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.

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.

Uluru Longitude 131 — 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.

the interior of Sails 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.

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.

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.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

Luxe to less: Uluṟu accommodation for any budget