australia outback

Uluru Tours - Ayers Rock Tours

Explore Australia's top tourist attraction


Choose one of my hand-picked Uluru tours, discover the secrets of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with local tour guides for an inspiring experience.


Uluru tours? Is it worth to take a tour, or should you explore Uluru / Kata Tjuta on your own?
That's a decision I cannot make for you. People have different reasons why they visit Uluru / Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta / The Olgas...

      arrow ...to tick off a visit on the list of must see places
      arrow ...to do the controversial climb and see the sunset
      arrow ...to discover the geology of Australia's most famous natural icon
      arrow ...to learn how Anangu people see Uluru, and why "the rock" is such a special place

If you've got a car, it is easy to discover Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park on your own. You can pick up some brochures in the Cultural Center that'll give you more insight into the rich Aboriginal culture connected with Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

However, you might miss the deeper understanding which a tour, guided by local Aborigines, can give you. Plus, there are some adventures you can only get when joining a tour.
That's why I picked a few Uluru tours for you which surely are an unique experience.

uluru tours

Uluru / Ayers Rock Tours: Walk along the base of Uluru

The Anangu people have been living in the Uluru / Ayers Rock area for tens of thousands years, passing on Tjukurpa, or Wapar, the law of the ancestors. Tjukurpa is the foundation of Anangu life.

Tjukurpa cannot be compared with the law of the western world. For the Anangu, Tjukurpa includes law, culture, spiritual beliefs, moral systems, relationship between people and nature, including the physical features of the land.

Anangu are happy to share parts of Tjukurpa with their visitors, while the sacred information will always remain a secret and stay with Aboriginal people.

Join a tour, and get insights into a fascinating culture.

Please note: In addition to any tour booked, visitors to Uluru / Kata Tjuta National Park have to pay an entry fee of AUD 25 at the park entry station. Children under 16 are free. The entry fee is valid for 3 consecutive days.

Uluru tours overview


Uluru tours led by local Aboriginal people

Walking tours involve easy walks between 1,5 and 2 km. Aboriginal language interpreter accompany all tours.

Take a warm coat on all tours early morning and after sunset. The desert can get quite cold at night, especailly in winter.


Kuniya Sunset Aboriginal Tour including Uluru Cultural Center

Explore the Cultural Centre at Uluru on your own before you meet with your Aboriginal Guide. Get an introduction into law and culture, explore caves and rock paintings at the base of Uluru, visit Mutitjulu Waterhole. You'll discover bush food and listen to tales of desert survival.

The tour ends at the sunset viewing area where you'll enjoy the spectacular change of colours while the sun sets over Uluru.

Schedule: This tour departs daily, and can be booked with hotel pick up, or self-drive option.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours


Aboriginal Uluru Sunrise Liru Walk Tour and Breakfast

You need to get up early to enjoy the sunrise, but it's very worthwhile.
Breakfast is served in the Cultural Center restaurant, including spectacular views of Uluru.

Your Aboriginal Guide takes you on the Liru Walk and tells you about the fate of Lungkata, the blue tongue lizard man.
You'll learn about carving wooden tools with a sharp stone, making fire, and how to throw a spear.

Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels about 1 hour prior sunrise.
Duration: Approximately 4,5 to 5 hours


Aboriginal Mala Walk Tour of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

This is another tour that gives you an insight into the secrets of Uluru and Anangu culture. First, you'll drive around the base of Uluru (9 km ). After you got an idea about the dimensions of the rock, your Aboriginal Tour Guide takes you on the 2 km Mala Walk.
Learn about the Mala (Hare Wallaby) people who lived at Uluru. Discover caves and shelters, see rock paintings, and listen how the Mala people prepared for ceremonies.

You'll be surprised to see the fragile base of Ayers Rock. You wouldn't expect that by the look of the solid rock when you see it from distance.

Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels, or from the Touch Wall in the Cultural Centre if you choose the self-drive option.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours


Aboriginal Dot Painting Workshop

In my opinion, Aboriginal dot paintings are beautiful. I like the bright colours, and the stories the paintings tell.

On this tour you join Aboriginal artists for a fascinating introduction to their culture which is expressed in the paintings. Listen, learn, and complete your own painting.

Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels, or from the Touch Wall in the Cultural Centre if you choose the self-drive option.
Duration: Approximately 3 - 3.5 hours.

Return to overview of Uluru Tours


Uluru Tours and adventures you can't do on your own

Ride a camel in the Australian desert, explore the southern night sky, take a helicopter flight over Uluru and its surrounds, or spoil yourself with a first-class dinner in the desert. These are truly unique and spectacular tours.


Lizard Safari Helicopter Tour including Lake Amadeus from Ayers Rock

You can't really appreciate the beauty of the red centre until you saw if from the air. This fantastic one hour helicopter flight takes you as far as Lake Amadeus, the largest salt lake in the Northern Territory.

This scenic flight shows you Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the surrounding desert from a bird's eye view. If you're lucky, you'll see wild camels roaming. "Flying slow and keeping low, like a lizard" is the motto of this exceptional tour.

Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels.
Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours, helicopter flight 55 minutes.


Night Sky Show at Ayers Rock Observatory

Seeing the Australian Outback night sky is one of the most stunning experiences. Clear nights, no haze, no city lights - in one word: AWESOME!
Discover the famous Southern Cross, the Milky Way, stars and planets. The night sky tour at the Ayers Rock Observatory is an adventure you'll never forget.

This unique small group tour operator is winner of the 2006 Australian Tourism Award Heritage and Cultural Tourism.

Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels, depending on the weather. The tour will be cancelled if the sky is cloudy.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.


Uluru Camel Express, Sunrise or Sunset Tours

Enjoy the beauty of the Australian Outback on the back of a camel. Choose from a tour at sunrise, sunset, or in the morning.
Feel like the early explorers, who relied on the ships of the desert when they opened up Australia's unknown inland.

Camel to Sunrise (2.5 hours) includes an one hour camel ride, and a freshly baked bread accompanied by the famous billy tea.

Camel to Sunset (2.5 hours): Enjoy a refreshing glass of wine, or beer, with nibbles after your 1 hour desert exploration.

Camel Express (1.5 hours): For those who are short of time, take this 45 minute ride with good views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

You don't need any riding experience. These camels are good-natured, and an experienced guide will be with you all the time.

Schedule: Tours depart daily from Ayers Rock Hotels.


Sounds of Silence Restaurant


The Sounds of Silence evening is a must, the highlight of every visit to Uluru.

Relax with a glas of champagne, watch the sunset over Ayers Rock, and listen to the gentle sound of a didgeridoo.

Dinner is a deluxe Australian barbecue with barramundi, kangaroo, buffalo, served with salads and bush spices. Canapes and unlimited drinks are included.

Watch the stars after dinner, take in the mystery of a desert night, listen to an astronomer who explains the amazing southern sky.

Reading the mouth-watering menue, you can't help to book this tour.

Schedule: Tour departs daily from all Ayers Rock Hotels.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Return to overview of Uluru Tours


Kata Tjuta Tours

Last but not least I'll introduce you to a tour to the Olgas / Kata Tjuta.

Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Dunes Small Group Sunset Tour from Ayers Rock

The rocky dome of Kata Tjuta are as imposant as Uluru. In fact, Kata Tjuta is a mystique place, too, and also a sacred place.

The tour stops at the viewing platform where you get the first sight of the rock domes. The desert between the platform and Kata Tjuta is covered with desert oaks, the beautiful trees of central Australia.

Walking into the Olga Gorge you'll feel belittled by the huge sandstone rocks on either side. It is a fantastic walk.

Enjoy the sunset with a glass of champagne, this is an awesome experience.

Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Another option is this afternoon Kata Tjuta Tour plus Sounds of Silence Dinner

Return to overview of Uluru Tours


Uluru Tours - Eco Tour Passes - Combined Tours at a discounted rate

The Eco Tour Pass is the best bargain for you if you stay two nights at Uluru / Kata Tjuta Nationalpark, and if you want to see Kings Canyon as well.


48 Hour Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Outback Eco-Pass Tours plus Sounds of Silence Dinner

Explore magnificient Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Kings Canyon with a 48-hour Eco-Pass.

This pass includes three individual tours and the Sounds of Silence Dinner.

Discover the highlights of the red centre at a discounted rate.

Tours included:

  • Morning Tour - choose either the Uluru Walk (5 hours) OR Spirit of Uluru (4 hours)

  • The Uluru walk is a guided tour around the complete base of the rock. The guides introduce you to the natural and cultural history, explains the Anangu relationship with Uluru, and much more.
    The Spirit of Uluru is a vehicle based tour around the rock, that provides short walks to view rock art, waterholes and learn about the unique flora and fauna.
    Both morning tours include breakfast.
  • Afternoon tour to Kata Tjuta with a short walk into Mt. Olga gorge (3 hours). You'll return in time to enjoy the Sounds of Silence dinner afterwards.
  • Full-day Kings Canyon Tour.
  • Tour departs 6:30am Returns 5:30pm, includes picnic breakfast and lunch.
  • Evening tour - The Sounds of Silence Dinner (3 hours)


  • All tours are operated by a small group tour operator, winner of the 2006 Australian Tourism Award Heritage and Cultural Tourism.

    Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels.


    48-Hour Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Outback Eco-Pass

    This Eco Pass version includes a visit to the Ayers Rock Observatory to discover the brilliance of the Australian Outback night sky, instead of the Sounds of Silence Dinner.

    All other tour options are the same as listed above.


    Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels.


    24 Hour Uluru (Ayers Rock) Eco-Pass Small Group Tours and Sounds of Silence Dinner

    If you are in a real hurry, this 24 pass might be the right choice for you. Get the best of the Outback on these small guided tours in one day.

    The pass includes:
  • Morning sunrise tour to Uluru which includes breakfast (choose between the Uluru Walk or the Spirit of Uluru)
  • Afternoon tour to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on the Kata Tjuta Encounter tour
  • Evening Sounds of Silence Dinner


  • Schedule: Tour departs daily from Ayers Rock Hotels.


    Return to overview of Uluru Tours


    Uluru Tours - One Way Tours from Uluru to Alice Springs

    3-Day Tour from Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Alice Springs via Kings Canyon

    Experience the best of Australia's central desert on this exciting 3 days tour.

    Day 1 - Uluru.
    Arrive at Ayers Rock Airport before 1.00 p.m. and be transferred to your hotel.
    Visit the Cultural Centre before you join a guided walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and do the Mala Walk. Enjoy the sunset at Uluru.

    You have a choice of accommodation, select between standard, first class or deluxe accommodation categories.

    Day 2 - Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon
    Get up early to see the sunrise before you drive to Kata Tjuta and explore Walpa (Olga) Gorge.
    In the afternoon you drive to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.

    Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort.

    Day 3 - Kings Canyon Walk & Alice Springs
    In the morning, you have time to explore Kings Canyon. Walk up to the top of the Canyon and explore the ancient Lost City and the Garden of Eden. This walk requires some fitness. Walking into the canyon along Kings Creek is a less strenious alternative, and also very enjoyable.
    On the drive to Alice Springs you stop at Kings Creek Station.
    Arrival in Alice Springs at approximately 6:30 pm.

    Departs: daily.


    Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Alice Springs One-Way Shuttle

    If you need a one-way transfer to Alice Springs, you can travel with this luxury coach, and do some sightseeing along the way. Your driver/guide will introduce all the highlights you are passing by.

    Departs: Daily at 12:30 pm from Ayers Rock Resort, hotel pickup time will be announced on reconfirmation.
    Duration: about 6 hours.
    Arrival in Alice Springs: approximately 6:30 pm


    Return to overview of Uluru Tours


    I am sure you will enjoy these Uluru tours, operated by tour companies who have excellent tour guides, and care for the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Viator offers even more tours, if you are not happy with my selection.

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    Road Trip from Canberra to Uluru  Myself and my husband are planning on road tripping to Uluru from Canberra leaving on Boxing Day December 26th 2009 for 2 weeks. Will it be stupidly hot?...

    Flies in the Red Center  Hi Rita!

    my husband and I are planning a trip to Australia beginning of April and we were planning to go and spend a few days in the Red Center (Alice ...

    Driving Sydney to Uluru in September   Hello,
    We're about to leave Australia to return to Europe and would love to make this road trip...even with four boys (2, 3, 9 & 14).
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    Viator also offers one-way transfers and tours from the Ayers Rock Resort to Alice Springs via Kings Canyon.

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