Bucket list experience:
You can walk it, dine by it, even visit under starlit skies, but nothing matches soaring above Uluru’s majestic outline, with the vast, empty wastes of the Australian desert rolling out to the horizon. A helicopter tour is the best way to appreciate the jaw-dropping scale of the Northern Territories, encompassing everything from the ancient glory of Kata Tjuta – huge ochre-hued outcrops of rock – to Uluru itself. Pilot commentary during the flight gives an insight into the history and mythologies that have coloured the landscapes over the centuries.
Options range from an Uluru-only tour, which lasts 70 minutes, to a more elaborate Kings Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta safari, which includes a guided walk at Kings Canyon and takes four-and-a-half hours to complete.
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Destination Guide >Flights leave from the airstrip at Ayers Rock Resort and the booking fee includes coach transfers from your accommodation at Yulara. Flights operate from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year, but are weather dependent.
Book through the Ayers Rock Resort, or direct with a trusted helicopter operator like Professional Helicopter Services.
Because these aircraft are air-conditioned, scenic flights can be enjoyed even at the height of summer. Both sunrise and sunset flights are incredibly popular, so book well in advance if you want to fly at these times.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Uluru
A140 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [47 ratings]
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Uluru
A295 | Rating 4.87 / 5 [66 ratings]
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Uluru
A330 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [64 ratings]
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Uluru
A435 | Rating 5 / 5 [10 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[5.5 miles]
Fresh from a multi-million dollar make-over, this iconic desert resort has never looked better, and makes an ideal base for exploring Uluru.
Official star rating:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[5.7 miles]
Affordable quirky and fun, this small hotel is an unexpected delight in the Red Centre, with access to all the facilities of the Ayers Rock Resort.
Official star rating:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[5.9 miles]
This bright and airy apartment hotel is the perfect choice for families or groups of friends, with excellent facilities and a great location.
Official star rating:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[6 miles]
Excellently located in the heart of the Yulara township, this friendly garden hotel an oasis in this harsh yet beautiful arid landscape – and the perfect base to explore.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Northern Territory, Australia
The place to come for the Australian outback experience – jaw-dropping geological formations (including world-famous Uluru), sleeping out in swag bags, sampling bush tucker, and connecting with authentic Aborginal culture.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[5.5 miles]
Sublime upscale desert dining experience, with magnificent Uluru views combined with Aborigine performance and storytelling.
Best for ages: 15+ | £200 | 4 hours
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[5.7 miles]
This dot painting workshop is an excellent and fun introduction to Indigenous Art, where participants learn about the different symbols used to create local Creation Time stories.
Best for ages: 4+ | £40 | 90 minutes
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[6.3 miles]
The best-known outdoor dining experience in Australia – an unforgettable dinner in the desert under a billion stars, with didgeridoo music and a fascinating lesson in astronomy.
Best for ages: 8+ | £165
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[17.5 miles]
A unique 10km circuit walk that showcases the complex and intricate beauty of this extraordinary monolith, and reveals the rich local legends that surround it.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[5.4 miles]
Located at the Sails in the Desert hotel, this long-running gallery sources authentic Aboriginal dot paintings, artworks and glassware from desert communities across the Northern Territory.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[5.7 miles]
The digeridoo, a long and thin musical instrument of Australia’s indigenous people, is one of the Outback’s most iconic symbols – and sounds. Playing it relies on a technique known as circular breathing which is much harder to master than it looks. These workshops are free – so why not give it a go?
Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 45 minutes
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[5.9 miles]
Dubbed a ‘cultural hub’, this arts centre in the Ayers Rock Resort showcases work from established and emerging indigenous artists, plus a range of cultural events. It hosts regular exhibitions, and offer free daily tours.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[6.3 miles]
With no air pollution and a tiny population, the Park is an ideal place to study the universe and these tours of the night sky are excellent – and led by entertaining astronomers. Tours depart daily, 2 hours after sunset, from the Ayers Rock Resort. Under 15s go free.
Best for ages: 4+ | £30 | 1 hour 15 mins
