What to do in Uluru for 4 Days (Itinerary from Ayer’s Rock)

Australia is well known for its unusual rock formations in the Red Center. The most famous of which is Uluru. I knew I couldn’t visit Australia without visiting this natural wonder and I don’t think you should miss it either! There you’ll do lots of hiking to see Australia’s incredible landscapes from every angle and at special moments like sunrise and sunset.

Getting to Uluru

You’ll find that many Australians have not been to Uluru because of its remoteness. The closest settlement is Ayer’s Rock Resort which boasts several accommodations and restaurants to host those visiting Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The easiest way to get there is to fly directly into Ayer’s Rock airport (AYQ). Otherwise, the closest town is Alice Springs which is five hour drive.

Where to Stay in Ayer’s Rock

Ayer’s Rock Resort is operated by the indigenous people of that area. It is the only option for accommodations and food, but they do a nice job with both. I stayed at the Lost Camel, which despite mixed reviews, I thought was a very pleasant stay. Rooms were well appointed and customer service was very attentive to holding luggage and arranging the airport shuttles. It is very close to the small shops and pickup point for activities which makes it very convenient. Any place you choose to stay in Ayer’s Rock is only a short walk to everything, here’s an article that details all of them. The only location that was a bit far was the Outback Hotel, but the outdoor eating area was nicely set up there. 

Day 1 Ayer’s Rock Resort

When you arrive at Ayer’s Rock Airport there are shuttle buses waiting to take you to your accommodation. Spend time settling in, walking the grounds, and watching the sunset over Uluru from the viewing point right in the center of the resort area. In the evening take a tour like this one I took which was to view the field of light art installation. The resort also has various atmospheric dining experiences. I would only recommend scheduling an evening activity for your first day in the outback in case there are any flight delays. 

Day 2 Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The main obstacle in Ayer’s Rock can be getting to the actual sites you are interested in seeing. That is all taken care of on this hop on hop off tour that I did to hike around Uluru and see Kata Tjuta at sunrise. While I am not a morning person, it is definitely worth the early wake up call for sunrise. You can see both Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the viewing point you are taken to fro Kata Tjuta. The bus then takes you to th drop off area to do the various hikes at Kata Tjuta. The Walpa Gorge walk (2.6 km, 1 hour) is very easy and it is not hot since it is early in the day and there are high winds that blow through the rock formations.  The Valley of the Winds walk (5.4 km return, 2.5 hours) is more difficult (category 4), but you can also cut it shorter by only going up to the Karu lookout (2.2 km return, 1 hour).

Take the bus back to your resort, have lunch, and refresh in the pool for a midday break. Then, hop back on to head to Uluru. Walking around the base of Uluru is pretty straightforward, but very interesting as there are many different rock formations up close. At this point there were a few flies but it was not as awful as it could have been (seasonal). You can stay out till sunset or head back to the resort for dinner. There is also a small grocery store on site if you’d like to make your own meal or buy a premade salad/wrap to save on the expensive dining costs in this area.

Day 3 Day Tour to King’s Canyon

The landscapes at King’s Canyon national park are a very different experience from the formations around Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Take a group tour to keep transportation simple and have the benefit of a guide to keep you safe and teach you about the area. Keep an eye out during the long journey there by coach for wild camels and emus. There is a stop for an included breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs, bread, tomatoes, and other standard sides. Espresso coffee drinks are not included, but there is a barista there where you can purchase them, just be sure to head over there first to beat the line. 

I did the Rim walk (6 km, 3-4 hours, grade 4) and really enjoyed it. While the walk starts with around 500 steps to climb, after that it is not too difficult and has amazing views. Safety precautions include bringing 2L of water, staying away from the edge of the cliff, and starting the walk before 11 am. 

There are signs along the way to point out the geological history of the area. Additionally, the guide on this tour does a great job pointing out even more like fossils and plant life.

On the way back, the tour stopped at King’s Canyon resort for lunch (at your own expense, I packed a lunch). There you can also do scenic helicopter rides if you opted for that upgrade.

Then we continued on the long journey back, spotting Mount Conner, another incredible natural formation. Curtin Springs was the last rest stop, which had some exotic birds you could view if you didn’t need to use the restroom or buy a snack.

Day 4 Indigenous Activities and Departure

There are various activities around the resort so take advantage of those until your flight. Activities include a talk on the uses of native plants, a painting craft activity, and didgeridoo lessons.

I had lunch at Mangata Bistro, and did the 2 course price fixe menu option for a budget friendly culinary adventure. The standouts was the kangaroo kebobs. The fairy floss flirtini was a fun sweet drink to add on. 

The resort provides shuttle transportation back to the airport, just check at the reception area to know what time the bus will be there based on your flight time.

If you are wondering what to do next while in Australia, check out my two week itinerary. If you are still coordinating your flights to the continent, then don’t miss my article on creating an incredible trip using stopovers.