Australia Travel Planner · Northern Territory

Uluru & Kings Canyon for backpackers

Uluru is the heart of Australia: a sacred rock of the Anangu that glows red at sunset. Next to it are the domes of Kata Tjuta, and three and a half hours away is Kings Canyon. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.

Location
About 450 km south-west of Alice Springs
Best time
April–October
Park pass
Required
Heat
Only hike in the morning
Arriving

Getting there and best time to visit Uluru & Kings Canyon

Ayers Rock Airport is right by Yulara, with flights from Sydney, Melbourne and other cities. By car it's about four and a half hours from Alice Springs. Yulara is the only town near the national park, and shuttles run to Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Many come on a three-day tour from Alice Springs.

From April to October it's pleasant, with cold nights in winter. In summer temperatures reach 40 °C and more — then only hike early in the morning, as some tracks close from mid-morning.

Sleep

Hostels and camping in Uluru & Kings Canyon

Ayers Rock Campground: the only campground in Yulara

The only campground in Yulara; cheap dorms are at the nearby Outback Pioneer.

Sleep · Camping · Yulara · Price level $$

Kings Creek Station: cattle station with campsites

A cattle station with campsites, about 35 kilometres from Kings Canyon — a good base for an early start on the Rim Walk.

Sleep · Camping · Kings Canyon · Price level $$

Views & photos

Lookouts and photo spots in Uluru & Kings Canyon

Uluru Base Walk: 10 km loop around the rock

A loop of about 10 kilometres around the rock, past waterholes, caves and rock art. Climbing has been banned since October 2019 out of respect for the Anangu. Start early; a park pass is required — note the heat warning below.

Safety: Summer temperatures reach 40 °C and more. At least one litre of water per hour; only walk in the morning.

Views & photos · Uluru · Best time: sunrise

Uluru Sunset Viewing: the rock in the last light

From the official viewing area you watch the rock glow red in the last light. Come early — the car parks fill up.

Views & photos · Uluru · Best time: sunset

Valley of the Winds: loop between the domes

A loop between the domes of Kata Tjuta, most beautiful in the morning. In extreme heat parts of the track close from late morning.

Views & photos · Kata Tjuta · Best time: morning

Kings Canyon Rim Walk: 6 km along the canyon rim

About 6 kilometres along the rim of the canyon with views into the gorge, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Uluru. When the forecast is over 36 °C, the trailhead closes from 9 am — start before sunrise.

Views & photos · Kings Canyon · Best time: sunrise

Food

Cheap eats in Uluru & Kings Canyon

Yulara: the only town near the national park

The only town near the national park, with a campground, hotels and a supermarket. Groceries are expensive — shop in Alice Springs.

Food · Yulara · Best time: evening

Outback Pioneer BBQ: grill your own at the resort

A restaurant at the resort where you grill your own meat — sociable and a Yulara classic.

Food · Barbecue · Yulara · Price level $$

Common questions

Uluru & Kings Canyon for backpackers: frequently asked questions

Can you climb Uluru?

No, climbing has been banned since October 2019 out of respect for the Anangu, the traditional owners.

How long is the Uluru Base Walk?

About 10 kilometres, roughly three to four hours. Start early in the morning and bring plenty of water.

How do I get to Uluru?

By plane to Ayers Rock Airport near Yulara, by car from Alice Springs in about four and a half hours, or on a tour.

Next

Travelling on from Uluru & Kings Canyon

All spots on the Uluru & Kings Canyon map. Nearby: Alice Springs. The route at a glance on the Red Centre Way road trip.

Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.