Despite the fact that Uluru is in the desert, a location that can only be described as the middle of nowhere, there are a surprising number of ways to get around. What’s more interesting than that is how fun and exciting some of these methods of getting around can be. Whether you’re young and energetic and want to power yourself around, or if you’re after a more laid back, take it easy sort of experience, Uluru has the transport for you.
Here’s our list of 6 of the best ways to get around Uluru!
Outback Cycling Uluru
If you’re up for 2 wheels, then look no further than Outback Cycling Uluru. These guys are the experts when it comes to getting a bike and riding around the big rock. Located at the carpark of the Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, bikes are available for both children and adults, with the company also offering hotel transfer options.
From here, you’ll be able to ride around the base track of Uluru covering roughly 15km in total. Since the desert can get very hot though, bike rental is only available between 7am and 11am. You should also budget for around 3 hours to complete the circuit, so definitely put on your sunscreen and bring some water!
Uluru Camel Tours
Did you know that there are more camels in Australia than anywhere else in the world? And they make for a truly unique (and surprisingly comfortable) ride around the red dirt tracks of Uluru.
Uluru Camel Tours offers 4 different types of camel riding tours at Uluru. Two express tours, each lasting 1.5 hours and departing at either 2pm or 10:30am, and sunset & sunrise tours each lasting 2.5 hours, both departing daily 1-1.5 hours before sunset & sunrise. You will definitely want to add this to your bucket list if it isn’t already and don’t worry the camels will get a rest because all tours come with complimentary hotel transfers!
Professional Helicopter Services (PHS)
There are no skyscrapers in the desert, so the only way to see Uluru from up high is by helicopter and plane. Both of which are much, much more exciting than a skyscraper! There are a couple of operators chartering awe inspiring flights in the area:
The name says it all - these guys know how to show you the time of your life flying over the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. They’ve got several helicopter tour options, with the shortest flight time being 15 minutes (Uluru Only Helicopter Experience), all the way up to the 2 hour ‘One With the Lot’ tour covering Kings Canyon, Uluru, and Kata Tjuta air safari. Regardless of which one you pick, pilots will give you skyview commentary, plus you’ll have complimentary airport transfer to the flight deck.
Welcome to Fly Uluru, home to both Ayers Rock Helicopters and Scenic flights, where you can take either a helicopter, a plane, or both! Offering a 15 minute short stint in the helicopter or plane over and around Uluru, all the way up to a mega 6-hour outback adventure exploring Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon by air, as well as time on the ground for some truly awesome cultural experiences.
Both plane and helicopter will give you breathtaking views of the great expanse of the Red Centre, but if you’re not so comfortable with quick movements or direction changes, we’d recommend taking the plane option. Otherwise, definitely go for the helicopter and bring your camera! It’s worth noting though that transfers to and from the take off location in Yulara occur from only 3 locations; Desert Gardens, Sails in the Desert and the Ayers Rock Campground. So make sure you’re there on time!
Uluru Segway Tours
If you’ve never been on one of these nifty two-wheel vehicles, now is the time. Unlike normal segways, the ones at Uluru Segway Tours are fitted with purpose tyres for rolling around in the dirt. There are a few different tour options available, but all cruise the base circuit (12-15km) around Uluru.
You’ll start at Kuniya Carpark and then depending on which tour you’ve picked you’ll have 4 or 5 hours of fun, amazement and education riding around Uluru with the expert guide. There’s even the option to do the early morning sunrise tour! Most segway tours do include transfer to and from the Ayers Rock Resort, but if you do have your own car, you are more than welcome to make your own way to the location - you’ll just have to pay for the parking.
Walking around Uluru
What could be better than taking your own legs for a stroll around Uluru? Feel the magic of the earth beneath you feet and stop and stare as you please. If you’ve made your way to Uluru by your own means, you are able to walk around the base track and take it at your own pace.
But we would definitely recommend trying one of the many guided walking tours that come with all the insights you’d never know, showcasing of ancient cave paintings, and even some with practical activities. You can take a ranger guided Mala Walk, which operate for free daily, or there are a number of walking tours available to purchase; Kuniya Walk, Maruku Cave Tours, Maruku Dot Painting Workshop, just to name a few!
Driving around Uluru
All of the roads around Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park are sealed and good enough quality to drive comfortably with a 2WD. That being said, you won’t be able to get as close to Uluru by road as you are by foot or otherwise. If you’re in your own car or a rented one though, here are a couple of distance & time indications to give you an idea of how long it takes to drive to various points around Uluru.
There are plenty of viewing spots, carparks & points of interest around the National Park you can drive to. But, since it is such a sacred & significant place, we suggest you drive slowly - not just out of respect & safety, but also to take in the most of the scenery around you!
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