Review of Staying In A Caravan At Ayers Rock Campground Yulara
Read our honest review of Ayers Rock Campground, including pricing, amenities, pros, cons and nearby activities. If you want to stay in a caravan park near Uluru then your only option is Ayers Rock Campground. Located at Yulara this campground provides an authentic Outback experience giving you a front-row seat to one of Australia’s most famous landmarks: Uluru.
Let’s have a look at the ins and outs of staying here from pricing to amenities and all the great (and maybe not so great) bits.
In The Caravan Park At Uluru Ayers Rock Campground Yulara
Table Of Contents
First Impressions
Pulling into Ayers Rock Campground you’ll see the dry reddish landscape that lets you know you’re in the outback. It’s a proper desert feel with the convenience of a modern campground. The reception area is welcoming with friendly staff who are more than happy to answer any questions. This place is extremely popular so it’s worth booking ahead especially during peak season.
Pricing Information
When it comes to pricing, staying in a caravan at Ayers Rock Campground is pretty reasonable considering the location. As of 2024 prices for powered sites range around $85 per night for two people. You can also opt for an unpowered site if you’re looking to save a bit of money. Unpowered sites will set you back about $60 per night for two people. These prices vary a lot depending on the time of year. We stayed for three nights in August 2024 on a powered site at $85 per night for the two of us.
Contact Information
Phone: +61 8 8957 7001
Website: ayersrockresort.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Caravan Amenities
- The caravan sites are a bit on the small side but they’re big enough.
- We stayed on a powered site so had power connection as well as water. Additional water access points are scattered around the campground.
- The shower blocks are kept fairly clean – nothing too flash but you’re not roughing it either.
- There are laundry facilities with both washers and dryers. There are plenty of both. They are in at least two different locations as we’ve stayed here twice and used different laundries each time.
- Wi-Fi is available but fair warning it’s spotty at best. But let’s be real you’re out here to disconnect and take in the views not binge watch Netflix right? The good news is you’ll have a good 4G phone connection.
Things To Do While Staying at Ayers Rock Campground Yulara
So, what’s there to do besides marvelling at Uluru? Quite a bit, actually! Here’s a handy list of activities you can enjoy while staying at the campground:
- Sunrise and Sunset Viewing Of Uluru
This is an absolute must. The colours of Uluru change throughout the day but sunrise and sunset are absolute magic. Pro tip: the sunset viewing spot tends to be packed so get there early. - Field of Light
This art installation by Bruce Munro is a stunning display of 50,000 spindles of light covering a vast area near the base of Uluru. It’s a bit otherworldly and seeing it in the evening is an unforgettable experience. - Cultural Centre
Learn about the traditional owners of the land, the Anangu people and their connection to Uluru. The Cultural Centre is a great spot to dive into the history and stories of the area. - Cultural Talks At The Resort
Staying at the resort in the caravan park gives you free access to lots of different talks and workshops. These are scheduled daily. We’ve been to all of these across our two stays and we can’t recommend them highly enough.- Bush Food Experience
- Bush Yarns
- Capturing the Cosmos
- Didgeridoo Workshop
- Gallery Of Central Australia (GOCA)
- Guided Garden Walks
- An Ancient Story Takes Flight – The Making of Wintjiri Wiru
- Walking Tracks Around Uluru
There are several walking paths around Uluru ranging from short walks to more challenging hikes. The Mala Walk is popular and offers some incredible up-close views of the rock. - Camel Rides
Feeling adventurous? Hop on a camel and take a sunset ride through the desert. It’s a unique way to see the landscape and the camels are surprisingly comfy. - Helicopter Flights
For a birds-eye view of Uluru, take a helicopter tour. It’s a bit pricey, but well worth it for the stunning views. If Amanda can handle it (and she’s not big on heights), anyone can! - The Olgas (Kata Tjuta)
Don’t just stop at Uluru – the Olgas are another impressive set of rock formations about a 45-minute drive from Yulara. The Valley of the Winds walk is a favourite for those keen to explore. - Sounds of Silence Dinner
Dine under the stars with the Sounds of Silence dinner experience. You get to enjoy a meal while listening to the stories of the stars and learning about Aboriginal culture. - Shopping in Yulara
If you’re after a souvenir or two, Yulara has a decent shopping complex with some fantastic Aboriginal art and locally made crafts. - Swimming Pool
After a long day exploring, the campground’s pool is a welcome retreat. It’s not massive but a quick dip will help beat the heat.
Uluru Rent A Car And Visit Yulara Resort
Pros And Cons Of Staying At Ayers Rock Campground
Every spot has its ups and downs. Here’s what we reckon about Ayers Rock Campground.
Pros
- Location, location, location – You’re minutes away from one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks.
- Affordable – For the location, the pricing is pretty decent.
- Sites have enough room – The caravan sites aren’t overly generous size but they are big enough. Keep in mind that you’ll be out all day checking out what Uluru has to offer. You likely won’t be setting up the old totem tennis for a hit!
- Family friendly – With a pool and playground, it’s great for families.
- Clean Facilities – Bathrooms and communal areas are reasonably well maintained.
- Pet friendly – You can bring your furry mates along but double-check the restrictions before booking.
Cons
- Wi-Fi is Dodgy – If you’re planning to stay connected, you might be disappointed.
- Can Get Crowded – During peak season, the place is packed and privacy can be a bit of an issue.
- Noisy at Times – With so many people coming and going, it can be a bit noisy, especially early in the morning when people head out to catch the sunrise.
- Heat – Well it’s the desert so what else can you expect? Be prepared for scorching days during summer.
- Limited Shade – While there’s some shade it’s limited and finding a spot can be a challenge.
- IGA can be low on stock – The IGA is the only place available to stock up on groceries. We’ve been here a couple of times both times in peak season. They can have low stocks of a lot of products at these times. We’ve found that you generally get whatever you need but it might not be your favourite brand. You have to get what you can get kind of thing.
Driving And Getting Around
Getting to Ayers Rock Campground is pretty straightforward. If you’re driving from Alice Springs, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive on sealed roads. The roads are in good nick, but it’s best to have a full tank before you head out. Yulara also has a service station, so you won’t be stuck if you need to fill up.
If you’re not driving, there are regular buses from Alice Springs, or you can fly into Ayers Rock Airport (Yulara). From there, it’s a short drive to the campground. Most people hire a car to get around Yulara and explore the area.
Tips for Staying at Ayers Rock Campground
Book Ahead: This place fills up fast especially during the cooler months (May to September). Booking in advance is essential. It’s a hell of a long way to drive only to turn up and find the place is full.
Bring Insect Repellent: Flies can be relentless in the warmer months.
Stay Hydrated: It gets hot so keep a water bottle handy at all times.
Pack Warm Clothes: The desert can get surprisingly chilly at night, even in summer.
Don’t Rush: There’s so much to see and do so give yourself enough time to take it all in. You need more than two days.
Final Thoughts
Overall, staying in a caravan at Ayers Rock Campground is a fantastic experience for anyone keen to explore Uluru and its surroundings. The amenities are decent, the location is unbeatable and there’s plenty to keep you busy. Sure it has its quirks (hello, dodgy Wi-Fi) but the pros far outweigh the cons. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first time visitor to the Red Centre we reckon Ayers Rock Campground should be on your list. We’ve been a couple of times and will go again for sure. So hook up your van and get ready for an adventure!