While it’s not unheard of to think there’s only ‘The Rock’ to visit when visiting Uluru, you’d be surprised to know there are over 100 world-class Uluru tours and experiences to choose from, that even three days at Uluru would be pushing it for time (trust me from personal experience!).
Even though you should check out my guide for the Best Things to do in Uluru, I’m breaking down all the Uluru tours so you can get a good understanding of choosing which ones to do.
Be careful as these tours can amount up money-wise, but they are totally worth it. Even if there are tiered packages to choose from, the top tiered tours for Wintjiri Wiru and Field of Light are absolutely brilliant. Do not scrape on these experiences! If you’re wondering which are the best Uluru tours, I would personally choose these two.
With that being said, I’m going to share some Uluru tours you can do from Alice Springs in Australia’s Red Centre if you’re flying into there, as well as tours from Uluru.
If you’re flying into Alice Springs, be warned Uluru is literally a 4h30m drive from there (it’s sadly not a 30 minute drive away).
If you’re on a road trip, you can check out our 11 Places to Stop on Your Darwin to Uluru Road Trip Guide.
Getting to Uluru
As mentioned through this guide, you can either drive to Uluru like we did (we stayed at Ayers Rock Campground which was great!) or you can either fly into Alice Springs or Uluru.
The difference with flying into either Alice Springs or Uluru:
Flying into Alice Springs:
- You’ll be able to visit the amazing West MacDonnell Ranges (think amazing swimming holes) and the incredible Kings Canyon on the way.
- It’s a 4h30m drive between Alice Springs and Uluru so you can either hire a car in Alice Springs, jump on a multi day tour or take the bus transfer service, then stay in Yulara and do day tours from there if preferred.
- If you hire a car, you’ll be able to cut down on tours and do some activities yourself like seeing the sunrise, sunset, walks etc.
Flying into Uluru:
- Great for saving time if you solely want to focus on Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park.
- Stay at Yulara tourist village and opt into many of the tours below.
- Fly into Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) for direct access to Uluru
- Take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to your accommodation
When to visit Uluru
If you’re wondering when you should visit Uluru, you’re best bet is away from the summer months. I have just returned from my second visit, my first being in August years ago.
This time around, we visited in June but you basically want to visit during the winter months, otherwise it will be swelteringly too hot and you can’t do some of the hikes like Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta National Park or the Uluru Base Walk as it will be too much (Valley of the Winds closes if the temperature is 36C or higher).
I didn’t need a fly net in June, but I remember the last time in August, it was intense. Regardless, you should definitely pack a fly net.
Tours from Alice Springs to Uluru
If you’re coming from Alice Springs, I’m sharing some various options on how to see Uluru. You’ll find tours that are day trips, ending in Yulara (the tourist town next to Uluru) so you can then base yourself there and jump on more tours from Yulara.
You can opt for 1-2-3 day tours that will give you a good rounded experience of the amazing West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru as well as possibly Kata Tjuta.
1. Day trip from Alice Springs to Uluru Sunset BBQ Dinner Tour
Experience the magic of an Uluru sunset followed by a traditional Aussie BBQ under the stars. This Uluru tour focuses on the culinary delights of the region, pairing mouth-watering food with the breathtaking backdrop of Uluru. The unique combination of gastronomy and natural beauty makes it a must-do for foodies and romantics alike.
You’ll visit the Aboriginal Culture Centre as well as Mount Connor and guided walks around the base of Uluru. While it will be a long day, this is a top rated tour to choose.
Note – this tour can pick you up from Alice Springs or from Yulara.
2. 2-Day Uluru and Kata Tjuta Tour
Ideal for those who want to experience more in less time, this two-day tour combines the highlights of Uluru with the awe-inspiring Kata Tjuta. Prepare to be awe struck in the heart of the Red Centre by learning about the rich heritage and significance of the Aboriginal culture during the tour and at the famous Cultural Centre while enjoying the world famous sunrises and sunsets at Uluru.
You’ll also have the opportunity to do the incredible Valley of the Winds walk in Kata Tjuta like I did (you can read my guide first) or do the shorter Walpa Gorge walk instead.
This tour finishes at Yulara so you’ll need to either fly out of Uluru or catch a transfer bus back to Alice Springs from here. If you’re staying in Yulara, you’ll be able to do more tours from here as mentioned below.
3. 3-Day Uluru and Kata Tjuta Camping Tour
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Outback with this three-day camping adventure. Sleep under the stars in traditional swags, explore the majestic Uluru at sunrise and sunset, and visit the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta.
What makes this tour unique is the cultural experiences with Aboriginal guides, providing deep insights into the local Anangu culture. If you’re after an authentic Outback experience, this is the tour to choose.
4. Alice Springs to Uluru one way transfer with commentary
More than just a transfer, this Alice Spring to Uluru transfer service and tour includes an informative commentary about the history and geology of the region.
Stops at key landmarks like Mount Ebenezer Roadhouse and the Camel Farm add to the experience. It’s unique because it turns a simple trip into an educational tour, perfect for travellers who prefer flexibility upon arrival at Uluru.
Tours from Yulara and Uluru
If you’ve flown into Uluru or you’ve made your own way to Yulara which is the tourist town next to Uluru (where all the accommodation is based), there are some of the best Uluru tours from here to keep you busy.
Unbeknown to me until I recently visited, I didn’t realise how many incredible Uluru tours there are to consider. Honestly, we had to be picky about which ones to do as there are so many to choose from.
Here are some of the best we have either done or would do if we had more time.
5. Uluru Helicopter Flight
If there’s one bucket list tour you absolutely cannot miss, it’s the helicopter scenic flight over Uluru. There are a few different helicopter tours to choose from, but we did the 15 minute Uluru helicopter flight.
Although it doesn’t seem very long, we loved this Uluru tour and learnt so much about the Red Centre in this unforgettable experience in the Northern Territory. It’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, trust us on this!
Read our Uluru Helicopter Review if you want to learn more about the experience.
But here are some of the other helicopter and small plane scenic flights to choose from:
- 15 minute helicopter Uluru tour – This is the most popular tour, slightly more expensive than the below tour but there will only be three tourists on this flight. This is the tour we did.
- 25 minute Uluru and Kata Tjuta helicopter tour – tick off the two highlights although you’ll spend a while flying out to Kata Tjuta so you won’t have much time at both sights.
6. Don’t miss the amazing Field of Light experience
Experience the enchanting Field of Light art installation by Bruce Munro, featuring over 50,000 spindles of light, and enjoy panoramic views in this Sunrise Tour with hot drinks including hot chocolate.
This Uluru tour offers a unique blend of art and nature, creating a surreal landscape that’s perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
We did the Field Of Light Dinner experience which is exceptional. It’s a proper pinch me moment sitting under the stars having dinner with views of Uluru. Read my review to find out more about what to expect on this incredible Uluru tour.
Just to note, you cannot just turn up to the Field of Light installation. Entry is only through a booked tour.
7. Uluru Segway Tour
While the famous Uluru Base Walk is 10.6km, you can opt for this very popular guided Segway tour around one of the most sacred sites in Australia instead.
You’ll stop along the way with a guide and learn all about the important spiritual significance of the world’s largest monolithic rock. It’s a fun and efficient way to cover more ground while learning about the rock’s history and significance and definitely something we considered doing.
If you’re interested to learn more about the walk, check out my personal Uluru Base Walk Review.
8. Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner
The Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner was honestly such an incredible experience, I am so glad we did this. It’s the first time an Indigenous story passed down through thousands of years has been told through a light, sound and drone show.
Being the largest permanent drone show in the world, you’ll see 1100 drone reach the sky to tell a story from the Anangu people that is so incredible paired with fantastic native ingredient cocktails, canapés and a gourmet hamper, that the other Uluru tours will be hard to match this one.
You can choose between three experiences here which include the following:
Wintjiri Wiru After Dark – You’ll arrive last before the Mala story begins and enjoy Australian wines, light refreshments including cheeses and desserts
Wintjiri Wiru Twilight – Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy watching the sun set over Uluru, Australian wines, cheeses and a dessert selection.
Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner – This is the tour I did. Arrive 1.5 hours before sunset for native ingredient cocktails and canapés to enjoy while watching the 360 degree views over Uluru before taking a seat in the amphitheatre with a gourmet dinner hamper and sparkling wines to enjoy in the night sky before the 20 minute drone show begins.
Book the sunset dinner, honestly you won’t regret it!
9. Kata Tjuta Sunrise & Valley of the Winds Walk
Embark on a guided walk through the Valley of the Winds at the amazing Kata Tjuta, known for its exceptional views and unique flora and fauna. This tour is perfect for those looking for more lesser known tracks with jaw-dropping views who don’t have any transport to get around.
We did this Uluru walk and loved it, which you can read in our guide The Underrated Walk in Uluru: Valley Of The Winds.
10. From Yulara: Uluru Tour with Base Walk and Sunset BBQ
If you’re staying in Yulara and don’t have your own transport, then this super popular tour is perfect for seeing the famous Uluru sunset which includes a BBQ as well as two short walks around the base of the rock.
You’ll learn all about the rich history and cultural significance of Uluru, understand why it’s one of the best natural wonders in the world, and why climbing Uluru is obviously now forbidden.
11. Uluru Astro Tour
Discover the southern night sky’s wonders on this astro tour that includes powerful telescopes and expert guidance. The Australian outback clear skies are perfect for stargazing (honestly is has some of the best skies we’ve seen in Australia), and this tour enhances the experience with professional equipment and knowledge.
You can read our review about this tour in our Best Things to do in Uluru guide if you need more convincing to book.
12. Free tours
Ayers Rock Resort hosts an array of free experiences to get involved in during your visit. Some of them include the following located within the Yulara complex:
Bush Food Experience – a 45 minute demonstration and introduction to Indigenous bush food. We did something similar at Kingfisher Bay Resort in K’gari and absolutely loved it!
Didgeridoo Workshop – held outside the Gallery of Central Australia, the 45 minute performance is led by a local Aboriginal man who also tells stories of how the didgeridoo has been used for centuries.
Gallery of Central Australia – an amazing art gallery where you can buy local indigenous art
Don’t miss the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Centre – this is an incredible centre which offers a unique insight into the life and history of the local tribes of the Anangu people. You’ll read about how the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was handed back to the traditional owners, the Anangu people, as well as visit several community owned shops and art galleries here.
Where to stay in Uluru
As mentioned Yulara is the closest tourist town to Uluru. All of the tours will pick you up from here and there’s even an IGA, pubs and restaurants to choose from.
- Longitude 131 – indulge in the 5 star luxury hotel named as one of the best hotels in Australia.
- Sails in the Desert – a 5 star resort from Ayers Rock Resort offering luxury style rooms for comfort and only a 5 minute walk to the Uluru (Ayers Rock) lookout.
- Desert Gardens – 4 star hotel from Ayers Rock Resort with lush gardens and amazing views of Uluru.
- The Lost Camel – affordable 3 star hotel from Ayers Rock Resort with a pool to cool off in on those hot days
- Ayers Rock Campground – the only campground accommodation close to Uluru with basic facilities and a pool (where we stayed).
Read our complete list of Uluru travel guides
Check out our complete list of Uluru guides to help you plan a trip of a lifetime.
