Backpacker Tours, Trips & Activities Australia

Uluru

Latest backpacker tours in Uluru

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, stands as a symbol of cultural richness and natural beauty. For backpackers seeking an authentic Australian outback experience, Uluru is a must-visit destination while on a working holiday.

Yulara Backpacker Tour

3 Day Uluru Adventure ex Yulara

Price from AUD$995

3 Day Uluru Adventure ex Yulara by Adventure Tours Australia

Experience the magic of the sunburnt Australian Outback in just three days.

Latest tour information:

Alice Springs Backpacker Tour

3 Day Uluru Adventure for Working Holiday Makers

Price from AUD$995

3 Day Uluru Adventure for Working Holiday Makers by Adventure Tours Australia

Want to see the Red Centre’s greatest natural attractions in under three days? Easy. Jump on this trip and you’ll get to admire Uluru by sunrise and sunset, explore the natural wonders of Kings Canyon – the Lost City, Amphitheatre, Garden of Eden and North and South Walls – and weave through the gigantic boulders and gullies of Kata Tjuta. Experience the heart of the Red Centre with the best guides in the business who know the culture, people and Outback like the back of their hand. Spend you days gaining a deeper understanding into the spiritual importance of Uluru and its surrounds, and your nights camping on Australia’s red earth and dining under the stars.

Latest tour information:

Alice Springs Backpacker Tour

3 Night Uluru Adventure (Alice Springs to Yulara)

Price from AUD$1,195

3 Night Uluru Adventure (Alice Springs to Yulara) by Adventure Tours Australia

Want to see the Red Centre’s greatest natural attractions in less than 4 days? Easy. Jump on this trip, and you’ll get to admire Uluru by sunrise and sunset, explore the natural wonders of Watarrka National Park/Kings Canyon – the Lost City, Amphitheatre, Garden of Eden and North and South Walls – and weave through the gigantic boulders and gullies of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

Latest tour information:

Yulara Backpacker Tour

3 Night Uluru Adventure (Yulara to Yulara)

Price from AUD$1,195

3 Night Uluru Adventure (Yulara to Yulara) by Adventure Tours Australia

With just the right amount of time to see all of the major highlights of the Red Centre, visit the majestic Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon too. In the evening enjoy an authentic camping experience … with a soft landing. Save time and money by starting in Yulara, which is only minutes away from the Ayers Rock Airport and Uluru.

Latest tour information:

  • Budget: budget
  • Length: 4 days
  • Group size: 24 max
  • Start: Yulara
  • End: Yulara

Alice Springs / Ayres Rock Airport Backpacker Tour

4-Day Rock-to-Rock tour

Price from AUD$769

4-Day Rock-to-Rock tour by Mulgas Adventure Tours

Use Code: BPACK25 for $25 off*

Day 1 (Dinner)

Your Outback Adventure of a Lifetime starts at 6am from Alice Springs or around
1pm from Ayers Rock (Uluru) Airport. We enjoy a fascinating road-trip to The Red
Centre, and explore Uluru with a guided walk. Relax with your group and enjoy a
spectacular Uluru sunset with a glass of bubbly. Later, rest with a hot shower and a
wholesome meal at our camp. Then it’s an unforgettable sleep under the desert stars.

Day 2 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Start with an early breakfast before watching the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Hike through Valley of the winds before heading back to camp for lunch. We then
travel through the outback to Kings creek station where we enjoy a Aussie BBQ and
another night around the fire under the outback stars.

Day 3 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy breakfast before exploring the incredible Kings Canyon where we hike
around the famous Rim Walk. Relax in the peaceful desert oasis, the Garden of
Eden. Then return to Kings Creek Station for a refreshing swim or simply relax. At
night escape to our private bush camp on Curtin Springs Station. Capture sunset
views of Mt Conner and enjoy your final night on tour, under the outback stars.

Day 4 (Breakfast)

Enjoy a relaxing start to the day before you say goodbye to all your new friends.
The tour concludes at Uluru airport around 10am. Alternatively continue to your
Alice Springs accommodation at no extra charge.

Latest tour information:

  • Length: 4 days

Alice Springs Backpacker Tour

Outback Camping Adventure

Price from AUD$1,495

Outback Camping Adventure by Adventure Tours Australia

This five-day small group tour is your chance to meet the outback on your own terms. No set itinerary, no rushing around to pre-established timeframes – just you, your small group, and a well-versed local leader exploring the Red Centre at your own pace. Get to all the big name attractions – Uluru/Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, the West MacDonnell Ranges – and perhaps visit lesser-known sites like Trephina Gorge, Owen Springs, Ruby Gap and the East MacDonnell Ranges.

Latest tour information:

Yulara Backpacker Tour

Outback Camping Adventure (ex Yulara)

Price from AUD$1,495

Outback Camping Adventure (ex Yulara) by Adventure Tours Australia

This 5-day small group tour is your chance to meet the outback on your own terms. No set itinerary, no rushing around to pre-established timeframes – just you, your small group, and a well-versed local leader exploring the Red Centre at your own pace. Get to all the big name attractions – Uluru/Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, the Western MacDonnell Ranges – and perhaps visit lesser-known sites like Trephina Gorge, Owen Springs, Ruby Gap and the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges.

Latest tour information:

Uluru Tours for Backpackers in the Heart of Australia

Discovering Uluru

Uluru is more than just a geological marvel; it holds deep cultural significance for the Pitjantjatjara Anangu, the Aboriginal people of the region.

Standing at 863 meters, this massive sandstone monolith is the second-largest in the world. Its inclusion in the World Heritage list in 1987 emphasizes its cultural and natural importance.

Mount Augustus in WA is more than twice the size of Uluru.

Bespoke Uluru Adventure

A tour of Uluru offers backpackers the chance to explore the mesmerizing landscapes of the outback. From one-day adventures to extended 6-day tours, ther are options to suit.

Backpackers can hike around Uluru’s base, witness the stunning formations of Kata Tjuta, and even embark on unique experiences like Uluru Camel Tours.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, 4-day tours covering Uluru and Kings Canyon provide a thorough exploration. Alternatively, shorter 2-day camping tours allow backpackers to sleep under the starry desert sky while still enjoying Uluru’s highlights.

Activities Around Uluru: Beyond the Rock

Skydiving and Helicopter Flights:

For adrenaline-seekers, skydiving above Uluru from 12,000 feet promises a spectacular adventure, offering a bird’s eye view of the vast desert and stunning rock formations. Alternatively, scenic helicopter flights provide a unique perspective, showcasing the grand scale of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Cultural Immersion:

Immersing in the rich Aboriginal culture, backpackers can join dot painting workshops, creating their artworks accompanied by Anangu people. The area’s renowned Aboriginal rock art adds a layer of historical and cultural significance.

Planning Your Uluru Adventure

Best Time to Visit:

Choosing the right time is crucial. While Uluru is incredible year-round, the period between May and September is ideal for milder temperatures.

Duration of Stay:

A recommended stay of at least two nights and three days allows backpackers to witness both sunrise and sunset, explore main sites, and potentially extend their adventure to Kings Creek Station or Kakadu National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uluru Tours:

What is the best time to go to Uluru?

The best time is between May and September for milder temperatures.

How many days do you need in Uluru?

A recommended stay is at least two nights and three days.

Can you walk around Uluru without a tour?

Yes, visitors can walk the 10km loop around Uluru alone or in a group.

Is going to Uluru expensive?

The entrance fee for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is $25 per person.

When should you not visit Uluru?

Extreme temperatures in summer (November to February) and freezing nights in winter (June to August) should be a consideration.

Do I need a car at Uluru?

While not necessary, having a car can provide much needed flexibility in your trip.

What not to do in Uluru?

Climbing Uluru is prohibited due to its sacred status.

Do you have to pay to enter Uluru?

Yes, the entrance fee for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is $25 per person.

Can tourists touch Uluru?

Climbing is prohibited, but visitors can walk around the base.

Why can’t you take pictures at Uluru?

Photographs are allowed in certain places. Restrictions apply in specific cultural areas and these requests not to photograph should be observed by all tourists.

Can you take rocks from Uluru?

No. It is disrespectful to take rocks or any items from Uluru.

Uluru Tours from Sydney

You may want to start your trip to Uluru from Australia’s most popular city. While almost all organised tours start in the Northern Territory, either from Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Airport near Yulara, you can arrange transportation from Sydney quite easily. Flights are frequent and affordable, connecting Sydney to both Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Airport. A direct flight to Alice Springs takes approximately 3 hours, or you can opt for Ayers Rock Airport for added convenience. Ayers Rock Airport is a short 10 min bus ride to the town of Yulara where most tours will begin.

Uluru Tours from Melbourne

Many backpackers choose to base themselves in Melbourne. And so when the time comes to do your Uluru adventure, booking a flight is the first step. You can choose to fly from Tullamarine or Avalon Airport, with both options flying to the Northern Territory. You’ll need to book a flight to either Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Airport. Flights take around 2 hours 55 mins to Alice Springs or 3 hours 5 mins to Ayers Rock Airport.

Uluru Tours from Brisbane

For backpackers seeking an escape from Brisbane’s urban energy to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Uluru, organising your own transport to NT is key. You’ll notice that most tours kick off from Alice Springs or Yulara. Flights to Alice Springs take around 2.5 hours from Brisbane, or you can opt for Ayers Rock Airport for a more direct entry into the heart of the Red Centre.