What should I know before visiting Uluru?
Ayers Rock Resort is the only accommodation option
One of the main draws to Uluru is its remote and untouched nature. However, since the area hasn’t been built up, the only place to stay while holidaying in Uluru is Ayers Rock Resort. The resort is located just down the road from Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) and has expanded into its own little village called Yulara. Within Ayers Rock Resort, there are eight types of accommodation to choose from, ranging from camp sites to high-end suites. The resort is also home to restaurants and family-friendly activities to enjoy after your flights from Canberra to Ayers Rock Airport.
Plan to do the Uluru Base Walk first thing in the morning
One of the top ways to experience Uluru is by completing the 10-kilometre (six mile) Uluru Base Walk. For the best experience, start the walk first thing in the morning before it gets too hot. If you book Canberra to Uluru return flights between October and April, the base walk may even close after 11am. Experience the best of Uluru by watching the sunrise over the rock, then start the beautiful Uluru Base Walk immediately after. Also note that you can’t fill water bottles along the Base Walk, so carry plenty of water to last the entire walk.
Spend a day exploring Kata Tjuta
Although Uluru is the main landmark to see when you book cheap flights to Uluru from Canberra, the national park also includes another incredible landmark – Kata Tjuta. Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, is a series of large domed rock formations that are the same signature red colour as Uluru. When you book flights from Canberra to Ayers Rock Airport, spend a day exploring the less-visited Kata Tjuta. It is rich with Aboriginal history and stories and is stunning to view at both sunrise and sunset. It also features several walking trails with the most well-known being the 7.4 kilometre (4.6 mile) Valley of the Winds walk.
You can no longer climb Uluru
In the past, visitors to Uluru were able to climb the imposing monolith. However, as of late 2019 this is no longer permitted. The decision was made in consultation with the local Indigenous community and is primarily to protect the site, as it holds deep spiritual significance to the Indigenous Australians who call the area home. It also ensures the safety of visitors. Those on flights from Canberra to Uluru hoping to see this remarkable sight up-close can head out on the Uluru Base Walk as an alternative.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park should be treated with respect
Much like other national parks around Australia, leave only footprints after your visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park after you touch down on cheap flights from Canberra to Ayers Rock Airport. Take nothing from the park except for photographs and memories. The Anangu people believe that the sands and rocks that surround Uluru belong at the site and nowhere else, and these wishes should be respected when you visit. Some previous visitors to Uluru who have taken rocks or sand have later recognised the importance of this and have even returned what was taken, via mail to the park rangers.
What’s on in Uluru?
Field of Light
Have an unforgettable evening after you arrive on Canberra to Uluru flights by attending the magnificent Field of Light art installation. Field of Light consists of more than 50,000 lights that form a colourful desert garden beside Uluru. While visiting, you can stroll amongst the many lights or even book a space at the Sounds of Silence dinner event. The nightly art installation books out quickly, so be sure to reserve tickets to Uluru’s Field of Light well before departing on your cheap flights to Uluru from Canberra.
Tjungu Festival
Celebrate the incredible Indigenous culture of the region by planning your Canberra to Uluru return flights to coincide with the Tjungu Festival. The festival takes place over four days in late April and includes a variety of events that showcase the culture of the Anangu people through music, dance, fashion, food, film, and sport. If you plan flights to Uluru during the Tjungu Festival, immerse yourself in Anangu culture by tasting traditional food, watching dance performances, and cheering on the teams at the Tjungu Cup AFL match.
Uluru Camel Cup
Book your flights from Canberra to Ayers Rock Airport for late May to attend the famous Uluru Camel Cup. The cup features a weekend of activities and races, but with an Outback twist – rather than horses racing, this event features camels. In addition to the main race, visitors who book cheap flights from Canberra to Uluru for the Camel Cup can attend an Outback-style buffet dinner, local markets, and Fashions on the Field.
When is the best time to visit Uluru?
Uluru is located in the heart of the Red Centre. If you haven’t been to this part of Australia before, imagine dry weather and stifling heat. The peak of this weather is during the summer when temperatures rise above 42°C. During November and December, the weather is hot and dry. Between January and March, this heat is also often accompanied by storms. If you book flights from Canberra to Ayers Rock Airport to arrive in summer, be sure to start any hikes first thing in the morning before it gets too hot, and always have a Plan B in case a storm hits. Always carry extra water and notify others of where you plan on venturing. Summer is the low season, so you can find some good deals on accommodation and cheap flights to Uluru if you visit during this time.
For cooler and more comfortable weather, book Canberra to Uluru return flights between April and October. Daytime temperatures average about 20°C and rainfall is rare, allowing visitors to hike comfortably. In addition to hiking gear, pack plenty of warm clothes if you book airfare to Uluru in winter. At night, temperatures can dip as low as 1°C, and you’ll likely see frost if you visit the monolith for sunrise.
What’s the best way to get around Uluru?
If you’re wanting to see more of the area surrounding Uluru following your cheap flights from Canberra to Ayers Rock Airport, hiring a car is one of the best options.Having a set of wheels allows you to explore in your own time and travel off the beaten path, plus it can also make it easier to visit Uluru. The iconic monolith is a 25-minute drive away from most of the area’s accommodation. If you are thinking about hiring a car when you book your flights from Canberra to Uluru, reserve a vehicle before you touch down at Ayers Rock Airport, especially if your holiday coincides with the popular peak tourist season.
If hiring a car isn’t for you, Ayers Rock Resort runs a variety of guided tours throughout the area, allowing you to see some of its best sights without needing to get behind the wheel. From sunrise and sunset experiences to incredible cultural encounters and immersive small group tours, there’s plenty to see, do and discover.
