Best Uluṟu accommodation - Australian Traveller

From extreme luxury glamping to cheap-as-chips dorm rooms, here are the best places to stay near the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, on any budget.

Any trip to see Uluru in the heart of the Northern Territory is going to mean a lot of time spent outside your hotel room. From rising before the crack of dawn to see the famous rising of the sun over the glowing red sandstone monolith to staying out late to dine in the desert dunes and hear Indigenous stories of the night skies, there’s a multitude of reasons that you may spend a lot of time outside while visiting the Traditional Lands of the Anangu.

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Yet the hotel you pick can make or break your holiday. Want a cheap and cheerful campground where you can make friends, save your pennies and still wash off that red dust in the shower block? The township of Yulara, just outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has it. Want to propose on a helicopter while flying over the sands, before getting a little too loved up in a private plunge pool? This region has that too.

We’ve lined up our favourite accommodation options at the Red Centre icon below.

It’s worth noting that a trip to Uluru can make for a pricey holiday, particularly when it comes to booking accommodation in the high season. But we’re talking a once in a lifetime journey to the outback that’s bound to shake up your sense of perspective. So don’t skimp on the extras, if you can help it…

Longitude 131º

Okay, let’s start it off with the very best of the best. Longitude 131º offers the first and last word in desert luxury. Composed of sixteen pavilion tents, Uluru is the centre of attention from each. And from your private balcony, you can watch the colours shift throughout the day from the glowing reds of dawn. Of all the accommodation options in Uluru, very few rooms have a view of the Rock itself. And of all the options, the tents at Longitude 131º certainly have the best view. There are also two pools for guest to use, all-inclusive fine dining, as well as tours included in your stay.

Each luxury tent has an unobstructed view of Uluru. (Image: Baillie Lodges)

Each tent has floor-to-ceiling windows, a private terrace with a campfire and daybed, a rain shower, beautiful Indigenous art and music system, as well as those killer views.

an outback lodge with a small pool and seating area featuring scenic Uluru views

Lounge by the lodge pool to soak up stunning views of the Uluru landscape. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

Want to amp it up? The Dune Pavilion has its own private plunge pool, with views over both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The Spa Kinara and exclusive experiences that include a helicopter ride over the park, or a sunrise or sunset camel ride through the dunes merely top off the whole unbelievable glamping experience. We’ve written a detailed breakdown of what it’s like to stay at Longitude 131º here.

a glamping tent in the middle of the rugged landscape at Longitude 131, Uluru

Stay at Longitude 131 for a unique glamping experience. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort

Ayers Rock Resort runs most of the accommodation available near the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, from camping to motels and luxury offerings. The Voyages Tourism group who run the resort put profits towards Indigenous training and employment, as well as supporting local culture, and chances are, you will be staying at one of their locations on your visit.

an aerial shot of the Gallery of Central Australia

The Gallery of Central Australia features the works of local Anangu artists.

Whichever resort location you pick, don’t forget to visit the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA). It’s located next to Desert Gardens Hotel (more about that below), and you can head onto one of their free daily tours to learn Indigenous stories from the region and see the revolving exhibitions.

the paintings displayed on the wall inside the Gallery of Central Australia

Have a look inside the gallery for impressive artistic creations.

Another highlight at the resort? The Tali Wiru (meaning ‘beautiful dune’ in local Anangu) bush tucker-fine dining experience is housed on a dune for a maximum of 20 guests. Expect canapes like pressed wallaby with fermented quandong and three delectable courses, such as Paroo kangaroo tartare or Davidson plum, lemon myrtle and quandong, all paired with wine; before finishing with a talk on astrology. (We’ve lined up more of the best Uluru dining experiences here.)

If you’re not renting a car, complimentary airport returns are included for all Resort guests, and a free shuttle bus is available if you want to hop from hotel to hotel.

Sails in the Desert

The plushest offering from the Ayers Rock Resort, the five-star Sails in the Desert is around 25 kilometres from Uluru and 50 kilometres from Kata Tjuta. Local Anangu art and culture are woven throughout the hotel aesthetic, from the carpets patterned with First Nations artist designs and Mulgara Gallery to the signature Indigenous dishes at the Ilkari restaurant.

Fill your appetite with good food at Sails Ilkari Restaurant. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia/Adam Bruzzone)

Book in at the Red Ochre Spa for some major pampering after a day touring the sandstone monolith, simply relax by the gumtree-lined pool or order a pre-dinner drink at the Walpa Lobby Bar. If you can, try and book one of their rooms with a view of the rock. Trust us, it’s worth it.

interior of the twin room at Sails Terrace

Stay cosy inside the Sail Terrace Twin room. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia/Lisa Hatz Photography)

Desert Gardens Hotel

In terms of the more mid-range offering, the four-and-a-half-star Desert Gardens Hotel is one of the resort’s older offerings but has been recently refurbished. Top picks for rooms include those that overlook the hotel’s stunning native garden, resplendent with local shrubs of which you can take a closer inspection on a free tour, as well as rock-view rooms.

the interior of Desert Gardens Room with a balcony

Wake up to scenic views next to the balcony of your room. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

It’s only a five-minute walk to the resort’s Town Square from here. For a lunch with a touch of bush tucker, order some native peppered kangaroo kebabs at Mangata Bistro and Bar, or a signature Native Tasting Plate at Arnguli overlooking the pool.

a huge outdoor pool at Desert Gardens Hotel

Head to the pool for a refreshing dip. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Emu Walk Apartments

If you’d rather save money when it comes to catering, opt for the Emu Walk Apartments. One and two-bedroom apartments include a kitchen for preparing meals (psst: head to the nearby supermarket, first), as well as including sofa beds if you’re trying to get extra economical on the family trip.

Emu Walk Apartments boast fully furnished living rooms. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Don’t stress if you want to have a few sneaky meals out though – the Resort’s Town Square is just a few minutes walk away.

the modern interior of Emu Walk Apartments

There are plenty of seating areas to rest up. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

The Lost Camel Hotel

Quirky and brightly coloured, The Lost Camel Hotel gives a Palm Springs feel with its ochre tones and clean design lines centred around a pool.

The warm desert tones give a Palm Springs feel to The Lost Camel Hotel. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

As a three-star hotel, expect lower prices (for Uluru, that is) and more basic room layouts. As with all other resort guests, your stay includes free Indigenous cultural activities, and you can make your way over to the Town Square for the supermarket and cafes.

a whitewashed bedroom with a cosy bed at The Lost Camel

The bed is so comfy and perfect for a good night’s sleep. (Images: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge

The Resort’s other three-star offering is another relatively cheap one to book. The Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge has a mix of dorm and budget rooms, with shared bathrooms and showers for those who opt for those without an ensuite.

the bedroom inside the standard room at Outback Pioneer Hotel

Tuck yourself in your cosy bedroom at Outback Pioneer Hotel. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Other communal features include a kitchen, common television room and self-service laundry. Cook up a storm at the do-it-yourself Outback BBQ.

wide seating area inside the in-house restaurant of Outback Pioneer Hotel

You may also opt to have your dinner at their in-house restaurant. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Ayers Rock Campground

Sleep under a canopy of desert stars at Ayers Rock Campground, listening to the night around you, continuing as it has for tens of thousands of years.

a family gathering around a bonfire setup in Voyages Ayers Rock Resort Campgrounds

Light up a bonfire to complete your camping experience. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

The Ayers Rock Resort’s most budget-friendly option has a range of sites to pick from, including a bunk in a dorm room, cabins, and powered and unpowered sites for tents and caravans.

a forest cabin at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort

Pitch a tent or stay in a forest cabin. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)Despite the more basic conditions, the campsite has a swimming pool, as well as barbecue facilities, an outdoor kitchen, self-service laundry and a playground. It’s also worth noting that you still have access to the resort’s suite of free programs. The best time to camp here is in autumn, before the nights get uncomfortably warm during the summer months or cold weather gear becomes essential in the night hours.

children playing in the pool at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort

There’s even a pool where you can soak in. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Our full-blown Uluru camping ground can be perused here.

Curtin Springs Wayside Inn

The Curtin Springs Wayside Inn is a fair bit further out from Uluru – 100 kilometres to be exact. A tie between an operating cattle station, inn, campground and desert oasis, the Curtin Springs Wayside Inn heavily leans into giving guests a local experience.

an aerial shot of the remote accommodation at Curtin Springs

Curtin Springs Wayside Inn is ideal for outback travellers. (Image: Tourism Australia/Global Headquarters)

Highlights include its homestyle meals at the historic Bough Shed (steak, anyone?), a program of private walks to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as visits to the local salt lake, and tours of Curtin Springs Paper.

a couple posing in front of the entry point at Curtin Springs Wayside Inn

Spend your laid-back weekends here. (Image: Tourism Australia/Global Headquarters)

Sleeping options include budget rooms with shared bathrooms, family rooms with wheelchair-friendly bathrooms with ramp access, powered campsites and free unpowered sites.

an aerial view of the remote accommodation at Curtin Springs Wayside Inn

Experience outback luxury at Curtin Springs Wayside Inn. (Image: Tourism Australia/Global Headquarters)

Make use of the barbeque area, as well as coin laundry facilities. An onsite store sells petrol, as well as food, and the inn is pet-friendly. The unpowered sites are free. There is a $4 per person per shower charge and it costs $10 to fill up your tank with water.

Once you’ve settled in, it’ll soon be time to get going again. Pick the best of the bunch from our list of outstanding Uluru tours here. or discover more travel inspiration with our guide to Uluru.

This multi-day hike just got even better thanks to its exclusive new accommodation offering.

To complete its new Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, Tasmanian Walking Company is constructing a suite of luxury accommodation along the route, which snakes through Australia’s Red Centre.

Each night, guests will retreat to the stunning eco-sensitive lodgings to recharge before hitting the trail again come morning – the ultimate finishing touch to this quintessential Aussie outback experience.

All about the new accommodation

The new accommodation offering from the Tasmanian Walking Company will open to guests on the four-night Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk in 2026. It will include two environmentally conscious camps and the exclusive Luxury Lodge, all nestled deep within the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Accommodation in the Northern Territory

The exclusive accommodation is part of the new Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk.

On the first night, hikers will hunker down at Camp One, which offers sweeping vistas of the iconic red-dirt landscape. Wash your first day on the trail away with a hot shower before getting snug in your thoughtfully designed canvas tent for a good night’s rest.

Camp Two, where guests stay on their second night, is similar in style and offers the same amenities, including flushing toilets. Here, you can treat yourself to a foot spa before heading out onto the designated stargazing deck to see the Milky Way in all its glory. Keen cosmic observers can even opt to camp out under the stars in a cosy swag.

Spacious canvas tents allow for full immersion in the ancient landscape.

Nights three and four of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk will be spent at Tasmania Walking Company’s impressive new Luxury Lodge. Guests are invited to rejuvenate with a massage or facial at the onsite Wellness Centre before relaxing with new friends in the communal lounge or retreating to private sleeping quarters.

While full details are yet to be released, the lodge is designed specifically to spotlight the surrounding scenery in all its raw, unfiltered beauty and integrate unique features that will work to fully immerse guests throughout their stay. Uninterrupted views of Uluru also allow for thoughtful reflection on your journey, amplifying a real sense of connection to and respect for Country.

Reflect on your transformative five-day journey at the Luxury Lodge.

It’s important to note that all accommodation along the way is twin share, so most solo travellers will need to bunk up with a fellow hiker. While single rooms can be requested upon booking, 75 per cent of your full fee is required as a supplementary payment.

What to expect along the way

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk has been developed in close consultation with the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people (Anangu), the Traditional Owners of the land. All up, the hike spans 54 kilometres across this vast and ancient landscape, earning itself a place among Australia’s most unforgettable hikes before it even opens to the public.

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk in the Northern Territory

The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk span 54 kilometres.

During the day, guests will tackle different sections of the trail with an experienced guide, from the soaring domes of Kata Tjuta to the 550-million-year-old Uluru, the sacred heart of Australia. Along the way, you’ll witness ochre-rich dunes, mulga woodlands and ancient outcrops, as well as hear Ancestral stories and learn about caring for Country. If five days isn’t enough (and it rarely is in this magical place), tack on an extra week or so to experience everything else Uluru has to offer.

Bookings for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk are now open, with availability from April 2026 to September 2026. Prices start at $5395 per person and include all accommodation, transfers, meals and a selection of beverages, as well as a mandatory national park pass.

Luxe to less: Uluṟu accommodation for any budget