October 25, 2019 / 8:52 AM / AP Sacred indigenous site closed to hikers . A range of Uluru walks are available, from short sections to walking the full 11 km 6.8 mi / 3 ½ hour loop around Uluru. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a spectacular sight as Uluru transforms from ochre to burnished orange and intense red. Not only is it a spectacular natural formation, Ulu r u is a deeply spiritual place. One of Australia’s natural wonders. Now a World Heritage-listed attraction, Uluru is not just a natural wonder but a deeply spiritual place. It's central in town meaning you can get to most of the attractions, plus it is immaculately clean and comfortable. Alice Springs is great in spring and autumn as you can swim in one of the many waterholes without catching a cold. Extreme weather involving summers filled with scorching heat alongside winter’s jam-packed with freezing overnight temperatures. Who wouldn't want to glamp in the Outback?! Although this may seem like a setback, it does wonders to make this destination a truly special one. Scenic helicopter tours. Visit one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Uluru. Whilst people do visit year round, your experience will be completely different depending on the season. Its sheer immensity dwarfs everything around it. The only way to truly experience Uluru (Ayers Rock) is to visit it. I guess the only time I wouldn't visit Uluru would be in Dec / Jan / Feb due to the heat. Uluru is good all year round for a road trip, but to avoid the worst of the heat travel between May and September. In fact, I would argue there are far better ways to experience Uluru and the surrounding areas. However, you’re likely to see much less crowds (outside of school holidays). During the rare rainfall, Uluru can even turn a silver-grey color. Everything you need to know before visiting Uluru. The temperatures are great for hiking and the flies have largely departed. During this time the air temperature is warm (about 25-30C) and the nights are mild. :-). A natural wonderland. Summer (Dec - Feb) isn’t the best time to visit Australia: half the country is in rainy season and the other half swelters. Two days before our arrival, the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park board announced that from October 26, 2019, Uluru will be permanently closed to … The ancient landmark brings thousands of travellers to Australia year-round, but when is the best time to visit Uluru? The second best part of my visit was watching the sunrise in the desert sky. So when Tourism Northern Territory invited me on a four-day trip to the Red Centre it was a golden opportunity to see Uluru with my own eyes. We much preferred swimming in spring and autumn. Ayers Rock’s climate can be described as ‘arid’.Rainfall is low, averaging only 308 mm per year.So if you see rain on Ayers Rock, take a photo! From what we’ve heard, it is a very difficult time of year to visit. The heat is intense and the flies are at their peak. Whilst the skies are at their clearest, the sometimes sub zero temperatures mean you have to really wrap up! Summertime, which is during December, January, and February, is the worst time to visit Uluru. Temperatures can soar to above 40°C during the day. Parks Australia said visitor numbers to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park have been steadily increasing for the past six years, with a 22 per cent increase in 2018. Go by NSW and Victoria to get a good idea of the times to avoid. WINTER TRAVEL TIPS. And with the cooler climate, it’s the perfect time to visit Australia’s Red Centre - Uluru and Alice Springs enjoy sun-filled days around 18-22°C, but with nighttime lows of 1-2°C, make sure you rug up well if you’re camping! For some visitors, a desire to climb Uluru was the only reason to visit, but there is so much more to Uluru than just the climb. Visiting Uluru and Alice Springs at the right time will have a big impact on a trip to Australia and you should consider the best time to visit Australia as a whole. Summer is often considered the worst time of year to plan cheap flights to Alice Springs due to its oppressive heat. To really get intimate with this sacred site of the Aboriginal people, it's necessary to spend some time walking around it. Dawn usually brings a bright pink, while noon brings out orange. © 2021 - Walk My World. I guess the only time I wouldn't visit Uluru would be in Dec / Jan / Feb due to the heat. Here you can see the rock changing colour before your very eyes. Uluru climbing ban forces hotels to slash prices 40% - but the entire tourism industry faces a $4.5 BILLION downturn after bushfires sparked 'worst summer on record' Even during these times, we recommend visiting the rock either in the early morning or late afternoon as the midday temperatures are hot all year round. Wari (June/July): The cold season with morning frosts. Another reason why this is our favourite time is that you can sit outside at the Sounds of Silence dinner  (one of the highlights of the whole of Australia) and be comfortable. If getting up close to the rock in the day is your priority, then the winter is a great time for you. Ayers Rock Resort is pretty much the only option out near Uluru. What is the best time of year and we would appreciate any other tips. They will still be slightly annoying (and you’ll probably need a net) but it is an acceptable price to pay. 1. Tours range from basic 1 day bus tours (beware, this means at least 1,000 km of driving in 1 day) up to 5 days long, also often visiting Kings Canyon and the MacDonnell ranges on the way. While you're visiting Uluru this winter, why not experience a little hot and cold and go snow skiing as well. Garden walk – Desert Gardens hotel. And outside the park, more than 200,000 visitors have viewed Bruce Munro’s Uluru-inspired “Field of Light” art installation since it debuted in 2016. There are a variety of coach tours available from Alice Springs but unless you really enjoy riding in a bus for extended periods of time the best way to visit Uluru is to fly into the town of Yulara via Conellan Airport. The flies are at their worst at certain times of the year. This is by far the hottest time of year for the Red Centre and you are unlikely to get relief from a bit of rain. We were truly freezing and it meant we didn't watch every single one as we would have normally liked to do. June / July / August - … According to the park's data, in the 1990s the number of visitors who climbed Uluru was 74%, which fell to 28% in 2010 and just 16.2% in 2015. We did also go in the water holes, but during winter a float is imperative and, to be honest, if any water comes over the float you will feel really cold. Here's our tips for the ensuring you have the best conditions for your trip. June-August. People are often surprised to find out that winter nights at Ayers Rock Resort can fall below freezing.This is because it’s located in the middle of a semi-arid desert. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a spectacular sight as Uluru transforms from ochre to burnished orange and intense red. On a winter trip once, we glamped in temperatures that dropped to -2C. A natural wonderland. Here is a map which shows the different walking options from the three carparks. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. Shutterstock. A number of tour companies based in Alice Springs visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The period always guaranteeing a bigger crowd at the marvellous Uluru, as well as peak prices in flights, accommodation, tours, and more. We also found the very clear skies mean that sunrises and sunsets were not so spectacular (more subtle) than in spring/autumn. It really is a sight that will sear itself on to your mind. But if you get up early then you miss the worst of it, and to be honest the early mornings are the best time in that area. Last year, more than 370,000 people visited Uluru, a remote UNESCO World Heritage-listed sandstone rock formation that is some 470km (292 miles) from Alice Springs, the nearest city. Book your Australian Ski Accommodation and Accommodation in Thredbo at OnSnow now. Special viewing areas with road access and parking have been constructed to give tourists the best views of both sites at dawn and dusk. Uluru has acquired its reputation not just because it is such a unique landform, but also because of the effect the sun has on its colours and appearance. We’ve never been happier to see the sun return! Remember, never travel without travel insurance! The temperature can be unbearable during the day. Slightly cooler than the previous months, March in Cairns averages between 23 – 30.5 degrees Celsius. Our favourite time to visit Uluru and Alice Springs is the spring or autumn. Bookme offers the best deals and discounts on all top activities, attractions, tours and things to do in the Uluru … The Worst Time to Visit Zion National Park. 1300 661 225Suite 409, Level 4, 2 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, © Copyright 2021 | Sightseeing Tours Australia ABN: 53 204 539 966 |, Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta from Ayers Rock $135, Uluru Sunset and Sacred Sites from the Rock $125, 4 Day Ayers Rock and Surrounds Rock to Rock $408, 7 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Tour with Uluru Detour $910. There are hardly any flies, making it a lot more comfortable than at any other time of year. | Nothing can really prepare you for the immensity, grandeur, changing colour and stillness of 'the Rock'. Based on weather alone, this is probably a time of year to avoid going to Alice Springs for your holidays. From the sky you can see Uluru, the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta and Lake Amadeus.. Desert Awakenings tour December, January, February. However, with the freezing nights, experiences such as the Sounds of Silence or star gazing are a little more challenging. Posted on December 1, 2018 December 15, 2018 by justmyfootsteps. Chaos as Uluru reopened for final time to climbers before ban takes hold. Visiting the main attractions at Alice Springs gets a lot more uncomfortable in the summer. AAP April 22, 2014 9:00am Visit one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Uluru. It is well worth the early rise or late-night adventure when travelling. All the other months are good & offer different experiences. In this case, there's a logical explanation. Get Uluru's weather and area codes, time zone and DST. This is by far the busiest time for tourists, particularly for US and Europeans visitors. Current local time in Australia – Northern Territory – Uluru. In the winter the tents can get cold though (the Outback can drop to -1 C at night). Find out the best time to visit each part of the country as well as the cheapest time to go to Australia. Knowing when the best time is to visit Uluru or Alice Springs is not as straight forward as you may think. Like the Olgas, Uluru is set within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. I use SafetyWing at $9 a week, and it's amazing. The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is from May to July and December to February when humidity is quite low and it is convenient to enjoy all the activities that the place has to offer. However, if you find a waterhole that hasn’t dried up, then this is the best time for you. The enhancing colours are from the dust particles and water vapour in the atmosphere acting as a filter, removing the blue light from the incoming sun rays. Uluru, the sandstone rock formation in Australia also known as Ayers Rock, is to be removed from Google Street View this week at the request … Answer 1 of 7: We woulld like to take our 2 girls (9 & 8) to Uluru. In winter, daytime temperatures can be pleasant but clear nights can see the temperature drop below 0. This is the time of year when you’ll see the Outback in its most unforgiving conditions. There are a variety of coach tours available from Alice Springs but unless you really enjoy riding in a bus for extended periods of time the best way to visit Uluru is to fly into the town of Yulara via Conellan Airport. The best time to visit Uluru is during the Spring (March - May) or Autumn (September - November). Below, you’ll find information on Ayers Rock weather, climate, temperatures and rainfall, along with our recommendations for when to visit one of Australia’s best known places. We're Cat Smith and Joe Bird, two travel fanatics from the U.K. We both caught the travel bug on solo trips in 2003 and have been hopelessly addicted ever since. At this time of year the temperatures are at their lowest, which mitigates the very exposed 10km base walk. General Climate Information. However, its pretty cold for swimming, especially if the waterhole is in the shade. Sunset Viewing. So, to rekindle the interests of new visitors, here are our 5 top things to do at Uluru that don’t involve the climb. Where To Stay At Uluru. Whilst you can have surprisingly hot days, in general the weather will be hot but not scorching. Physically Beautiful: Most visitors would have seen photographs, or advertisements featuring Uluru, but nothing prepares you for the physical impact of this vast monolith. Uluru and Kata Tjuta are incredible at any time of year.However, the weather in Central Australia varies quite a bit between seasons. The climate in this region is extreme. Being a city near the equator, the weather in Kuala Lumpur is even throughout the year, which is tropical, hot and humid. Uluru Walking Tours. This is a great time because the hiking trails won’t close and you can comfortably explore the whole area. They're kitted out with air con and each tent has their own bbq - it doesn't get more aussie than this. Unless you are a fan of sweating like a pig, we recommend trying a different time of the year. … For instance, you could get 78% off gaming consoles and up to 80% off selected women’s fashions at NissNass. This allows the red light to stream through, reflecting against the rock, the surrounding environment, and the clouds to enhance the area in spectacularly vivid colours. As we made our way through the still-dark desert to the viewing platform, I was struck by how still it was. This helps towards the costs of running our website. It is the off season and so you might be able to snag a bargain on hotels (not over Christmas though). As well, the colours of the rock are usually more vibrant during this period. The weather is often pretty bad and not conducive to spending time outdoors. Uluru Walking Tours. The worst time to visit Uluru: Summer (Nov - Feb) More than 250,000 people visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park each year, despite it being hundreds of kilometres from the nearest major town and almost 1000km from the Northern Territory’s capital Darwin. The Double Tree ticks all the boxes for a trip to Alice Springs: comfortable, clean rooms; central location and a pool to cool down in when it gets hot outside. This tour allows … The reason we suggest these months is due to the area’s climate. The best time to come is between May and September, when the maximum temperature during the day is usually between 20°C and 30°C. Depending on the month you visit will determine if the morning or afternoon is best. Most visitors arrive there via Alice Springs, about 280 miles (450 km) northeast by road, although there are scheduled flights to a small airport at Yulara, a community just north of the national park boundary. Uluru (Ayers Rock) Walks. We’ve been to Alice several times and have planned trips for many others too, so here’s our guide to the best accommodation in and around town. Whilst Australia gets busier during the Australian Summer (incidentally the worst time to visit Alice Springs and Uluru), the most dramatic swings in traveller numbers in Uluru and Alice Springs come from domestic holiday makers. Around 10 KM from … The Best Time to Visit Uluru by Experience Oz staff Situated almost exactly in the centre of the continent, Uluru is a giant sandstone monolith that is unusual in that it … It also won us over as it has an Indian restaurant in the hotel and it is only a 2 minute drive from our favourite breakfast place: Olive Pink. Ayers Rock Resort daily free guest activities. We hiked in around 20C in winter and it was perfect for scaling all those hills as you don't need to carry as much water as in the warmer months. In fact, they say you’re not a proper Aussie unlessyou’ve seen Uluru. Uluru climbed for the last time before ban on scaling Australia's sacred rock kicks in. There are private rooms, but sadly none of them have private en-suite bathrooms. Although this may seem like a setback, it does wonders to make this destination a truly special one. This temperature is really unbelievable & unbearable. Uluru/Ayers Rock is one of Australia’s best-known tourist destinations. Explore Uluru's sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset. Uluru is must too see if you Visit Australia. But it's also great for all the day hikes. I was fortunate enough to visit the area again several years ago during a quick work trip. On average January is the driest mont… 2. Squeaky Windmill is a little out of town and set has that outback setting you'd always dreamed of. Also, it has great digital … As there’s not a lot of warm moist air (like th… The UV radiation too is said to be quite high in the summer months of December, January and February. You can't go wrong with a YHA and the Alice Springs franchise is a solid choice. Sunset Viewing was our first plan and we drove into the park. Temperature. Each of the tent face a huge red cliff and a dried up river bed, giving a perfect view to wake up to. I attended a workshop where we could see Uluru from a meeting space operated by the Anangu people. The temperatures can be unbearable in the day, reaching low to the mid-30s majority of the time. Huge crowds scrambled up Australia's Uluru for the final time on Friday, ahead of a ban on climbing the sacred rock. It is the off season and so you might be able to snag a bargain on hotels (not over Christmas though). The water in all the water holes is pretty freezing so for long dips we still recommend having a float or tube, with you but it's a great way to cool off. Kata Tjuta, also called Mount Olga or the Olgas, lies 25 km (16 mi) west of Uluru.