Easy way to save money on iconic Aussie holiday to Uluru

A trip to Uluru may sound like something you have to spend a lot of time saving up for, but it doesn’t have to cost as much as you might think.

In fact, Voyages Ayres Rock Resort has accommodation options to suit most budgets and travellers, including a campground which we stayed at on a visit to the Red Centre.

After two nights at the luxury Sails in the Desert, we added a night at the campground to extend our stay. And I’m so glad we did.

Recent research from Voyages revealed that 52 per cent of past guests actually would stay longer in the area if they were planning the trip again.

According to the survey, 68 per cent recommended those planning their first visit should stay at least four nights.

The extra night definitely gave us a chance to explore more of what was on offer, and we could have easily stretched to another day.

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Ayres Rock Campground

Prices for a campsite start from just $30 per night. You can choose from air-conditioned cabins, powered campsites, or pitch your tent under the shade of the native trees.

There is a swimming pool, which was perfect as temperatures climbed close to 35 degrees during our visit. We had our toddler with us and one of the pools was ankle height. Absolutely ideal to cool down in the afternoon.

Guests can also use communal BBQ facilities, bathrooms, and the self-service laundry.

Plus, you also have access to the rest of the resort facilities, including hotel restaurants and free guest activities, while staying at the campground. 

There is a free shuttle to all the main hotels and shops, a Tour & Information Centre and art galleries so you can leave your car parked.

Exploring the rock

The resort is a 20-minute drive to the base of Uluṟu, and a 40-minute drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

You’ll need to get a park pass for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park which costs $38 per adult for three days or $50 for an annual pass. Children and teenagers under 18 years are free.

It’s free to do the Uluru base walk, which is just over 10km and can take about three to four hours.

A free ranger guided walk can also be organised via the National Park (and runs daily), which takes you along the main 2km Mala walk, to visit Mala Puta, an Anangu site that details women’s business via paintings on the rock’s surface, and the Kantju Gorge.

You can also drive all the way around the base with your own car for another perspective.

Kata Tjuṯa and see Walpa Gorge

Once you’ve done Uluru, another easy day trip you can do from the resort is a visit to Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas.

We set out early morning for a walk through Walpa Gorge. The name “Walpa” means “whistle” in the local language of the Anangu people. If you listen closely you can hear the wind as it rushes through the red domes.

The self-guided walk is about 2.6km return and meanders through towering rock walls and along a rocky creek bed lined with rare plants and ancient gum trees.

If you don’t have a two-year-old with you and have a bit more time on your hands you can do the Valley of the Winds walk.

The scenic, but more challenging 7.4km circuit trail, winds through the domes and takes you to the Karu Lookout and Karingana Lookout.

Stars and animals

Some of the experiences at Voyages cost more than others, including the Wintjiri Wiṟu drone show or Sounds of Silence dinner.

You can visit the world-famous Field of Light from as little as $50 per adult. If you’re worried that there isn’t anything else to do then, you’d be surprised.

A visit to the camel farm and petting zoo was a highlight for our little one. It is open daily from 9am to 3pm and completely free. Of course, if you want to actually do a camel ride that comes at an extra cost (but not an option with a two-year-old).

Stargazing at night is another thing you can do that won’t cost a cent. Staying in the campground was the ideal spot for this as you were a little more removed from the main hustle and bustle (as well as the lights) of the resort’s main buildings.

If you’re keen to learn a little more about what you’re looking at, you can book the Outback Sky Journeys tour which leaves from the Town Square in the evening.

The hour-long experience costs $70 and includes telescopes plus an experienced star talker, who will take you through the history of the universe and ancient stories from the Anangu people.

More highlights that don’t cost a thing

If you’ve done all those things, an afternoon relaxing by the pool and reading a book sounds like the perfect option. But if you’re a do-er and worried you’ll get bored now, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what you can do here.

There are daily free guest activities which don’t require bookings.

You can discover more about Uluru’s night skies with a documentary followed by a Q&A with resident Astronomy Guide in Capturing the Cosmos at the Arkani Theatre.

The Didgeridoo Workshop is a great option for families with young kids. Dwain, the principal performer, is a proud First Nations man from Yamadji Country who has been playing the instrument for 29 years.

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You can listen to the stories and learn about men’s weapons that were used for hunting or women’s tools and techniques to gather bush tucker in the Central Desert during the Bush Yarns session.

Or another family favourite is the Paint your own Australian Animal experience held at the Outback Hotel and Desert Gardens Hotel.

Kids can choose from a selection of wooden creatures and a variety of stencils and paint colours and get creative.

This story was created in partnership with Voyages Ayres Rock Resort. The writer travelled to the Northern Territory at their own expense and stayed as a guest of Voyages. All opinions are our own.