Ayers Rock Resort is not only in the township of Yulara—it is the township. Located about 30 km (19 miles) from Uluru, outside the national park boundary, it is the only place to stay. It is an impressive contemporary complex, built to a high standard, efficiently run, and attractive—all things (along with its remoteness) that don’t come cheaply. Because everyone either is a tourist or lives and works here, it has a village atmosphere—with a supermarket, bank, post office, newsdealer, a medical center, beauty salon, several gift, clothing, and souvenir shops, 3 eateries and a gas station. The village square also features three performance areas for free cultural programs (and sometimes mainstream movies and concerts), as well as an area where visitors can take a free dot painting workshop, and another where they can learn to throw spears and boomerangs.

You have a choice of six places to stay, from luxury hotel rooms and apartments to campsites. You'll find reviews for four of them on this website. All were taken over in 2011 by the Indigenous Land Corporation. It has been pouring millions of Australian dollars into improving the the structures and services. They've also made it a goal to have a staff that's 50% Aboriginal in a few years. In keeping with this village feel, no matter where you stay, even in the campground, you are free to use all the pools, restaurants, and other facilities of every hostelry, except the exclusive Sails in the Desert pool, which is reserved for Sails guests, and Longitude 131.

You can book any of the accommodations through a central reservations office in Sydney (tel. 1300/134 044 in Australia or 02/8296 8010; www.ayersrockresort.com.au). High season is July through November. Book well ahead, and shop around for special deals on the Internet and with travel agencies. Ask about special packages for 2- or 3-night stays.

 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.