Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by Ariana Svenson
Want to visit Uluru with kids? Here are some helpful information and essential tips you should know to plan an unforgettable Uluru holiday with the whole family, whether you have a baby, younger kids, older kids, or even teens. We also cover the range of Uluru family accommodation options, to see which one will work best for your fam.
If you are visiting Australia, a visit to the Uluru region should definitely be on your bucket list. Though it is remote and, in most cases, requires a flight (unless you are intrepid and go overland), a Uluru family holiday is a great idea!
Like other iconic places (like the Sydney Opera House), Uluru is easy to recognize, and children will remember their visit for a long time.
Once you are at Uluru, there are not a lot of distances to travel, which also makes a visit to Uluru with kids a winner. The entire Red Centre Way was included in our Best Holiday Destinations In Australia For Families.
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Things To Do at Uluru with Kids
If you’re visiting Uluru with kids, there are so many things to do! If you like getting your kids inspired before you travel, take a look at our detailed Uluru Facts for Kids post.
Here are our top recommendations for family activities.
Go on a Sunset or Sunrise Tour
Do both if you can. But if you have limited time and can only choose one tour, I recommend you pick the sunrise excursion. Witnessing the first rays of the sun fall on the rock, turning it a fiery orange-red is so mesmerizing. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while you watch Uluru emerge from the darkness. The Talinguru Nyakunytjaku outlook has the best sunrise views.
Afterwards, you can explore the rest of the area, including Kata Tjuta.
Field of Lights Uluru
One of the most spectacular things to do at Uluru with kids is doing a Field of Lights Tour. This needs to be done through a tour company, though when you get there, the experience is self-guided.
Alternatively, you can first do a camel ride and then end the ride near the Field of Lights, where you can watch the sunset and then the lights as they are illuminated. Imagine as the sun sets, 50,000 glass spheres slowly come to life. Then, the stars begin to come out in the sky – and stargazing in the Australian outback is truly incredible!
We are lucky to have seen the Field of Lights installation in Albany, Western Australia
Ride a Bike Around the Base of Uluru
The hike around the base is 10.6 km and takes about 4 hours; especially with smaller kids, this sounds like a long time! The bike ride is easier and more fun, especially if you are travelling with kids. Uluru Bike Ride has options for toddlers, kids, and adults. They also will do transfers if you don’t have your own accommodation.
Remember, it gets very hot so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and snacks to keep the kids going.
You May Also Like: Famous Man Made Landmarks in Australia
Camel Experiences
There are several ways to enjoy learning more about camels while staying at Uluru. Smaller kids will enjoy a visit to the camel farm, where they can get up close with these amazing creatures and even sit on one in a safe enclosure.
For those with older kids will definitely want to add a camel ride near Uluru to their bucket list experiences. Imagine riding a camel while watching either sunrise or sunset at Uluru! Most consider the Uluru Camel rides as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Join a Dot Painting Workshop
Learn about traditional Aboriginal art, symbols, and ancient tools in an hour-and-half Maraku Arts Dot Painting Workshop led by a local indigenous artist. The workshop runs twice daily, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
You’ll discover the meaning behind different Anangu symbols and perhaps learn a word or two of the local Pitjantjatjara language. Get your creative juices flowing and create your own dot painting using your newly acquired knowledge.
This experience is a fantastic way to delve into the Anangu people’s indigenous culture and understand desert life. The bonus? You get to take home a priceless souvenir – your dot painting masterpiece.
Visit Kata Tjuta / The Olgas
Meaning ‘many heads’ in the local Aboriginal tongue, Kata Tjuta is sacred to the Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years. Like Uluru/Ayers Rock Kata Tjuta is a stunning natural wonder and very ancient. Instead of just one rock, Kata Tjuta features 32 red weathered rock domes.
The best way to experience Kata Tjuta/the Olgas is to do a hike. When we visited, we were travelling with a 1-year-old toddler. So it was easy to walk the 7.4km/4.6 miles Valley of the Winds Circuit. Though it included some steep scrambles, the magnificent views during the 3-4 hour hike were worthwhile.
We visited Australia’s Red Centre in August, the middle of winter. This meant that we were able to do the Valley of the Winds hike in the middle of the day. It was not too strenuous or hot. However, if you are visiting during the hotter months we would strongly recommend leaving early in the morning before the sun gets too hot.
Other options in the Valley of the Winds area, is to do a short hike of 1 hour (or 2.2km return) to the Karu lookout. There are still some loose rocks and it involves a climb, but the view is well worth it.
If you aren’t able to do the longer Valley of the Winds walks, we would consider the Walpa Gorge route which is 2.6km/ 1.6 miles.
Explore the Walpa Gorge
While visiting Kata Tjuta, you should not miss one of the area’s most iconic attractions, the Walpa Gorge. It runs through Kata Tjuta’s two tallest sandstone domes and serves as a refuge for various plants and animals.
In the late winter, clusters of pink daisies usually grow at the gorge’s entrance. Walking within the steep walls, you will pass by rare plants and a seasonal stream. If you’re lucky, you might spot a wallaroo, a kangaroo-like mammal but smaller, hopping around.
The Walpa Gorge is an out-and-back trail that stretches 2.6 km and takes around an hour to complete. The short walk is rated as easy level, with minimal elevation, making it perfect for kids of all ages. Just make sure you pack good walking shoes!
What If I Don’t Have Enough Time to do Valley of the Winds or other Hikes at the Olgas?
Like its famous cousin, Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta is also stunning in the early morning or late afternoon light. If you don’t have the time or energy to do one of the hikes, we would recommend travelling 40km from Yulara to one of two sunset viewing platforms that are marked on local tourist maps. There is also a designated sunrise viewing area over the sand dunes.
Also, if you are short of time, why not consider a helicopter or scenic flight? This way you will get the very best aerial views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta and also see parts difficult to access by land; here are the best Uluru helicopter flights.
Kings Canyon with Kids
If you are like us and drove from Alice Springs to Uluru, we would highly recommend making the detour to Kings Canyon on your trip to or from Ayers Rock Uluru. It’s a 3-hour drive (306 km) from Uluru (or the town of Yulara) to Kings Canyon. From Kings Canyon back to Alice Springs, it is about 5 hours of driving on the Lasseter Highway.
The main thing to do at Kings Canyon with kids (unless you are going to pay big cash for a helicopter ride) is the iconic hike to the top of Kings Canyon is known as the Rim Walk. Note, this is not for smaller children.
The Rim Walk is a 6 km circuit that starts with an exceptionally hard climb at the beginning. Over 500 steps straight up the canyon wall! Ouch! However, after the initial climb, the rest of the Rim Walk around Kings Canyon is gorgeous and has truly stunning views.
Carrying a toddler on our back, we did the hike in between 3-4 hours. I would not attempt this hike with small children unless you were able to carry them the entire distance. There are some quite scary cliff faces. You need to trust that your children can act responsibly for the whole hike.
However, in many ways, Kings Canyon was our favorite part of our entire Red Centre visit. We didn’t have the same expectations as we did for Ayers Rock/Uluru and in general, there were fewer tourists.
When is the Best Time to Visit Uluru?
No matter the time of the year, the sacred site of Uluru is stunningly beautiful. However, the weather in Central Australia changes moderately between seasons. You will experience something different depending on the month you visit.
Overall, the best time to visit Uluru with kids is between May and September, when the highest daytime temperature is typically 20°C (68 °F) and 30°C (86°F). With the cooler dry weather, you can enjoy a pleasant hike and sightseeing around the area.
Colourful wildflowers bloom throughout the park in August and September, giving the landscape a surreal look. However, the temperature can drop to almost freezing after sundown, so bring extra warm clothing if you’re staying after sunset.
October to March can get oppressively hot, with temperatures during the day usually going over 35°C (95°F). Summer, however, also brings heavy rains, which fill the waterholes and springs. Visit during this season if you want to see Uluru’s waterfalls flow freely.
Be sure to protect yourself from the heat by drinking plenty of water and wearing sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses. Avoid walking after 11:00 am. Also, check out the protective head nets sold at the park to keep off the flies.
How To Get To Uluru – Our Story
We flew from Sydney to Alice Springs where we rented a Britz Campervan, equipped with all we needed for a weeks’ stay in the outback. We purchased all our essential supplies in Alice Springs before heading off, expecting that it would cost less than en route. Uluru from Alice Springs is about a five-hour drive and we enjoyed the feeling of being in the Australian Outback.
Our first stop was Erldunda Roadhouse, which is 244km to Uluru and a great place to break the journey. They have motel units and caravan sites. Check here for the current prices and more information about Erldunda Roadhouse.
If camping is not your thing? Check below for other Ayers Rock accommodations.
We would still recommend driving from Alice Springs, which gives you an amazing perspective of the Australian outback, and just how big this country is! At Erldunda, there’s a variety of accommodation options – camping, powered and unpowered caravan sites, backpacker’s accommodation (very basic), and very nice motel rooms.
Check here for the latest prices on accommodations around Erdlunda and Ayers Rock.
From Erldunda, our next stop was the Ayers Rock Resort Campground, where we stayed for 4 nights. On our way back to Alice Springs, we stayed at the Kings Canyon Campground for two nights.
If you are looking for great accommodation options in Alice Springs, check the latest prices and options here.
Other Ways To Get To Uluru
If you are short of time, how to get to Uluru will be to fly directly to Ayers Rock. Book early for very reasonably priced tickets.
If you drive from Alice Springs (like we did) it is entirely accessible via sealed roads, and you only need a 2WD to do this! Keeping in mind that if you do hire a 2wd don’t try to take it off-road!
- If you are up for a long road trip, you could drive the Stuart Highway if you’re coming up from Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide. This is still a sealed route and well-trafficked.
- Western Australians could take the Great Central Road that heads out from Laverton but you would need to have some bush experience plus have a well-equipped 4wd. The Great Central Road is a mostly unsealed Australian outback highway that runs 1126 km from Laverton, Western Australia to Yulara, Northern Territory (near Uluru/Ayers Rock).
For tips on our to travel from Melbourne to Uluru a great Road trip from 5 Lost Together.
Where to Stay in Uluru: The Best Ayers Rock Accommodations
You don’t have to splurge to enjoy your Uluru holiday. There are some fantastic Uluru family accommodation options.
Ayers Rock Resort
There are a few different options if you want to stay close to the actual “rock”. Ayers Rock Resort offers all styles of accommodation and is a great Uluru accommodation. From campsites and cabins to simple hotels to apartments and, eventually, a “six-star” luxury hotel, Sails in the Desert. Then, off-site is Longitude 131 — super-luxury tents that take desert camping to a whole new option.
Outback Pioneer Hotel
The family-friendly, budget option is Outback Pioneer Hotel. Rooms offer air conditioning and heating and allow you access to all the amenities of Ayers Rock Resort. They have budget rooms and multi-bed dormitories. The rate depends on accommodation. Check here for current prices at the Outback Pioneer Hotel.
Ayres Rock Campground
We stayed at the Ayers Rock Campground with our trusty Britz campervan! This is also an alternative choice to other Ayers Rock accommodations. For us, it was the most cost-efficient place to stay in Uluru with kids.
Desert Gardens Hotel
The Desert Gardens Hotel is a relaxing retreat tucked in an oasis of ghost gums and native flowering shrubs. With 218 guest-rooms, the property offers diverse accommodations ranging from deluxe rooms overlooking the desert to garden-view suites with a private balcony.
Emu Walk Apartments
For more spacious and exclusive accommodation, check out Emu Walk Apartments, located 23 minutes from Uluru. The one and two-bedroom lodgings provide the same conveniences you have at home – a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a living room. Emu Walk Apartments is perfect for families looking for a home away from home.
How to Get Around Uluru
Despite being practically in the middle of the desert, Uluru is amazingly accessible and easy to get around. Here are some of the best ways to explore the area:
Driving in the Uluru Area
Driving is easily the most convenient way to get around Uluru with kids. The roads in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park are traffic-free and well-maintained. You can’t drive close to the rock base, but there are many car parks and lookouts where you can enjoy the view.
Driving from Ayers Rock Resort accommodation to Uluru takes around 20 minutes. Heading from the resort to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the main sunset and sunrise viewing area is about 30 minutes.
View Hire Car Prices and Availability for Your Dates Here
Cycling in the Uluru Area
Biking is an exciting way to travel around Uluru, especially on cooler days. There are bikes for hire for children and adults at the car park of the park’s cultural centre.
Because the desert can get very hot, rentals are only available from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. The distance from the car park to the rock is about 15 km.
Limit your time to three hours to complete the route to avoid the heat.
Walking and Hiking Near Uluru
You can join a guided walking tour to get to the rock. Hiking is the best way to get close to the base of Uluru to see ancient cave paintings. Check out the Mala Walk, a 2-km half-hour hike tracing the northwest side of the rock.
The Hop on Hop Off Bus
Biking or hiking around Uluru for kids younger than eight can be a little tiring for them. Getting on a hop-on hop-off bus might be your best option. You can relax in an air-conditioned shuttle as you travel around the area while listening to the guide tell stories about the sites you’re visiting. The service offers two-and three-day passes, so you don’t feel rushed.
Unique Ways to See Uluru with Kids
If you want to do something special on your trip, here are some truly unique ways to explore Uluru.
Take Teens on a Segway Tour of Uluru
Going on a Segway tour is a fun and exciting way to see Uluru and its neighboring attractions. Unlike a regular Segway, the one you will be driving features special tires designed for rolling in the dirt.
You can cruise around the rock’s base, a 12-15 km circuit, or opt for a sunrise tour. Please note that children must be at least 12 years old to ride a Segway.
See Uluru on a Camel Ride
Feeling extra adventurous? Check out the Uluru Camel Tours. The 1.5-hour express tours depart at 10:30 am or 2:00 pm. But if you want to see the rock change color, go for the dawn or dusk trip that leaves an hour before sunrise or sunset. The ride is suitable for children aged five years and older.
See Uluru By Helicopter
Flying over the desert is undoubtedly the fanciest way to get around Uluru. The tour may be costly, but it arguably offers the best views of the rock, especially during sunrise and sunset. Most helicopter tours only allow children over four on their flight.
Book Your Helicopter Tour Here
Where to Eat in the Uluru Area with Kids?
Considering the park is one of the remotest places in Australia, you might be worrying about finding a suitable place to eat when visiting Uluru with kids. But no need to fret. There are several child-friendly restaurants to choose from within the area. There is even an option for self-catering.
If you’re feeling a bit fancy or adventurous, you can book an exclusive dining-under-the-stars experience. H ere are some of the best eateries to try in Uluru with kids.
Kulata Academy Café
Managed by trainees of Uluru’s Indigenous academy, this quaint café offers an array of freshly made sandwiches, salads, pies, and cakes.
It’s a fantastic place to pick up coffee in the morning to perk you up or eat breakfast classics, such as yoghurt, smoothie bowls, and pastries. Kulata is open daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. View on TripAdvisor Here
Outback Pioneer Kitchen
Open daily from 12 noon to 9:30 pm, this laidback kiosk with communal tables is the perfect place to grab a casual and affordable lunch or early dinner.
The Outback Pioneer Kitchen serves pizzas, burgers, salads, and fish and chips, with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Those who love a cheerful atmosphere will love the live music in the background.
Arnguli Grill and Restaurant
Arnguli is a newly-refurbished a la carte restaurant that serves a unique grill selection featuring indigenous flavors. It also has a children’s menu for the picky eater.
Located at the Desert Gardens Hotel, the restaurant is open daily from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. It is a great place to relax and have dinner after an adventure-filled day. View on TripAdvisor Here
Geckos Café
Located on Town Square, Geckos is an all-day café serving classic favorites such as pasta, pizza, burgers, and salads. If you’re in a rush, takeaway service is available. It also has gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options.
The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm. View on TripAdvisor Here
Uluru Family Tours
Sometimes it’s better to have your trip all planned out for you. Opting for package holidays to Uluru with a reputable touring company eliminates hassles. You can focus on enjoying your family getaway stress-free. Here are our top family tour picks:
5 Day Australia’s Red Centre for Families, First Light Travel
The ultimate Australian Red Centre adventure, where you can ride camels, wade in waterholes and admire Uluru at sunset. It takes you exploring Alice Springs, touring the West MacDonnell Ranges on a 4WD, and walking Standley Chasm.
All the accommodation included in this package is fantastic too. You’ll enjoy a two-night stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Alice Springs and another two nights at the Emu Walk Apartments in Uluru.
5 Day Uluru Family Package, Australia and New Zealand Holidays
This exciting family package lets you experience everything that makes Uluru and Kata Tjuta among Australia’s best destinations. Go on a Segway or camel tour to Uluru at sunrise, followed by a base walk and breakfast. Just pack your water bottles, and you’re ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the red desert.
Stroll down the Field of Light, visit Kata Tjuta and the Walpa Gorge, and indulge in a BBQ dinner while watching the rock change colors at sunset.
You’ll be staying at the Desert Gardens Hotel for the entire duration of the tour.
Visit Kings Canyon and Uluru Family Adventure, Intrepid Travel US
Embark on a four-day family adventure exploring the Red Centre, from Uluru to Kings Canyon to the edge of Watarrka National Park.
The package includes three breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners. Accommodation is a permanent furnished tented camp with basic creature comforts such as comfy beds, electricity, and cooling fans.
Among the activities included in the tour are Uluru sunset viewing, a sunrise base walk, and a visit to the Mutitjulu waterhole. You will also enjoy a Walpa Gorge walk and a Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience at Watarrka National Park.
3 Day Uluru Adventure, TourRadar
Short but packed with fun activities, this family tour of the red centre takes you around Alice Springs, Uluru, and Kings Canyon.
Like a true outdoor explorer, you’ll stay in a permanent, furnished tented camp. Also included in the package are two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners featuring fresh local ingredients. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available on request.
Other Uluru Family Tours Worth Check Out Below
Uluru Family Holiday FAQs
How Far is Uluru from Alice Springs?
Uluru is 467.8km or 290.67 miles away from Alice Springs. A drive from the rock to the town takes roughly 4 hours and 54 mins on fully-sealed roads.
Is Uluru Pram Friendly?
The area around Uluru is generally flat, and all walking trails are well-marked, so you won’t have difficulty pushing a pram. One fantastic hiking option for families with young children is the 2 km (round trip) Mala Walk to Kantju Gorge, where you can see the Aboriginal rock art. Another pram-friendly hike is the 1-km (round trip) Kuniya Walk to the gorgeous Mutitjulu Waterhole.
Which is Better, Sunrise or Sunset at Uluru?
Both are spectacular. There’s no definite answer to this question, except it depends on what you want to experience. Some people prefer sunrise as the rock appears bright red, as if on fire when the sunlight hits it. At sunset, a glowing band of dark blue and purple descends upon the night sky of Uluru.
Learn more about Australia with our Australia Facts for Kids.
The Verdict – The Ultimate Uluru Family Holiday with Kids
If you are planning an Uluru family holiday you won’t find better or more complete information than we have provided here. We have given you all the ideas to do Ayers Rock with kids as independent travelers or to buy a Uluru family holiday package and have things go seamlessly. You really will be able to enjoy every moment with the kids in this very special, ancient, place.
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