Do you have dreams of visiting outback Australia and want to know how to get from Alice Springs to Uluru? Well look no further as we have the ultimate guide on Alice Springs – Uluru travel with a variety of options to please both the independent traveller and those wanting to relax with an Alice Springs to Uluru tour.
The town of Alice Springs and Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) are world famous Australian icons that can be found in the red centre of the Northern Territory in Australia. Both share the outback spirit which can be found in the culture and history of this isolated and uniquely beautiful region of Australia.
This guide also gives information on the best Uluru viewing areas and Uluru walks so you can be fully prepared for the splendour and secrets of Uluru. One of the most recognisable Landmarks in Australia.
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Alice Springs to Uluru Drive
The first thing you need to think about when planning a trip from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock/Uluru, is how you are going to get there.
Many people visiting the region have the misconception that Uluru is a short drive from Alice Springs and are surprised when they learn that the Alice Springs to Uluru distance is 467 km and takes around five hours to drive.
Remember that the return Uluru Alice Springs drive will take you just as long and that needs to be considered if you are planning an Alice Springs to Uluru day trip.
Although this may sound daunting don’t despair as there are a lot of choices to help getting to Uluru from Alice Springs become a dream come true.
Uluru to Alice Springs Map
We are often asked how far from Alice Springs to Uluru? The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru takes you along the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway.
Head south and begin driving from Alice Springs to Uluru along the Stuart Highway until you reach the Erldunda Roadhouse at Ghan. The distance to the Erldunda Roadhouse from Alice Springs Australia is 200 km and takes a little over two hours to drive.
Turn right onto the Lasseter Highway at the Erldunda Roadhouse and continue for 267 km to Uluru which will take you around three hours to drive.
This map Alice Springs to Uluru shows the distances covered during a drive Alice Springs to Uluru.
Choosing the Best Alice Springs to Uluru Experience
Each traveller has their own preferred mode of travel which will depend on budget, length of stay in the area, the degree of comfort and quality of the experience. Here are just some of the options that can be taken when planning your trip from Alice Springs to Uluru.
- Select a day tour from Alice Springs to Uluru
- Choose a multi-day luxury tour of Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon
- Take a one way or return coach transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru
- Travel from Alice Springs independently and stay two nights at Uluru
- Drive from Alice Springs, stay two nights at the Erldunda Roadhouse with a day trip to Uluru
We recommend taking either one of the full day tours from Alice Springs or the multiday Alice Springs to Uluru tours.
Click here to see the best tours to book
If you choose to drive independently, we suggest staying at least two nights at Uluru where you can experience a fabulous range of day tours including sunrise camel rides, Uluru Segway tours and Uluru barbecue dinner tours, popular choices for visitors to Uluru.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Entry Fees
If you are travelling independently entry fees into the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park apply. There are a variety of park passes available for adults 18 years and over, they include the following.
- $38.00 for a 3 day pass
- $50.00 for the annual pass
- $109.00 per annual pass for vehicles registered in the Northern Territory.
*Note that prices are correct at the time of publication.
Top Tip
If you want to stay at the Erldunda Roadhouse, Uluru hotels or Uluru caravan park make sure to check Uluru accommodation before booking your flight or making travel plans as vacancies may be limited especially during the high season between May and October.
Alice Springs to Uluru Tours
Possibly the best way to experience both Alice Springs and Uluru is to take a tour, this way you can enjoy the journey and learn the history, culture and dreamtime stories of the Anangu people, the original custodians of the land.
Ayers Rock Day Trip from Alice Springs Including Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Sunset BBQ Dinner
If you are visiting Alice Springs on a short time frame this tour is perfect for you as it travels from Alice Springs to the World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in a day.
Highlights of this tour include
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park entry fees
- Buffet breakfast at Erldunda Roadhouse
- Visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and walk to Walpa Gorge
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
- Visit Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Guided Mala Walk to see Anangu rock art
- Guided Kuniya Walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole
This tour takes you through spectacular scenery and to places that are culturally significant to the Anangu people.
The Alice Springs Uluru tour also includes a buffet breakfast, lunch and snacks. The showstopper of this Alice Springs Uluru tours is the traditional Aussie barbecue which takes place at sunset, a time to immerse yourself in the outback atmosphere and watch Uluru put on a colourful performance that will leave you breathless.
Sit back, relax and reflect on your Uluru encounter as you make the five to six hour journey back to Alice Springs.
Click here to book this popular tour
Alice Springs, Uluru/Ayers Rock & Kings Canyon 8 Days Touring Package
The 8 day Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon tour gives the best of both worlds as it combines 4 day Alice Springs tours by coach and luxury overnight coach tours of Uluru/Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
This is one of the most sort after Uluru tours from Alice Springs as it takes you to a wide range of outback attractions and includes airport pick up and accommodation. Here are just some of the experiences and places visited during this unique tour.
- Canapes and wine under the stars at Kata Tjuta
- Enjoy a spectacular sunrise at Uluru/Ayers Rock
- Dinner at Uluru/Ayers Rock
- Views of Kings Canyon
- Climb to the rim of Kings Canyon
- Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service
- Historic Telegraph Station
- School of the Air
- Anzac Hill
- Flynn’s Grave Memorial
- Simpson’s Gap
- Standley Chasm
This fabulous Alice Springs to Uluru tour is jam packed with exciting attractions and includes 4 nights’ accommodation in Alice Springs, 2 nights’ accommodation in Uluru and 1 night accommodation in Kings Canyon. It is a superb way to get a perfect insight into the life and times of the Alice Springs and Uluru regions.
Click here to book this 8 day tour
Alice Springs to Uluru Coach Transfers – One Way or Return
If you want to visit independently and just need buses from Alice Springs to Uluru or from Uluru to Alice Springs these coach transfers may be the ideal solution.
The Alice Springs to Uluru bus covers the 467 km distance Alice Springs to Uluru in airconditioned comfort. This allows you to watch the scenery drift by as you listen to the onboard commentary on the 6 hour journey from Alice Springs to Yulara hotels at Uluru.
Alternatively, if you need a transfer from Uluru/ Ayers Rock to Alice Springs there is a return Uluru to Alice Springs bus that has hotel pick up and travels the distance Uluru to Alice Springs on the return trip from Yulara to Alice Springs NT.
Click here to book your coach transfer tickets
Uluru Walks
As you walk around Uluru you walk in the footsteps of the Anangu people the traditional custodians of the land.
Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta hold great cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, and it is the place to discover the Tjukurpa, the Anangu creation stories which have been passed down from one generation to the next.
There are a variety of Uluru walks which one you take will depend on your fitness level and the time of year you visit. Two of the most popular walks are the wheelchair accessible Mala walk and the easy grade Kuniya walk.
During the summer months from December to February it is best to stick to the shorter walks as temperatures at Uluru soar and the fly level increases to annoying proportions.
No matter what time of year you visit make sure to protect yourself from the sun by covering up, wearing a hat and sunscreen, comfortable shoes and take water to keep hydrated.
Mala Walk
The start of the 2 km easy grade Mala walk begins across the road from the Mala carpark. The walk is wheelchair accessible and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
If you are travelling independently, you have the choice of doing the walk on your own or taking a guided walk with a Park Ranger. Guided Mala walks start at 8am from October to April and 10 am from May to September.
As you start the walk you will be impressed by the size of Uluru and excited to discover the secrets that Uluru has hidden within its towering walls.
Visit ancient campsites and caves or admire Kantju Gorge which transforms into a waterfall when it rains. See rock art that is as old as time and learn how the Elders used the carvings and drawings to pass down knowledge for thousands of years.
Kuniya Walk
The Kuniya walk begins at the Kuniya carpark and is an easy grade walk which is wheelchair accessible. This scenic 1 km track takes around 45 minutes to walk the entire route.
One of the highlights of the Kuniya walk is the Mutitjulu Waterhole which is an unexpected feature in Uluru’s parched landscape. The Mutitjulu Waterhole is one of Uluru’s permanent waterholes and a pretty place to take a break from the trail. The waterhole is shaded by trees and protected by the deep orange walls of Uluru.
As you explore the Kuniya walk you can marvel at the rock art and learn about the daily life of the Anangu people.
Lungkata Walk
The Lungkata walk is a moderate grade walking trail connecting the Kuniya walk to the Mala carpark. This 4 km walk is wheelchair accessible during dry weather and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to hike.
As you walk you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of Uluru as the rock reveals a unique eco system which supports an abundance of birdlife hidden within the weathered crevices and caves of this ancient monolith.
North-east Face Walk
The north-east face is the most sacred part of Uluru and the source of the Tjukurpa, the Anangu creation stories and a deeply spiritual place for the Anangu people.
The walk has wheelchair access during dry weather but be aware that there are long sections of unshaded trail, and it is advisable to start your walk in the early morning and finish before 11 am to escape the heat of the day.
Uluru Base Walk
If you have time the Uluru Base walk will give you the ultimate Uluru experience. This 10.6 km loop track takes in the full circumference of Uluru and combines the Mala Walk, North-east Face Walk, Kuniya Walk and Lungkata Walk.
The base walk is a moderate grade walking track which has wheelchair access during dry weather. The Uluru base walk takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to trek, and it is advisable to have an early morning start to complete the walk before the heat of the day.
Start at the Mala carpark and walk clockwise around the base. Before heading out make sure to take plenty of water, wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. If you are visiting during the scorching summer months between December and February, consider taking another walk as temperatures are draining and the flies annoying.
When you take the Uluru base walk you will see the changing landscapes of Uluru. The rock towers above you and leaves you breathless with its majesty. Be prepared for the sun as you walk through unshaded open stretches and be surprised by the waterholes and bushland that are home to an astounding collection of plants and wildlife.
Liru Walk
The Liru walk connects the Cultural Centre to the base of Uluru. This 4 km easy to moderate grade walking track is wheelchair accessible during dry weather and takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk.
Uluru Viewing Areas
Uluru is world famous for its stunning vistas and ever changing kaleidoscope of colour that ranges from dazzling golden glows, burnt oranges, rich rusty reds to delicate dusky pinks and deep purples.
Rising tall and silent within a seemingly endless plain it is not hard to understand why the Anangu people believe Uluru is sacred as it exudes a mystical air that can be felt from the first glance to the last.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has three Uluru viewing areas which showcase the beauty of an Uluru sunrise and sunset.
Of course, if you can’t make it for sunrise or sunset the viewing sites can still be visited as Uluru continues to change colour throughout the day.
Top Tip
Note that the Uluru bus sunset viewing area can be used by all visitors until 4 pm. After 4pm the sunset bus viewing area is restricted to bus and coach tour viewing only.
The Car Sunset Viewing Area
If you want that unforgettable shot of Uluru the car sunset viewing area is the place to be. Catch that iconic Uluru sunset as nature sets Uluru ablaze with fiery red and dusty pink tones.
Nyakunytjaku Sunrise Viewing Area
The Talinguru Nyakunytjaku sunrise viewing area of Uluru is the place to watch the first rays of sunlight wash over the time worn surface of Uluru.
From the viewing platforms you will notice the light catch and highlight the grain, deep gashes and texture of this glorious sandstone monolith.
Talinguru Nyakunytjaku Walks
From the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku sunrise viewing area there are a couple of short walks that give insight into the culture of the Anangu people.
On these walks you will discover how Anangu culture is divided into women’s business and men’s business, with each having their own individual role within the community. During these walks you can learn how these roles define the Anangu culture.
Minymaku Walk (Women’s Walk)
The Minymaku Walk is a 1 km loop track which is wheelchair accessible and takes roughly 30 minutes to complete. Here you can discover the women’s business tasks of gathering and processing native bush tucker.
Watiku Walk (Men’s Walk)
The Watiku Walk is a 1.5 km loop track which is wheelchair accessible. As you explore the trail you will learn about men’s business duties such as hunting and tool making.
Uluru Hotels & Uluru Campgrounds
When you visit Uluru you will find an assortment of Uluru hotels with varying degrees of comfort, and all are located at Yulara which is 25 km from Uluru.
Choices range from luxury Uluru hotels, Uluru glamping, Uluru apartments and for camping, motorhome and caravan enthusiasts the popular Ayers Rock Campground.
Click here to book Uluru accommodation
Erldunda Roadhouse Motel
If you are travelling independently and looking for accommodation between Alice Springs and Uluru the Erldunda Roadhouse at Ghan is a good option. The Erldunda Roadhouse has a choice of accommodation including motel rooms, powered and unpowered caravan and camp sites.
The roadhouse restaurant has a fabulous range of dishes that are delicious and generously portioned. There is an onsite café for a quick bite to eat and it is a good place to take a breather from the road on your journey from Alice Springs to Uluru.
The Erldunda Roadhouse is 200 km from Alice Springs and 267 km from Uluru/Ayers Rock in the Northern Territory.
Click here to book the Eridunda Roadhouse
Last Words
Along with kangaroos and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Uluru would have to be one of the most iconic images of Australia.
A visit to Alice Springs and Uluru will have you discovering the vastness of the outback, learning about the Indigenous culture, the pioneering history of the region and seeing the unforgettable wonder of Uluru.
Both Alice Springs and Uluru embody the outback spirit and should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in Australia.
Have you visited Uluru? What did you love about your visit? Feel free to leave a comment we would love to hear from you.
great place to visit, thank you for creating this article