Uluru Ayers Rock

There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre.

In the Red Centre there are 4 typical seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. The Red Centre is prone to extremes, with hot summer days (from December to February) and cold winter nights (June to August). Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight in winter and it can get very cold in the desert. Winter is the most popular time to visit as the days are crisp, cool and not too hot.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) bring warm days and cool evenings. Read more about the NT’s weather and seasons.

By air - Ayers Rock Airport is the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is one of two  Red Centre arrival points (Alice Springs is the other) for visitors travelling by air. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines, providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world.

Regular flights operate between Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru. Other flights are operated between regional centres by Airnorth.

By road - Uluru is approximately 5 hours drive from Alice Springs. Journey by road to the NT on well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT from adjacent states, explore these driving routes around the Territory.

By bus - Despite the vast distances, travelling by bus (coach) to the NT is easy and affordable. Major coach and tour companies run coach services between transport hubs such as Uluru and Alice Springs and destinations in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

One of the best ways to get around Uluru and Yulura township is by driving your own vehicle or a hire car. There is a Yulara shuttle bus that connects hotels, airport and village square, but it does not operate within the national park. There is no taxi service.

Beyond Uluru, 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the NT, so if you fly into the Territory, arrange to collect a vehicle at Ayers Rock Airport then hit the road on one of the Territory’s popular driving routes.

There’s always something happening in the Territory with a year-round calendar of events.

Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.

There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures across the Red Centre. Take a locally-guided tour, explore Yulara’s galleries along the Territory Art Trails and take a road trip through World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

The Territory welcomes travellers of all abilities and aims to empower visitors with the necessary information to confidently plan your holiday. In the NT accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the compassionate and helpful nature of its locals.

Discover a variety of accommodation, tours and attractions tailored to different access needs, including hearing loss, vision loss, wheelchair access, and high support requirements. You can narrow down your search by region and accessibility preferences. If you can't find your preferred tour or attraction, we suggest contacting the business directly to find out about their accessibility. Many tourism operators are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.

Safety in any destination depends on various factors. Respect the environment, be aware of wildlife hazards, and stay informed about weather conditions and happenings in the local area. By being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy exploring the Northern Territory confidently.

While the Northern Territory has remote and rugged areas, it’s essential to take the usual precautions you’d take anywhere. Tourism hubs like Yulara and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are well regulated with facilities and services to help visitors find their way around safely. Park Rangers, signage boards and online guides increase safety for visitors. As with any travel experience, exercise common sense, follow guidelines, and you’ll have a safe experience.

A park pass is required to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Passes may be purchased online from Parks Australia, with options of either a three-day or an annual pass.