Yulara, Northern Territory, Australia

Aerial view of Yulara in the Northern Territory
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yulara_from_helicopter_(August_2004).jpg
Author: Menphrad


Yulara is a small, isolated town in the Southern Region of the Northern Territory, Australia. It has a population of less than 2,000 people (2012 estimate). The town is the gateway and service town for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, famous for Ayers Rock 18 km away and the Olgas 55 km away.

The town of Yulara was established in 1976 with the primary purpose of housing tourist accommodation that are relocated from Ayers Rock. This is to provide improved preservation to the environment.

Close-up view of Uluru
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Australie_Uluru_2.JPG
Author: Bruno.Menetrier


Yulara was provided with basic infrastructure such as road connection, water supply and power. Tourist accommodation, staff quarters and a shopping center are also added. These facilities became operational from late 1984. With that, leases for existing motels near Ayers Rock were terminated, and the area turned over to the national parks service, called Parks Australia.

The different hotel operators in the area were replaced by a single, government-owned operator, Investnorth Management. Then in 1997, the whole resort was sold via open tender to General Property Trust, which in turn appointed Voyages Hotels & Resort to manage it. The actions taken result in better preservation to Ayers Rock, removing uncontrolled and unmonitored tourist activity around it.

View of Uluru from the helicopter
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Uluru,_helicopter_view,_croped.jpg
Author: Corey Leopold

Visiting Yulara

There are regular direct flights from Alice Springs, Cairns, Sydney and Perth to Ayers Rock Airport. A free shuttle is available with every flight to take you from the airport to Yulara.

If you are planning to drive, be forewarn that the desert is dangerous if not adequately prepared for the journey. Uluru is 450 km (280 mi) by road from the nearest major town, Alice Springs.

Places of Interest in Yulara

Back to Discover Australia

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips