Camping in Uluru
Australia’s most iconic natural landmark is the ultimate destination for outback adventurers.
- Uluru
Popular camping styles for Uluru
Camping in Uluru guide
Overview
Few natural wonders are as iconic as Uluru/Ayers Rock, the looming red-rock monolith at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. The headline act of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, there are numerous ways to discover Uluru. Discover Aboriginal rock art sites and natural waterholes on a base walk, admire the views on a helicopter tour, or enjoy a spectacular Uluru sunrise or sunset viewing. Camping isn’t permitted within the national park, but there are campgrounds and other accommodation options at nearby Ayers Rock Resort, Curtain Springs, and Yulara. Or, for the ultimate Uluru camping experience, opt to sleep in a swag beneath the outback stars.
Where to go
Kata Tjuta/The Olgas
Uluru isn’t the only natural wonder to admire within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Take a guided walk through the Valley of the Winds to admire the dramatic peaks of Kata Tjuta or The Olgas, enjoy a scenic camel ride through the desert, and explore the Walpa Gorge.
Kings Canyon
North of Uluru, the red-rock cliffs of Kings Canyon are the highlight of the Watarrka National Park, and the Kings Canyon Rim Walk affords the best views. Bush camping isn’t allowed within the park, but there are powered and unpowered sites at nearby Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Campground.
West Macdonnell Ranges
Alice Springs is the biggest town in Central Australia and the gateway to the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Head west to explore the Tjoritja (West MacDonnell)National Park, where you can hike through Simpsons Gap and cool off in the natural waterholes of Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge. Park your motorhome or campervan at one of the park’s three campgrounds, or escape the crowds at a secluded tent site in the bush.
East Macdonnell Ranges
East of Alice Springs, you’ll find some of the region’s least-explored natural landscapes. There are four campgrounds within the Trephina Gorge Nature Park, including some powered sites, and simple bush camping at N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park. You’ll need a 4WD to venture further afield to sites such as the Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve, Arltunga Historical Reserve, and Ruby Gap.
