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| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Yulara Resort Area |
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| From Alice Springs |
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Rental Availability in Yulara: Yulara town does not have car rental offices in the town centre. All car rentals in the Uluru area are located at Ayers Rock Airport (Connellan Airport). If you are staying at Ayers Rock Resort and want to rent a car after you arrive, you will need to arrange transport to and from the airport rental desks.
On average, car rentals in Uluru cost around AUD $270 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $162 per day.
Brave the summer heat for a bargain. Car rental rates from December to February can be much cheaper than during the peak winter months of June to August.
Compare renting from Alice Springs versus Uluru. Alice often has more vehicle options, but watch out for hefty one-way fees if you don’t drive back. A round trip from Alice can be a money-saver if you have the extra time.
The car rental fleet at Ayers Rock Airport is tiny. Book your vehicle well in advance, especially for school holidays, as last-minute options are often rare and expensive.
Renting for 5 or 6 days? It's worth comparing the price for a full 7-day rental. Sometimes a weekly rate is cheaper than the total for just a few days.
| Location | Parking Availability | Restrictions & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Yulara Resort | Free parking at all hotels | Plenty of spaces available. Shaded spots are limited so carry a windscreen sunshade. |
| Uluru Car Parks | Multiple designated lots | Free when you enter the park. Mala, Kuniya and Cultural Centre lots can fill during busy times. |
| Kata Tjuta Car Parks | Sunset viewing and walking trail lots | Plenty of spaces. Arrive 45-60 minutes before sunset for the best spot. |
| National Park Roads | No roadside parking permitted | Stay in designated areas only. Rangers actively patrol. |
National Park Regulations:
Rent a car so you can get to:
Uluru - base circuit car parks, Mala and Kuniya areas, 20 km from Yulara
Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds trailheads, sunset viewing area, 50 km from Yulara
Kings Canyon - Lasseter Highway and Luritja Road, 300 km, 3 hours
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre - parking, visitor centre

Do I need a 4WD to visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta? No, all roads within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and between Yulara and the park are fully sealed and well-maintained. Standard 2WD vehicles work perfectly well.
How much time should I allocate for driving within the national park? Allow at least half a day for Uluru (base walks and cultural centre) and half a day for Kata Tjuta. Ideally, schedule one full day for each to include sunrise or sunset viewing.
Can I sleep/camp in my vehicle at the viewing areas? No, overnight stays in vehicles are not allowed in the national park. All accommodation must be at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) or authorised camping grounds.
Is there mobile reception in the park? Coverage is generally good around Yulara and main visitor areas of the park. Telstra offers the most reliable service while other carriers may have limited or no coverage.
Are there restrictions on drone usage? Yes, drones are strictly banned within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park unless you have a special permit, which is rarely granted to visitors.
Can I drive around the entire base of Uluru? No, the road only partially circles Uluru. Some sections of the base are accessible only via walking trails, not by vehicle.
What happens if I break down in the national park? Contact your rental company's roadside assistance. Park rangers also patrol regularly and can assist or radio for help if needed.