Uluru Accommodation places you near Australia’s most iconic landmark, known for its beauty and deep cultural significance. Located in the heart of the Red Centre in the Northern Territory, Uluru (sometimes known as Ayers Rock, though Uluru is the traditional, and now official, name) can be found within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It attracts visitors worldwide, eager to experience the magic of this ancient geological formation.
However, as beautiful as this remote corner of Australia is, its isolation can make finding the right place to stay tricky. About 4.5 hours away from Alice Springs, the small town of Yulara can be a great base for exploring Uluru or Kata Tjuta.
To help you find the best places to stay, we’ve compiled the best Uluru accommodation options to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Red Centre. Plus, we’ve listed some great tour options that will help plan and organise all aspects, so you just have to worry about what to pack and if your cameras are charged.
What to know all about planning your trip to Uluru? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Outback Hotel & Lodge
📍2 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT
Outback Hotel & Lodge offers budget-friendly shared hostel-style accommodation with amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, shared kitchen, and free return shuttle service to and from Ayers Rock Airport (Connellan Airport).
Each room has heating and air conditioning, and guests can access shared bathroom facilities. The lodge features a BBQ & Bar for grilling and relaxing with a drink, a guest laundry, lounge with TV, and internet access.
Located less than 15 km from Uluru, Outback Hotel & Lodge is within walking distance of the main Ayers Rock Resort complex and town centre, where you’ll find shopping, a visitor centre, and a beauty salon. It’s the perfect place for an inexpensive visit to Australia’s Red Centre.
Highlights:
- Dorm-style accommodation w/ shared bathrooms
- Free airport shuttle
- Outdoor pool
- Less than 20 km to Uluru
Emu Walk Apartments
📍3 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT
Uluru Accommodation at Emu Walk Apartments is conveniently located in Yulara, offering guests a comfortable and spacious stay. Each air-conditioned apartment features a TV with free-to-air channels and a private balcony or a veranda, providing the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploration.
The self-contained apartments include separate kitchen, living, and bedroom areas, making them ideal for short or extended stays.
Guests can enjoy the convenience of free return airport transfers from Ayers Rock Airport (Connellan Airport) or the free and spacious car park. Emu Walk Apartments are also close to Gecko’s Café, known for its gourmet pizzas, pasta, and Mediterranean-style dishes, adding to the comfort and ease of your stay.
Highlights:
- Free airport shuttle
- Fully-equipped private kitchen
- Separate bedroom and living room
- Private balcony or veranda
- Less than 20 km from Uluru
Desert Gardens Hotel
📍1 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT
Desert Gardens Hotel offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, some with private balconies or impressive views of Uluru. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy cocktails at the Mangata Bar, or dine at the Arnguli Grill, which serves traditional Australian cuisine.
Uluru Accommodation at this hotel is nestled within native gardens, and convenient amenities like spa facilities, shops, cafes, and tour information are just a short walk away or accessible via a free shuttle bus.
Located only 1.5 km from the Uluru Lookout and a 40-minute drive from Kata Tjuta, the hotel provides free return transfers from Ayers Rock Airport (Connellan Airport). The hotel’s prime location makes it easy for guests to enjoy awe-inspiring desert sunsets and the iconic views of Uluru, with the lookout just a 5-minute stroll away.
Highlights:
- Private room w/ bathroom
- On-site bar
- Free airport shuttle
- Free shuttle to local shops
- Less than 20 km to Uluru
The Lost Camel Hotel
📍Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872
The Lost Camel Hotel offers a vibrant and contemporary boutique experience in the heart of Ayers Rock Resort, just 20 minutes from the majestic Uluru. Designed for travellers seeking a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, the hotel combines Indigenous-inspired décor with urban flair.
Uluru Accommodation offers compact, studio-style rooms adorned with bright colours and crisp whites, creating a fresh and inviting ambiance. While the rooms are windowless, they feature sunlit bathrooms with separate shower and toilet cubicles, ensuring comfort and privacy.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a central swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and access to the Resort Town Square, which boasts shops and dining options. The hotel also offers complimentary return airport transfers and resort-wide shuttle bus services, making it convenient for guests to explore the area.
For those interested in cultural immersion, the hotel provides access to free Indigenous guest activities, allowing visitors to engage with the rich heritage of the region.
Highlights:
- Studio-style rooms
- Central pool
- Free laundry facilities
- Free airport transfer
Sails in the Desert
📍163 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT
Sails in the Desert is a luxury resort located just moments from the iconic Uluru. As part of the Ayers Rock Resort complex, it offers a premium base for travellers eager to experience the cultural richness and natural beauty of the region.
The resort takes its name from the white sails that crown its roofline, blending contemporary design with elements that pay homage to Indigenous heritage. Guests are treated to beautiful desert landscapes, vibrant local art, and warm, authentic hospitality that reflects the spirit of the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land.
Sails in the Desert provides a unique blend of comfort and cultural immersion. Whether you’re relaxing by the gumtree-lined pool or enjoying fine dining under a star-filled sky, every aspect of the resort is designed to enhance your connection with the outback.
The on-site Mulgara Gallery showcases Aboriginal artworks, while curated experiences such as guided walks and dot painting workshops offer deeper insight into Indigenous traditions. With Uluru just a short drive away, it’s an ideal retreat for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in one of Australia’s most spiritually significant landscapes.
Highlights:
- Private balconies
- On-site restaurants
- Outdoor pool
- On-site gallery featuring local Aboriginal art
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Uluru Tours from Alice Springs
If flying or driving out to Yulara and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park aren’t options or accommodation around Uluru and Kata Tjuta isn’t available, taking one of these tours to Uluru is a great way to still see this amazing wonder in Central Australia with ease.
1-Day Uluru Tour – Start & End in Alice Springs
📍Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Resort, NT
⏰ 18 hours (approx.)
Experience the wonders of Uluru on this memorable Northern Territory adventure. Travel in air-conditioned comfort while learning fascinating stories and secrets about this world-renowned destination. The tour includes a BBQ, beverages, and snacks, allowing you to relax and focus on the beautiful surroundings.
This luxurious yet immersive day tour is perfect for anyone looking to explore the outback in comfort. The trip includes safe, easy activities suitable for all ages and fitness levels, such as the guided Mala Walk, Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk, and a visit to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Highlights also include watching the sunset at Uluru with a glass of bubbly and, for Alice Springs departures, a stop at Mount Connor Lookout.
Highlights:
- Lasts 18 hours (approx.)
- BBQ and sparkling wine dinner
- Experienced tour guide
Red Centre Rock Safari 3 Day – Basic Swag from Alice Springs
📍Alice Springs, NT
⏰ 3 Days
This small-group adventure offers the best of the Red Centre in just three days, exploring three iconic locations: Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kata Tjuta, all in one amazing tour. There’s a reason why Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987—it’s home to astounding geological formations, rare plants and animals, and unparalleled natural beauty.
Your expert local guide will share captivating stories, insights, and insider secrets, bringing the desert region to life. Choose from comfortable twin pop-up safari tents for added privacy and security, or opt for a traditional swag experience, a canvas-covered bedroll under the stars.
Highlights:
- Lasts 3 days (approx.)
- Includes Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park)
- 2 nights of Outback bush camping
- Meals included
3-Day Rock Trip
📍Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Airport, NT
⏰ 3 Days
This energetic tour kicks off either from Alice Springs bright and early or in the afternoon from Ayers Rock Airport. Over three action-packed days, you’ll explore the iconic heart of Australia: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.
Along the way, expect scenic drives, epic walks, starry nights around the campfire, and a fair bit of group participation. You’ll camp in swags under the desert sky, enjoy hearty meals, and take in some of the most incredible landscapes the Red Centre has to offer.
Highlights:
- Lasts 3 days
- Energetic tour with lots of hiking
- Includes a hike at the famous Kings Canyon Rim Walk
About Uluru
Uluru is not only one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks but also a deeply sacred site for the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. Standing 348 metres tall, this massive sandstone monolith is renowned for its colour changes at sunrise and sunset.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its geological formations and unique ecosystem make it a crucial part of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. Uluru holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for the local Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land.
Local Anangu Significance
For thousands of years, Uluru has been a central part of their creation stories, passed down through generations. It is considered a living, sacred entity deeply tied to the Anangu’s ancestral beliefs and spiritual practices.
The rock formations and surrounding areas are home to numerous sacred sites, each with its own story and meaning. The Anangu people believe that the spirits of their ancestors reside within Uluru, and its landscape is intricately connected to their law, culture, and identity.
Visitors to the area are encouraged to respect and honour this cultural importance by following the guidelines set by the Anangu people, including refraining from climbing Uluru, as it is considered sacred ground.
Best Time to Visit Uluru
The best time to visit Uluru is during the cooler months, from April to October, considered the Dry Season, when the temperatures are more manageable for outdoor activities. Summer in the Red Centre, the Wet Season, from November to March, can be extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), making hiking and exploration less comfortable and even dangerous.
During the cooler months, temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in the early mornings and evenings to around 25°C (77°F) during the day, creating perfect conditions for exploring Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and the surrounding national parks.
In addition to the more comfortable weather, visiting during the cooler months offers the chance to witness renowned sunrises and sunsets in ideal conditions. The lighting is softer, casting muted hues over the rock formations and desert landscapes.
The Northern Territory is a vast and awe-inspiring region, home to some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural traditions. When planning your visit to the breathtaking Uluru and Kata Tjuta, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference in your journey. Whether you’re a traveller seeking the comfort of a luxury resort, the flexibility of a self-contained apartment, the character of a cosy camp, or the social energy of backpacker rooms, there’s something to suit every style and budget.
For those wanting a deeper connection to the land, staying at a wilderness lodge offers a chance to immerse yourself in the serenity of the outback, surrounded by sweeping desert views and starlit skies. From there, you’re perfectly positioned to experience highlights like the mesmerising Field of Light installation or a sunrise trek through the majestic Valley of the Winds. You might even hop on a camel ride across the dunes for a truly unique perspective of this sacred landscape.
No matter where you stay, your accommodation becomes part of the journey, offering comfort, atmosphere, and lifetime memories. So, when making your booking, look for the experience that speaks to your sense of adventure and appreciation for the ancient stories of the Red Centre. This is more than just a trip—it’s a chance to explore, connect, and be moved by the spirit of the land.
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Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
