All your Uluṟu camping questions answered

We’ve laid out everything you need to know about camping near Uluru: from the best time to go to choosing the right campsite for you.

When planning a trip out to Uluru, it won’t take long for the costs to add up. So why not try and save some money, and get in some quality Mother Nature time, with a camping trip out in the outback?

If camping isn’t quite your thing, we’ve rounded up the best accommodation options in Uluru. But if you don’t mind a stay without the bells and whistles, read on.

Uluṟu camping grounds

Ayers Rock Resort Campground

This is the closest campground to the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park where you can set up your tent or caravan at its powered and unpowered sites. While prices for this might seem more than your average campsite for the level of facilities (from around $40 for an unpowered site), it is a pretty good deal when you consider the other options nearby.

Ayers Rock Campground is the closest to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Facilities include a swimming pool, communal barbecue facilities for a morning fry-up, a self-service laundry and an outdoor kitchen. Are fears of wildlife driving you from packing a tent? Book a berth in one of their mixed four-bed dormitories, or level up with one of the family cabins. This may also be a good option when camping in winter, where temperatures can drop below zero degrees celsius at night, or in summer when they rise significantly. Dogs are welcome at the campsite.

Free camping near Uluṟu

Curtin Springs Wayside Inn

The closest thing to free camping can be found around 100 kilometres away from the monolith, at the Curtin Springs Wayside Inn . This roadside inn-meets-working cattle farm-meets-paper mill-meets-campsite is an experience in local outback hospitality. It has facilities such as its homestyle restaurant, coin laundry, walking tours across the nearby salt lake, and tours of the local paper mill, Curtin Springs Paper.

Camping at Curtin Springs — Curtin Springs Wayside Inn offers free unpowered sites, but you’ll be a fair distance from Uluṟu.(Image: Tourism Australia/Global Headquarters)

But the real highlight for budget-weary travellers is that it offers free unpowered campsites and relatively cheap powered sites. Powered sites can — and should — be booked in advance as they are swiped up quickly, but booking in advance for unpowered sites is not available. Barbecues are available. And the water situation? A $4 per person per shower charge applies and it costs $10 to fill up your tank. Black water cannot be dumped, and an onsite store sells petrol and food.

Birdlife Curtin Springs Wayside Inn — The serenity is momentarily interrupted by the birdlife. (Image: Tourism Australia/Global Headquarters)

Camping tips for Uluṟu

Can I camp on the roadside on the way to Uluṟu?

It is illegal to camp on the side of highways on your way to or out of Uluṟu. You can only camp in structured, specially set up campsites.

Campervan driving near Uluru-Kata Tjuta — It may be tempting to camp on the roadside, but it is actually illegal to do so.

When is the best time to camp at Uluṟu?

If you are taking the DIY route, and aren’t glamping, autumn and spring are generally considered the better times to camp in the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. The days don’t reach the scorching highs of the summer — making the tent all that much more bearable — and you won’t have to load up on thermals that you will probably need in winter.

the Ayers rock/Uluru sandstone formation — Spring and autumn are generally the best time to visit Uluṟu. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Can I bring my dog?

Pets are not allowed in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park itself. Do not leave the dog on its own when you go out exploring for the day, but ask around to find out what dog-sitting options there are available.

Can I light a campfire at Ayers Rock Campground?

You can only light a fire at the Ayers Rock Resort campground if it is winter and in the absence of a fire ban. Plan ahead and bring firewood (you must not gather wood in the park nearby, or, heaven forbid, chop down trees), and a firepit that raises it off the ground.

Are there snakes in Uluṟu?

Yes, there are snakes in Uluṟu. But don’t panic just yet! While there are 13 species in total, five are either non-venomous or blind. Of the remaining venomous eight, only three are considered dangerous: the Western Brown, the Desert Death Adder and the liru or King Brown or Mulga snake.

While this last one is the most venomous, like with many of Australia’s snakes, it’s all about keeping an eye out and keeping clear if you spot one.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com