Camping at Ayers Rock Resort: Everything You Need To Know

Australia’s Red Centre is a breathtakingly beautiful place: sandy, reddish-orange desert hues, spectacular sunsets and sunrises, and an endless expanse of sparkling stars overhead at night. What better way to experience this colourful, vibrant part of Australia than camping or caravanning?

Sleeping under the desert sky, waking up for a day full of adventure the moment you step out of your tent or van, feeling connected to the earth and the spiritual energy that surrounds Uluru – and don’t forget about the memories you’ll make. You just can’t beat being surrounded by wide-open space and incredible natural beauty.

All it takes to experience an unforgettable adventure at Ayers Rock Campground is some easy preparation before you arrive. Here’s what to bring, what to expect, and how to make the most of your Uluru camping holiday.

Located just 20km from Uluru and a short hop on the complimentary shuttle to all the amenities of Ayers Rock Resort, Ayers Rock Campground provides a beautiful base location offering the best of both world - the natural beauty of the Australian desert in close proximity to all resort amenities like a swimming pool, IGA, service station and 13 different dining options.

Unwind in an air-conditioned cabin equipped with cooking facilities, hook up your campervan at one of our powered campsites or pitch your tent under the shade of the native desert oaks and prepare to spend your nights stargazing.

Some campers prefer to rough it, while for others, glamping is more appealing. Ayers Rock Campground offers sites for all types of camping preferences. Where will you set up camp?

Cabins

Our two-bedroom cabins are air-conditioned with access to shared bathroom facilities and include two bedrooms, linen, cooking facilities and utensils, microwave, refrigerator and television. One bedroom contains one double bed, while there are two sets of single bunk beds in the second bedroom, suitable for children. Cabins sleep a maximum of six people and are a great option for families looking to make memories in the outback.

Tent Sites

Choose from 220 spacious powered and non-powered tent sites. All tent sites are located within close proximity to the campground’s shared facilities. Powered sites include 240/250 Volt, 50Hz AC outlets. Just don’t forget to pack your tent! They’re not included as standard.

Van Sites

Choose from powered van sites (approximate site length 8m/26 feet, with and without slabs) or unpowered sites (approximate site length 6m/19 feet). Powered van sites have electrical outlets for 240/250 Volt, 50Hz AC and water connections.

Camper/Trailer Sites

Park your camper or trailer and enjoy everything Ayers Rock Campground has to offer: spacious sites (8m/26 feet in length), with electrical outlets for 240/250 Volt, 50Hz AC and close proximity to the shared facilities and water supply.

Overflow Area

During busy seasons, our overflow area provides additional space in the campground for vans, trailers, and campers. It’s located about 100m from campground amenities. If you’re a light sleeper, you’ll want to be aware that the overflow area is located near the resort’s generator, which emits noise 24/7 – some visitors don’t mind the hum but for others, it’s an unwelcome guest!

Guests staying at Ayers Rock Campground have full access to resort amenities, including free daily programming such as guided walks and Indigenous bush yarns. The campground’s facilities include a swimming pool, BBQ and outdoor kitchen facilities complete with a shaded eating area and self-service laundry facilities. Shared toilet and shower facilities are located close to all sites. Cabins are equipped with cooking utensils, bedding, and towels, but campsites are not.

At the resort, you’ll find a well-stocked supermarket, restaurants and bars, a petrol station, gift shops, galleries, a Touring & Information Centre, and much more – everything you’d need to pick up last-minute supplies, forgotten items and souvenirs.

In addition to camping essentials (tent, sleeping bag, head torch, folding chairs), be sure to pack layers of clothing – since it gets chilly overnight, bring a beanie, gloves and lightweight layers you can peel off as you warm up. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and lip balm. Bug repellent and a fly net can also be useful items for keeping pests away. You’ll want sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle or canteen, and make it a point to drink 1L of water for each hour you spend exploring outside.

Other items to pack: a swimsuit and towels, personal electronics and chargers, binoculars and high-energy snacks like nuts and bars to fuel you for a day of exploring. You can stock up on snacks at the IGA supermarket located at the resort.

Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Unfortunately, cats are not permitted at Ayers Rock Campground or in the township of Yulara.

Getting to the Ayers Rock Campground is easy! If you’re flying into Ayers Rock Airport, you can expect a quick 15-20 minute drive via the convenient and complimentary airport shuttle. Once you’re settled in at your campsite, the resort’s shuttle service operates every 20 minutes, ferrying guests around the resort. Alternatively the resort’s Town Square hub is only a 10-15 minute walk from the campground. See more details about getting to Ayers Rock Resort via air, coach, and car. 

The car rental options at Ayers Rock Resort are Avis, Thrifty and Hertz and a car is a great way to explore all the wonders of the Australian Red Centre, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and Alice Springs at your own pace. The Red Centre Way is famous for good reason. We recommend pre-booking your car hire so you’re ready to roll as soon as you arrive at Ayers Rock Airport.

If you are flying into Alice Springs, please be aware it is approximately 4.5 hours drive away. We recommend hiring a 4WD if planning to drive the Red Centre Way loop, if travelling by 2WD take the sealed road from Alice Springs to Uluru.

The Ayers Rock Campground is open all year round, but you’ll want to be mindful of seasons and temperatures before booking your stay, depending on the type of camping gear you prefer.

For those in tents, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to sleep outside (temps can exceed 50 degrees Celsius during the summer, and in the winter can drop below zero) April, May, and September offer comfortable weather for both sleeping and exploring the Outback.

If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure your van or camper has solid A/C, or book one of our air-conditioned cabins for optimal comfort.

Check your sleeping bag’s R-value – the degree at which heat is transferred through the layers of insulation. In warm weather, you want a lower R-value (3 or less) to enable heat to escape, and a reflective liner will help to repel excess warmth. In winter, look for a higher R-value (5-8) and consider a filling like down to keep you toasty.

In high season it is best to book your campsite ahead of time - this way you get the best rate!

We can’t wait for you to witness your very first fiery Outback sunrise or experience the absolute wonder of sitting under the sparkling Milky Way, listening to the wild birds and reflecting on an amazing day of adventure. Start planning today by checking out our campground availability and rates, browsing tours and activities, and learning about other ways to explore the great outdoors. We’ll save you a campsite — see you soon!