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Melbourne to Uluru

What Is The History of Uluru?

When you book flights from Melbourne to Uluru, you’ll find yourself immersed in ancient Indigenous Australian history. The area around Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it was formerly known, has been inhabited by the Anangu group for more than 30,000 years. Many stories surround the monolith, bringing it to life through tales of its creation and the role it has played in Aboriginal history. Over the course of many thousands of years, Uluru has been a backdrop to cultural ceremonies and meetings among the land’s traditional owners. European settlers first discovered Uluru in 1872, and in 1873, it was given the name Ayers Rock. Tourism to the area slowly picked up in the early 20th century. Anangu people saw the damage that was being done to the sacred area, and they began to fight for their rights to their traditional land. In 1985, the Anangu people officially reclaimed ownership of Uluru and now welcome visitors, sharing the history and culture of this magical place.

What Are The Top Experiences for Visitors to Uluru?

Uluru Base Walk

For a great introduction to Uluru, take a hike along the 10 kilometre base track. Not only does the base walk provide excellent views of Uluru; it also allows you to learn many Aboriginal stories surrounding the Rock. Visitors with Melbourne to Uluru return flights can also experience the diverse flora and fauna of the area. On hot days, consider completing the walk in the morning when the temperature is cooler and be sure to carry plenty of water with you.

The Olgas

Uluru is the most famous landmark of the area, but Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is also home to another series of rock formations, the Olgas. The rusty red domed rock formations offer several scenic hikes and are a must-see when visiting the region. Altogether, there are 36 domes within the Olgas. Like Uluru, the Olgas are surrounded by fascinating Aboriginal stories and legends, which you can learn all about during your visit.
 

Sounds of Silence Dinner

For an extra special evening, make a booking to attend the nightly Sounds of Silence dinner event. The evening begins with canapes and sparkling wine while the sun sets over Uluru. Guests are then treated to a three-course meal featuring native ingredients and served with a selection of Australian wine and beer. Following dinner, attendees are given a guided tour of the night sky, showcasing more stars than you could imagine thanks to the minimal light pollution of the Outback.

Kings Canyon

Schedule a few extra days to experience the gorgeous Kings Canyon. Kings Canyon is located about 300 kilometres (186 miles) from Uluru along the Red Centre Way. Kings Canyon is a deep canyon teeming with Aboriginal history and culture. There are several walks at Kings Canyon that you complete when you have cheap flights from Melbourne to Uluru. The most popular is the 6 kilometre rim walk that will provide you with breathtaking views over the Outback landscape.

What Should You Pack When Visiting Uluru?

No matter what time of year you plan your Melbourne to Uluru flights, pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes. There are several scenic hikes to experience around the Uluru area. If you book flights from Melbourne to Uluru in winter, you’ll want to pack layers of warm clothes. While temperatures hover at about 18°C during the day, they can drop to about 1°C at night. Spring and autumn are warm in Uluru, while summer experiences high heats. Pack light clothing, along with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself against the strong Outback sun. Even in summer, the weather cools down at night, so be sure to pack a light jacket.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Uluru?

When you book Melbourne to Uluru flights, it’s good to know that passes for the national park are valid for three consecutive days. If you only have time for a short getaway, a long weekend is the perfect amount of time to visit. If you are hoping to explore more of the surrounding area, plan to stay for a week. After spending a few days in the national park, rent a 4WD and drive along the Red Centre Way. On this famous Outback route between Uluru and Alice Springs, you can experience incredible landscapes and Aboriginal history at Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges.

What are the top tips for first-time travellers to Uluru?

As of late 2019, visitors to Uluru can no longer climb the iconic monolith. While the decision to prevent tourists from climbing Uluru was partly related to safety issues, its primary purpose is to protect this sacred site for the local Indigenous Australians; it is a place of great spiritual significance. Visitors are still welcome to walk around Uluru’s base. The walk is slightly less than 11 kilometres in length and is best navigated during the cooler parts of the morning.

If you’re planning to skip the guided tours and explore at your own pace, hiring a car is a great option. Uluru is a 30-minute drive from Ayers Rock Airport and 25 minutes from most accommodations, meaning that walking isn’t really an option, especially in the heat of the day. Be sure to reserve your hire car well ahead of time, especially if you have booked cheap flights from Melbourne to Uluru during Uluru’s peak tourist season.

If you’re heading into town, you might see locals and tourists wearing net fly masks, especially during the summer months. While not the most fashionable of looks, nets help to avoid the discomfort of flies landing on your face. Many shops throughout the town sell masks for those interested.

While you may be able to find a great deal on Melbourne to Uluru return flights, be prepared for the price of food, coffee and other essentials to be higher in Uluru than at home. As Uluru is so remote, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest major city, all supplies are specially transported into the town. Leave some room in your holiday budget to accommodate these extra expenses or consider booking a stay in self-contained accommodation where you’ll be able to prepare your own snacks and meals.

The low levels of light pollution in the Uluru area make the night sky here nothing short of incredible. Once the sun dips below the horizon, set aside some time to look up and see the stars. Ayers Rock Resort also hosts ‘Astro Tours’ where you can learn more about astronomy while viewing stars and planets through telescopes and binoculars.
 

The low levels of light pollution in the Uluru area make the night sky here nothing short of incredible. Once the sun dips below the horizon, set aside some time to look up and see the stars. Ayers Rock Resort also hosts ‘Astro Tours’ where you can learn more about astronomy while viewing stars and planets through telescopes and binoculars.