There are many ways to experience Uluru. Choose a road trip, hire a car, or take a hot air balloon. First, we will talk about the pros and cons of each. Then, we’ll discuss which options would best suit your needs. Next, what’s your favorite way to explore Uluru? Finally, we’ll discuss how to get there and what to expect. Once you’ve decided, you’ll be ready to explore the natural wonder.
Hot air balloon
There are several ways to reach Uluru, Australia. One of the most popular is to take a hot air balloon ride. These flights are incredibly scenic and include various exciting activities, such as tandem hang glide over Byron Bay or a flight over the Great Barrier Reef. After the flight, passengers can choose from a 30-minute ride or opt for an hour-long, high-altitude adrenaline ride. Afterward, passengers are treated to a traditional Australian fry-up.
A scenic flight over Uluru is another option. Although hot air balloons cannot fly over Uluru itself, scenic flights over Alice Springs will give you an incredibly beautiful landscape view. These flights are most scenic and happen well before dawn. The hot air balloons soar high over a star-filled sky as the sun rises. If you’re going to do this type of flight, make sure to choose a time when you’re most likely to see Uluru.
Once you’ve got enough warm air in your balloon, it will begin to rise. Depending on the flight company, you’ll be able to see Uluru and Kata Tjuta from a bird’s-eye view. You may even spot camels or kangaroos! As the balloon floats over the landscape, you’ll be amazed at how magnificent the scenery looks from such a unique perspective.
If you don’t have the time to visit Uluru, consider taking a sunrise walk along the base trail. This scenic trek through the Outback includes a picnic breakfast and cultural stories about the Liru people. You’ll also learn about the rock art sites and Liru culture. In addition, you’ll get a chance to take pictures of the amazing scenery from a completely different perspective.
Road trip
If you plan a road trip to Australia, visiting the iconic Uluru is a must. The rock formation is UNESCO-listed and the most visited site in the park. While in Uluru, you can also walk its base, which is about 10km long and flat. It takes around four hours to walk the entire route. Once you have seen the rock formation, you can continue to visit the Cultural Centre and spend some time in the Olgas.
If you are looking for an outback road trip, the shortest route is from Alice Springs to Uluru. This route is 450km long and takes about 4.5 hours, but it is worth it for the views, secluded beaches, and food. The road trip from Alice Springs is a fantastic way to experience the Red Centre without being crowded. The best time to visit Uluru is from April to October, but you should remember that December and January are the hottest months. A side trip from Uluru is a visit to Kangaroo Island, a popular spot for secluded beaches, beautiful hikes, and tasty food.
If you’re driving to Uluru from Adelaide, you’ll probably pass through Port Augusta’s town. Make sure to stock up on food and water along the way. It can get a little exhausting driving a long way in the Outback. So during the dry summer, take a break and take breaks often. If you have more than one vehicle, split the driving time between two people.
A visit to Uluru is not complete without a visit to the Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the history and spiritual significance of the rock formation. Next, make your way to Kata Tjuta, a cluster of 36 gigantic rocks about 50km away. The valley has many hiking trails, including a three-hour trek through the Valley of the Winds. A day trip to Uluru can be as adventurous as you make it.
Guided walk
A guided walk around Uluru is the best way to discover the importance of this iconic site. During this tour, you’ll experience close encounters with some of the most important sites and ancient Aboriginal fables. You won’t even need a high level of fitness. You’ll also learn about the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park’s most important cultural landmarks. Whether on a family holiday or looking for an adrenaline rush, a guided walk is a great way to explore Uluru’s significance.
The base walk is approximately 10 km long, so you can choose to do it in one sitting or focus on a certain section. The entire walk will take approximately three to four hours, depending on your fitness level. You can also opt to hike or bike in the area surrounding the rock formation. Finally, you can hike to the top of the rock to see Uluru from a closer distance, but make sure to dress appropriately.
If you have the time, you can take a 10.5 km walk around the base of Uluru, including its sacred sites and Aboriginal rock art. The walk will also take you to the famous Uluru waterfall, which plunges into the Kantju Gorge after rain. Next, you’ll see the waterfall, which was once a valuable water source for the Anangu people. Finally, you can finish your walk by exploring Uluru’s Kuniya Piti, the base’s main site.
While on your guided walk, bring a picnic or a hat – if the weather is warm, you may feel uncomfortable. It’s impossible to climb Uluru on your own unless you’re a fit person! A good option is a guided walk that takes you to the most sacred sites and cultural center of Uluru. You’ll also learn about ancient rock art, traditional stories, and other aspects of the area’s history.
Another option is to stay in the town of Yulara, which is the most realistic place to stay while taking the Uluru Base Walk. There are several options to choose from here, including the Outback Pioneer Lodge and a few hotels. A short walk from the town center will take about 1.5 hours. A guided walk from Kuniya car park will take you to a waterhole owned by Winamp I, a local bird significant to local creation stories.
Hire a car
If you are visiting Uluru, it is recommended that you hire a car. Not only will you have more flexibility, but it will also save you money. For instance, if you’re spending six days in the area, you can hire a car and use it to travel to the Kings Canyon, three and a half hours away. You can also get a rental car from an international rental car company. If you’re unsure where to rent a car in Uluru, check out our 7 Day Red Centre Way Itinerary for more details.
If you’re traveling with a large group, hiring a car is a good idea. There are many rental companies at the airport, including Voyages. You can find these companies easily by browsing their website. Alternatively, you can visit Tourism Central Australia for a similar deal. Be sure to take along plenty of supplies if you plan to travel in the Northern Territory. Also, check the conditions and the terms of the rental agreement to ensure you’re not paying more than you need to.
If you have a rental car, you can choose between two different types. You can choose between a high-end SUV or an inexpensive sedan. The latter is best for families. If you want to go on an extended excursion, you can choose an SUV rental or a minivan for the trip. If you’re a backpacker, you can even opt for a smaller car if you want to spend more time exploring.
The closest airport is Ayers Rock Airport, and it’s 8.1 km north of Yulara. The town is a short drive away. There are numerous car hire vendors at the airport. It’s advisable to rent a car so that you can enjoy the best view of the monolith. If you’re planning on visiting Uluru, we recommend hiring a car with unlimited mileage.