Ayers Rock Connellan Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

There is no hotel inside the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: the law that protects it bans any structure within sight of the Rock, which is why all overnight stays in the area are concentrated in Yulara, the tourist village built in the 1980s about 6 km from the airport and 20 km from the Rock itself. Yulara is therefore the only real base: the choice isn't between different areas, but between the resort's hotels, from the 5-star option to budget accommodation, all linked by a free shuttle that runs continuously between the lodgings, the supermarket and the visitor centre.

Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort)

Nearby town · A free shuttle run by AAT Kings meets every arriving flight and departs for the airport before every departure, with no booking needed for guests of the resort hotels; the ride takes about 10 minutes over 6 km of road.

Best for: Anyone visiting Uluru: there are no real alternatives outside Yulara, so the choice comes down only to budget and comfort level.

Pros

Free shuttle to and from the airport included for all resort guests, with no extra costs
A second internal shuttle links all the hotels, the campground and Yulara's shopping centre for free, handy for changing restaurant in the evening without a car

Cons

Yulara is a tourist village isolated in the desert: there are no cheaper alternatives outside the resort
The Rock remains about 20 km away: even staying in Yulara, an organised tour or a rental car is needed to reach it

Recommended hotels in this area

Sails in the Desert: The resort's flagship hotel, with a pool, spa and a contemporary Australian restaurant; the white sails that give it its name are visible from much of Yulara.
Desert Gardens Hotel: Mid-range, with some rooms looking directly onto Uluru through the garden vegetation; free airport shuttle included, no booking needed.
Emu Walk Apartments: Apartments with their own kitchen, useful for families or multi-night stays wanting to save on meals at the resort, where dining prices are high due to the area's isolation.
Outback Hotel: The cheapest option among those with private rooms, with a pool and an open-air restaurant; the same right to the free shuttle as the resort's pricier hotels.

See more hotels in this area →