Journeymarvel - Uluru or commonly known as Ayers Rock is a large sandstone formation. Then, where is Uluru? In this article we will explain the location, things you can do at Uluru, and accommodation. You can see the explanation below.
a. Where is Uluru Located and How to Get to Uluru
Uluru is located right in the center position of Australia. To be precise, in the southwest corner of the Northern Territory and far from other cities. The nearest city is the Alice Springs place. The distance is approximately more than 200 miles or 330 kilometers. Even so, Aluru is a popular tourist destination so it is easy to reach.
Location Map : Uluru
1. By Air
Most tourists, especially people who have little time to spend on holiday, will think that flying is the easiest way to reach Uluru. Ayers Rock Small Airport or what you could call Connellan Airport is located near Yulara, a short journey from Uluru itself.
Direct flights to Ayers Rock Airport, you can depart from Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Darwin, Cairns, and Alice Springs. However, if you depart from another city, such as Canberra, Perth, Hobart, or Newcastle, then you must transit in Alice Springs or another place first.
After arriving at Uluru airport, you should take a free shuttle to Yulara or use a selection of local tours and buses for exploring the area. Alternatively, you can rent the car so that get around Uluru.
2. Using a Car
Although not the fastest vehicle option, many people like to drive to Uluru from other parts of Australia as a road trip through the outback is a dream for many adventurous travelers.
At Uluru Airport itself, there are 3 car rental companies that you can choose from. For example, Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty. You can choose between a round trip rental or you just one way to Alice Springs.
3. Using Bus Vehicles
The Uluru Hop On Hop Off Bus provides an option for those of you who want to save money, especially so you can get transportation to visit Uluru and Kata-Tjuta. This can be a good choice if you like to get around all the tourist attractions independently without needing to rent a car.
The daily schedule includes sunrise, morning, midday, evening, and sunset options. The stops are at Mutijulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, Mala Carpark, and the Cultural Center.
Then, for the sunrise option, you have the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise panorama from Kata-Tjuta and Walpa Canyon (around 1 hour) or the Valley of the Winds (around 3 hours).
4. Using a Private Tour
If your budget is limited, using a private tour option could be the best way to reach Uluru. This is because this tour combines transportation with a tour guide who has extensive knowledge. Apart from that, there are also other activities and destinations. You can start this tour to Uluru from many places throughout Australia.
5. Another Option: Using Alice Springs Airport
There are many other alternatives that you can try besides using the previous methods, namely Alice Springs Airport. Many visitors to Uluru have already booked flights to Alice Springs. Then, you can use other transportation options to get to the Uluru. You can also take advantage of this occasion to visit Alice Springs and the surrounding area.
Once you arrive at Alice Springs Airport, you can take the airport shuttle bus transportation to Alice Springs. Then, use local tours and buses to explore the area. Alternatively, you can make a reservation for a campervan or rental car transportation in Alice Springs.
Then, there is another additional alternative, namely using the Ghan train. This train operates between Adelaide and Darwin. There is also the option to get off the train at Alice Springs and then explore the location. You can also book holiday bundles, including a visit to this Uluru.
6. Road Trip
If you want to take a land trip to Uluru, make sure you have planned your trip well. This is because the journey is long. For those from Darwin and Adelaide itself, you can reach it with a short journey.
Starting from Adelaide to Uluru, the journey can be as far as 1602 kilometers or 995 miles and around 16.30 hours of driving time. Meanwhile, starting from Darwin to Uluru, the journey can be as far as 1963 kilometers or 1220 miles and the travel time is around 19.30 hours.
However, if you plan to drive from the west or east coast of Australia via paved roads, the journey will take much longer. This is due to the location of the Stuart Highway as the only road access. The distance and driving time are as follows.
Starting from Brisbane to Uluru, you can take 2 alternative routes. First, the northern route via Tennant Creek. Then, head south and through Alice Springs. This route covers a distance of 3461 kilometers or around 2150 miles and takes 36 hours.
Second, the southern route starts from Brisbane to Ayers Rock via Port Augusta. Then, head north to Uluru. This trip requires a driving time of around 32 hours and the distance is 3001 kilometers or 1865 miles.
Those of you who depart from Sydney to Uluru will take 29 hours with a travel distance of 2841 kilometers or 1765 miles. From Canberra to Uluru, the journey is 1637 miles or 2635 kilometers and takes around 27 hours.
Then, from Melbourne to Uluru, the journey can be as far as 2327 kilometers or 1445 miles and the time needed to drive is around 24 hours. From Perth to Uluru via Port Augusta, the distance is 2287 miles or 3681 kilometers and the driving time is around 38 hours.
Then, what is the Stuart Highway? In the explanation above, there was writing Stuart Highway. So, the Stuart Highway consists mostly of one lane roads with a speed limit of around 130 km/h or 80 miles/h outside the city along well-signed roads.
You need to know that this route is used by road trains, namely trucks carrying several large trailers. Therefore, you have to be careful when overtaking. You also need to bring water, food, and a first aid kit because this route has wide, uninhabited roads between towns. Also, make sure you do not drive at night. This is because the main causes of road accidents are fatigue and collisions with animals.
b. Things Tourists Can Do Here
Uluru has its attraction because it is a large sandstone formation. Apart from that, there are several things you can do here.
1. Walk or Bike Around the Area
One way to enjoy the natural beauty of Uluru is to surround the area. However, you must be careful because this trip takes around 3 to 4 hours, 10 kilometers round trip.
There are six walking paths that you can choose from. Starting from Mala Street which is 2 kilometers to the full journey which is 10 kilometers around the base. The land is flat and solid red. Even so, you remain alert and reduce speed.
2. Visit the Field of Lights
When the light begins to fade and is replaced by the darkness that envelops Uluru, there are around 50,000 solar-powered light bulbs that make the atmosphere lively and colorful.
You need to pay attention, to be able to enjoy the Field of Lights, you need a tour. You must be taken to the location at night or before sunrise.
3. Have a Picnic at Sunrise or Sunset
You can enjoy the view while warming up or drinking a warm cup of coffee. Even so, be careful because it is located in the desert so even in the high season, the temperature at night and in the morning feels very cold. You will even feel temperatures up to 1 degree Celsius.
Do not forget to prepare enough drinks, snacks and food. Arrive early so you can find a good parking spot and get the best views.
Try not to go to the remote location. You are also not advised to leave the designated route. This is to protect vulnerable vegetation and avoid other undesirable things.
4. Discover Community Culture
You can see the impressive cultural center, cultural tours, local works of art, as well as other events at Uluru. Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center is the perfect starting point for your journey to discover Anangu culture.
Anangu culture is still very much alive and well worth learning about. You will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional owners of Australia’s land and their wisdom over the last 60,000 years. However, you need to note that photography or filming is not permitted in this cultural center. So, you just need to see it. In this area, there are many souvenir shops and cafes that remind you of Uluru.
5. Hike Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is around 400 million years old and is about 3 hours drive from Yulara. The Kings Canyon Rim Hike is the pinnacle of adventure for many people and cannot be missed. This climb takes around 3 to 4 hours and covers a distance of 6 kilometers.
6. Look at the Stars at Uluru
One perfect way to end a day of exploration is to take your sense of sight to the night sky. The flat plains that look wide and have almost no pollution make your stargazing experience even more memorable.
The skies of the southern hemisphere present some truly stunning views. For example, there is Magellan’s Beginning and the famous Southern Cross constellation. The Milky Way also looks so strong that it can be seen even when the moon is shining. However, when the moon sets, its incredible color spectrum emerges.
7. Explore the Nearby Kangaroo Sanctuary
Alice Springs, which is about 4 to 5 hours from Uluru, is home to a kangaroo sanctuary which special. For example, injured, orphaned, to sick kangaroos will be cared for in this place. This area is open to visitors.
The aim is to help increase awareness and also increase donations to be able to run this nature reserve in the countryside. Guests can come and visit the kangaroo family that lives in this area. Additionally, guided tours are also available.
8. Enjoy Wildflower Views
From April to November, Mulla Mulla is in full bloom in its natural environment. Then, from July to March, you can watch the famous Sturt Desert Pea. Not only that, in the winter months, the Sturt Desert Rose, which is the flower symbol of the northern region, can also be perceived blooming.
You can enjoy Mulla Mulla, Desert Heath Myrtle, and also Sturt Desert Rose up close when you climb around the Uluru area and also Kata Tjuta National Park destinations. For Sturt Desert Pea, you can look for it around Yulara.
c. Uluru Accommodation
Where to stay when visiting Uluru? You do not have to worry because there are various accommodations that you can choose from to make your holiday at Uluru more memorable. Below are some accommodation that you can choose.
1. The Lost Camel Hotel
The location of The Lost Camel Hotel is at Ayers Rock. The main facilities include an airport shuttle, currency exchange, tennis court, and salon.
Check in can be done from 3 pm and check out until 10 am. You can also request an earlier check-in or later check-out when making an order, depending on availability.
Guests who check in or check out before or after the specified time may be subject to additional fees. The Lost Camel Hotel provides storage services for guests before checking in and after checking out.
The Lost Camel Hotel can be easily accessible from the airport. You can also make airport shuttle reservations in advance for your convenience. For guests who wish to drive a private car, The Lost Camel Hotel provides parking facilities for guests. This parking is available free of charge to guests. If you want to get around Uluru easily using private transportation, the hotel can provide car rental for you.
You also need to know that The Lost Camel Hotel prohibits guests from smoking in all rooms or indoor areas. Additionally, no pets are permitted, except service animals.
There are several landmarks closest to The Lost Camel Hotel. Among them, are ANZ Bank 80 meters, Tour and Information Center 130 meters, Visitor Information Center 150 meters, Ayers Rock Airport with a distance of 5.8 kilometers, and Walpa Gorge with a distance of around 26.3 kilometers.
Apart from that, there is also Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park about 20 minutes by drive, Uluru about 22 minutes by drive, Outback Pioneer BBQ about 11 minutes with the walk, Gecko’s Cafe about 2 minutes with the walk, and Kulata Academy Cafe about 2 minutes with the walk.
The language used at The Lost Camel Hotel is English. Internet access, in the form of internet, internet services, and Wi-Fi in public places. Activities and facilities for relaxing at The Lost Camel Hotel are a spa, spa/sauna, tours, tennis courts, and outdoor swimming pool.
For services and facilities, consisting of a receptionist during certain hours, tour or ticket assistance, air conditioning in public areas, meeting or banquet facilities, facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage, currency exchange, smoke-free property, garden, and salon. Then, for access, there is a free car park, airport shuttle, and car rental.
The room facilities are also varied. There is cable TV, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, electric kettle, iron or ironing board, alarm clock, linen sheets, private bathroom, hydromassage shower, shower, free toiletries, and hairdryer.
2. Sails in the Desert
The main facilities at Sails in the Desert are airport shuttle, garden, 24-hour front desk, cash withdrawals, and currency exchange.
The closest landmarks you can visit are the Post Office 250 meters away, the Tour and Communication Center 280 meters away, the Night Sky Show 290 meters away, the supermarket around 320 meters, ANZ Bank 330 meters away, and the Visitor Information Center 500 meters away.
Apart from that, there is also Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park about 20 minutes by drive, Uluru about 22 minutes by drive, Outback Pioneer BBQ about 12 minutes with the walk, Gecko’s Cafe about 4 minutes with the walk, and Kulata Academy Cafe about 4 minutes with the walk.
Check in can be done from 3 pm. Then, check out until 10 am. You can request an early check in or a later check out when making a reservation. This also depends on supply.
Guests who check in or check out before or after the specified time may be subject to additional fees. Caravan Park provides luggage storage services for guests before checking in and after checking out. The reception desk is always open, day and night.
Sails in the Desert is easily accessible from the airport location. You can also book an airport shuttle in advance for your convenience. Sails in the Desert also offers easy access to the area around the hotel using the shuttle service offered at the Caravan Park. For guests who wish to drive a private car, Sails in the Desert also provides parking for guests.
You do not need to worry if you forget to cook breakfast. At the Sails in the Desert, you will get and enjoy the best breakfast buffet. Air travel is also easy because Ayers Rock Airport is only about 5.3 kilometers from Sails in the Desert.
There are restaurants around Sails in the Desert. This accommodation is famous for its good restaurants, such as Geckos Cafe, Rockpool, and Quick Bite Take Away. Then, you can also visit Kata Tjuta, Valley of the Winds, and Walpa Gorge.
The language used is English. Then, for internet access, there is WiFi in public areas. If you are bored, there are several activities on offer that you can try. For example, going to parks, tours, full-service spas, massages, outdoor tennis courts, and outdoor pools. Apart from the buffet breakfast, for food and drinks, you can also go to the restaurant and experience 24-hour room service.
The services and facilities that Sails in the Desert offers you are very diverse. There is a smoking area, concierge, facilities for disabled guests, safe deposit box, laundry, postal service, lift, cash withdrawal, luggage storage, currency exchange, terrace salon, child care service, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, ATM or banking services, safe at reception, hair salon and shops.
In terms of transportation, there is a shuttle service, airport shuttle, parking at the property, and car charging points.
In all rooms, the facilities are no less complete. You will find air conditioning, LAN internet access in the room at an additional cost, free WiFi access, the bathtub, non-smoking, safe, kitchenette, ironing facilities, bathrobes, refrigerator, desk, tea or coffee maker, shower, hairdryer, telephone, and flat screen TV.
At Sails in the Desert, every room is equipped with a patio. A patio is an open area that is natural and in contact with the ground, without a specific platform or deck. One of its functions is as an extra outdoor space.
Transportation and distance to the airport is around 10 minutes. Sails in the Desert has 3 floors and around 228 rooms. This accommodation was built in 1974. Then, at Sails in the Desert, pets are not allowed.
3. Desert Gardens Hotel
You can check in from 3 pm and check out until 10 am. You can request to check in earlier or check out later than scheduled when making an order. However, this depends on supply.
Guests who check in or check out before or after the specified time may be subject to additional fees. The hotel provides luggage storage services for guests before checking in and after checking out. The reception desk is always open, day and night.
You can access the Desert Gardens Hotel from the airport. You can also book an airport shuttle in advance for your convenience. Desert Gardens Hotel also offers easy access to the area around the hotel using the shuttle service offered at the hotel. For guests who wish to drive a private car, Desert Gardens Hotel provides a parking area for guests. Parking is free for guests.
Desert Gardens Hotel prohibits guests from smoking in all rooms or indoor areas. The language used is English. The main facilities available at this accommodation are a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle, free WiFi in all rooms, currency exchange, and a garden.
Internet access is in the form of internet service, WiFi in public areas, and free WiFi in all rooms. Activities and facilities that you can use to relax include outdoor swimming pools, gardens, and tours. Then, in terms of food and drink, there is room service, in-room breakfast, special food preparation, and restaurants. Meanwhile, the services and facilities available are no less diverse.
There is air conditioning in public areas, meeting or banquet facilities, facilities for disabled guests, photocopying or faxing in the business center, valuables safe, ironing service, heating in public areas, cash withdrawals, luggage storage, currency exchange, free property cigarette smoke, non-smoking rooms. In addition, there is a childcare service, playground, shuttle service, airport shuttle, and free car parking.
At Desert Gardens Hotel, there are several nearby landmarks. For example, the Post Office is as far as 230 meters, the Tour and Information Center is as far as 250 meters, Hertz is as far as 260 meters, Night Sky Show is around 270 meters, Thrifty as far as 280 meters, supermarket as far as 290 meters, ANZ Bank around 300 meters, and Ayers Rock Resort Campground with the distance of about 740 meters.
Then, to visit Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park which is around 17 minutes drive, Uluru around 12 minute drive, Outback Pioneer BBQ around 7 minute walk, Gecko’s Cafe around 5 minute walk, and Kulata Academy Cafe around 5 minutes walk.
Desert Gardens Hotel offers free cancellation for a full refund. If you book a refundable rate, this booking can be canceled up to a few days before check-in. This depends on the property’s cancellation policy. Just make sure to read this property’s cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Then, you also need to note that pets are not allowed. Then, every room at the Desert Gardens Hotel is equipped with a patio.
4. Emu Walk Apartments
You can check in from 3 pm to 5.30 pm and check out from 9 am to 10 am. You can also request an earlier check-in or later check-out when making an order. This depends on inventory. Guests who check in or check out before or after the specified time may be subject to additional fees.
For those of you who want to drive a private car, Emu Walk Apartments provides parking for guests. This facility is available free of charge to guests. You need to remember that Emu Walk Apartments prohibits guests from smoking in all rooms or indoor areas. Then, pets are not allowed.
There are various nearby landmarks. Visitor Information Center with a distance of around 80 meters, Night Sky Show around 300 meters, Thrifty as far as 310 meters, Hertz as far as 320 meters, Tour and Information Center around 320 meters, Ayers Rock Resort Campground around 930 meters, and Valley of the Winds as far as 26, 4 kilometers.
Then, there is Mulgara Gallery with a 4 minute walk, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park around 16 minutes drive, Mala Walk with a 17 minute drive, Uluru around 21 minutes drive, Gecko’s Cafe around 3 minutes walk, and Kulata Academy Cafe with 2 minutes walk.
The main facilities at Emu Walk Apartments include free WiFi in all rooms, the garden, the tennis court, and hygienic cleanliness. The language used is English. Apart from being free in all rooms, WiFi is also available in public areas. Activities you can do are go to the park and play on the tennis court. In terms of food and drink, there are restaurants, barbecue grills, and specialty food preparation.
The services and facilities at Emu Walk Apartments are also varied. There is air conditioning in public areas, dry cleaning, laundry, outdoor swimming pool, 24/7 reception, smoke-free property, proof of payment available, non-smoking rooms, and family room.
Each room is equipped with a balcony or patio. A kitchen is also available in each room. Equipped with a toaster, refrigerator, and cooking utensils.
For those of you traveling with children, no need to worry. This is because Emu Walk Apartments provides free childcare and children stay free of charge. Children are allowed to stay for free if they stay in their parent or guardian’s room using existing bedding.
5. The Outback Hotel
Popular facilities at The Outback Hotel are air conditioning, free parking, free WiFi (in public areas and in rooms), non-smoking, and a 24/7 front desk. You also need to know that pets are not allowed at The Outback Hotel.
To get to Mulgara Gallery, it is about a 12-minute walk, Mala Walk is about a 19-minute drive, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is about an 18-minute drive, and Uluru is about a 23-minute drive.
In addition, to Outback Pioneer BBQ is about 2 minutes walk, Gecko’s Cafe about 11 minutes walk, and Kulata Academy Cafe is about 10 minutes walk. The language used is English.
Check in starts at 3 pm and the check in time is any time. Meanwhile check out time is 10 am. Then, guests must contact the property in advance to get check-in instructions. The receptionist will greet guests when they arrive. You must contact the property approximately 72 hours in advance to arrange your check-in procedures.
There are several things required when checking in. First, credit cards, debit cards, and cash deposits are required for unexpected expenses. Second, a government-issued photo ID card is required. Third, the minimum age to check in is 18 years.
6. Longitude 131
The facility of Longitude 131 is a 24-hour front desk. Meanwhile, other facilities include WiFi in public areas, pets are allowed, wheelchair access, car parking, shops, and currency exchange.
There are several places you can visit around this accommodation. Starting from the Post Office is around 70 meters, the Tour and Information Center is around 80 meters, the Night Sky Show is around 90 meters, Hertz is around 100 meters, ANZ Bank is around 100 meters, the supermarket is around 110 meters, Thrifty is around 120 meters, and Visitor Information which is around 270 meters.
For guests who wish to drive a private car, Longitude 131 provides parking for guests. So, you do not need to worry.
That is the explanation related to Uluru. These explanations will answer questions such as where is Uluru, where is Uluru located, accommodation, how to get to Uluru, and also its attractions. So, you do not need to hesitate if you want to visit this destination because there is a complete explanation.
You just have to choose from the various options available. Also make sure that you have brought all the money, supplies, and other things you usually need to go on a long holiday so that your holiday will be smoother and more comfortable.
