magical place, rich in culture, dreamtime stories & history.
The red centre at the heart of Australia which beats to the sound of the didgeridoo and glows a majestic deep red at sunrise & sunset. The continually changing colour is mesmerising! Just a 3hr 20min flight from Sydney, I highly recommend everyone to spend a few days here.
Travel Requirements
First things first let’s get the travel requirements out of the way.
As of 15.02.2022 before you travel to Uluṟu you’re required to :
- Be fully vaccinated (with supporting evidence)
- Fill in the linked Border Entry Form
- Download the Territory Check In App
*please check the upto date requirements before departure as these are subject to change.
Where to stay in Uluṟu
All the hotels are based in Yulara, a small town 25km from Uluṟu. You can use this website to explore the different accomodations.
- Sails in the Desert
- Desert Gardens Hotel
- The Lost Camel
- The Pioneer Outback
- Emu Walks Apartments
- Ayers Rock Camping Ground
We stayed in Sails in the Desert, in terms of price the cheapest room is $427 per night.
The staff and service were amazing. When we arrived they gave us a welcome drink and an ice cold flannel to freshen up with. The hotel breakfast was also lovely.
The only thing I would say is at the minute the hotel pool is under maintenance. We were allowed to use the pool in the neighbouring resort ‘The Lost Camel’ which was a saviour in the heat! In terms of price comparison The Lost Camel is cheaper than Sails in the Desert. As you have to use The Lost Camel pool at the moment I’d suggest if you are coming here before 31st March 2022 book The Lost Camel accommodation for the pool & price point!
Sails in the Desert Buffet Breakfast 
Pool we were able to use at
The Lost Camel
Pool at Sails in the Desert currently under construction
Temperature
This time of year (February) is extremely hot. Our temperatures averaged 39°. You need to get out and do tours/ explore early morning or evening. During the day from around noon to 5pm we spent our time at the pool or relaxing in the aircon. Drink plenty of water!
Things to do in Uluṟu
Note that all tours will include your transfers to and from your accommodation. You will be given your pick up time on confirmation of booking. I would also recommend pre-booking the activities/tours as they can book up during busy periods.
Field of Light
The Field of Light is an art installation of over 50,000 lights bringing the desert alive at night. The cost was $44 per person, you can book it here. It’s pretty cool, colourful lights as far as the eye can see. It’s a bit tricky to photograph just how beautiful it is.
Helicopter Ride over Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa
This was my top experience, it was incredible to see both Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa at a close proximity from the sky!
In terms of price I booked the 25minute flight which cost $275pp. There are a few other options the cheapest from $150pp lasting around 15mins. I would say when you’re in the helicopter the time goes really quick. If you have the budget i’d recommend the longer flight.
Sounds of Silence, Dinner Experience
Dinner in the desert under the stars, it doesn’t get much better! For me Sounds of Silence was a really magical experience. I booked it for my partners Birthday Meal and overall the experience was just incredible.
Price $234pp includes the following:
- Welcome drinks & outback style canapé’s to watch the sunset.
- A three-course bush tucker inspired buffet & beer/wine
- Didgeridoo performance
- A guided tour of the night sky (we saw a shooting star!)
You’re transported out of town to the outback landscape. You are greeted with champagne and canapé’s as the sunsets in the background.
When the sun is almost set you’re taken on a short walk through the red sand to your dinner setting, greeted by a Didgeridoo performance and alcoholic beverages. We watched the remainder of the sunset over Kata Tjuṯa as our dinner was served.
After dinner the table lights are turned off, and you’ll be blown away by stars above! A tour of the stars accompanied with indigenous stories about the stars and the constellations and how they used them to navigate the land.
It’s not cheap, but it’s something that will stay with you forever. You can book it here.
Astro Tour
We had an incredible tour guide called Todd who was so knowledgeable and informative. He took us on a tour of the night sky pointing out different stars, planets, constellations and letting us view them through a telescope. The cost was $55pp and it latest about 1.5hours.
Uluṟu Base Walk
You have a few ways to do it –
- Segway Tour
- Walk the 10km loop (start early morning in hot weather)
- Ranger led Mala walk
The Ranger led Mala walk starts at 8am daily and is free. It’s a great way to see Uluṟu up close and learn about the sacred Angula land.
FLY NETS! The flies are pesky, I would recommend buying a face covering net for both the Uluṟu Base walk and the Kata Tjuṯa walk.
Kata Tjuṯa Valley of the Winds trail
Uluru’s next-door neighbour is NOT to be missed! Offering a stunning 8km walking trail that takes you through to incredible viewpoints. Again you need to go early in the hotter months to avoid the midday heat. In the hot months the longer track closes at 11am whenthe weather is forecast above 36 degrees.
This walk offers a lot of variety, the many domes of Kata Tjuṯa were just as incredible to see as Uluṟu.
Sunrise & Sunset Viewing Point near hotel
The viewing point was just a 5 minute walk from our hotel and provided us with some magical moments. Ask your accomodation for directions from where you’re staying but it isn’t far.
Car Rental
You can rent cars in the Town Square, there’s Trifty & Hertz.
Car rental was $220 per day, fuel was $2.35 per litre
Airport Transfers
Your accomodation offer free airport transfers.
Hop on hop off bus
There is a free hop on hop off bus which stops at the following resorts Desert Gardens, Sails in the Desert & the campground. The stops you can take the bus to include the Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, Mala Carpark and The Cultural Centre all at Uluṟu.
For Kata Tjuṯa you can take the hop on hop off bus for a sunrise departure (4:55am). You will stop at Sand Dune for sunrise viewing and then you can either do the Walpa Gorge walk (1hour) or the Valley of the Winds walk (3hours). The bus will take you back to the resort for either 9am or 11am depending on which walking track you choose.
Ask your hotel for the bus timetable.
Our Itinerary
Friday: Flight, Hotel checkin, lunch, explore the Town Square, pool, Dinner, watched sunset at viewing point near hotel, Field of Lights 8:25pm
Saturday: Breakfast, Helicopter 9:40am, pool, lunch, car rental (drove to Uluru), Sounds of Silence 6:35pm – 10:35pm.
Sunday: Drove to Uluru for sunrise and guided ranger walk 8am, drove to Kata Tjuṯa walked Valley of the Winds, drove to other viewing points, dropped off car rental, pool time, went to The Outback Pioneer for dinner, Astro Tour 9:35pm – 11:15pm
Monday: Sunrise at viewing point near hotel, breakfast, Town Square walk, Checkout 10am, Airport transfer 10:55am.
All in all we had an incredible time here and would really recommend you go see it all with your own eyes! Pictures don’t quite do it justice! If you have any more questions please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to assist as best I can.
Instagram @gemken_ where you will see highlights of my time spent in Uluṟu.
