ULURU on a budget
ULURU IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST ICONIC LANDMARKS. HERE’S HOW TO PLAN YOUR VISIT ... AND NOT BREAK THE BANK
From the hidden watering holes and natural caves at its base to the towering red walls and constantly changing colours, The Rock and its surrounds are transfixing. And while there are many luxury ways to enjoy Uluru (five-star glamping and helicopter rides, anyone?) you don’t have to spend big to truly enjoy the beauty of the Red Centre.
WHEN TO GO
The cheapest time to visit is during the low season when the temperatures are high – between October and April – as accommodation and flight prices are discounted. However, if you book in advance, good deals can be found all year round.
GETTING THERE
If you fancy a road trip, you can fly into Alice Springs where flights tend to be cheaper, then drive the 430km to Yulara (the township at Uluru), or take a bus. One-way bus transfers start from $169, booked though emurun.com.au. Alternatively, you can fly directly into Yulara from Melbourne and Sydney. If you’re departing from other cities, you will have at least one stop on the way. A car isn’t necessary once you get to Yulara, but it can be useful.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several accommodation options at Yulara, but the most budget-friendly is the campground, which offers unpowered sites from $43 a night, or basic cabins from $185, sleeping up to six. The campground also offers mixed dorm rooms, from $38 a night. Another great option is the self-contained Emu Walk Apartments, which sleep up to four. Prices start from $420 a night. Both options can be booked at ayersrockresort.com.au
DO I NEED TO BE FIT TO EXPLORE ULURU?
Uluru is a fabulous destination, no matter what your fitness or ability levels. There are plenty of free wheelchair-accessible walking tracks around the base of Uluru, with the most popular being the short 2km Mala walk to Kantju Gorge. Arrive at 8am (October to April) and 10am (May to September) and you can join a free guided tour by a park ranger. The Cultural Centre within the Uluru-kata Tjuta National Park also offers a great way to learn about the local geography and Indigenous culture. There are free designated sunset and sunrise viewing platforms within the park, too. If you visit Kata Tjuta, the Valley of the Winds Walk is free but not wheelchair accessible. Climbing Uluru is not permitted.
FREE ATTRACTIONS
Once you have explored The Rock, there are plenty of things to do in Yulara, including a free village shuttle, several swimming pools, and plenty of restaurants. Our top picks are the free Bush Food Experience (a 45-minute tour of the local native cooking ingredients), the Bush Yarn (30-minutes of Indigenous storytelling) and the free nightly outdoor movies, including favourites like Red Dog and The Sapphires. The new Gallery of Central Australia is well worth a visit too, showcasing local emerging and master Indigenous artists with a changing display. For more, see ayersrockresort.com.au/art-gallery/goca
GETTING AROUND
The main attraction is undoubtably Uluru itself and the cheapest way to get there from Yulara is to take a bus ($49 return, $15 for kids) or pay for a two-day pass ($160/ adult; $60/ child), which includes unlimited return journeys between Yulara and Uluru, including one return visit to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Both are booked through uluruhoponhopoff.com.au