Top 6 Things To Check Before Booking Uluru Accommodation

 

Uluru has become a tourist attraction known for being remote and hosting one of Australia’s most beautiful natural phenomenon – the 550-million-year-old monolith, Ayers Rock. The big sandstone mountain is a mystery in itself that only a fraction of it can be seen above land. The rest of it lays nestled 2.5 km underneath the ground and can’t be seen by the naked eye.

Furthermore, the rock holds a rich historical culture of indigenous people who once used it for ceremonies and rituals. Those who have had the honor to climb it will know that many hidden rock paintings date back hundreds of years ago.

Climbing was banned in late October 2019. One of the main reasons this happened was that the Aboriginal Anangu people, who own Uluru, felt like tourists would only come to Uluru to climb the rock, take pictures, and leave without even looking into the area’s rich culture or exploring other surroundings.

There is so much more to this area than meets the eye, and many tourists have reported that a day visit isn’t sufficient enough to explore the area and all it has to offer. Check out some of the great things you can do here.

There are only a few accommodations available in Uluru, so the visitors should consider some key factors before booking. Here are our top tips for booking the perfect accommodation for your trip:

1. Confirm the Location

Uluru may not be a big area but many travelers have underestimated the distance between Ayers rock and surrounding accommodation. Many who would like to explore the national park have made the mistake of booking accommodation in Alice Springs only to discover that it’s more than 400 kilometers away!

Ensure that you know precisely where the camping ground, hotel, or resort is that you are booking with. You can ask the lodging for guidelines on where exactly they are located and how long the drive is between them and Ayers rock as well as other nearby scenic sites or the airport.

2. Food and Dining

The Anangu people are known for making different types of dishes from fruits and vegetables found around the area. The bush onion, bush plum, native fig, and native pig weed are only a few of the naturally sourced plants used in local cuisine.

For a truly local experience, travelers should book accommodation that offers at least one Anangu meal experience. Some accommodation facilities do offer special cooking classes or informative evenings on foods and cuisines made by the Anangu people. Follow this link for more information on dining and making food with indigenous bush tools in Uluru.

Even though the national park is dry, there will be enough water for you to drink from. Just make sure that you use water sparingly and stay hydrated while walking around the dry desert areas.

3. Check out Reviews and Recommendations

Even though there isn’t such a huge variety available to choose from, you should still check out online reviews. Recent surveys have stated that the national park receives almost 300,000 visitors per year. This means that most of those people (of which 50% is from abroad) will have an opinion on the places they stayed at night.

Keep in mind reviews mentioning specific locations, hotel facilities, restaurants and food, as well as the extra services provided. Do they offer pick up and drop off to and from the airport? Do they have Wi-Fi? Do they provide customers with basic toiletries like toothpaste, shampoos, and towels? If you are very specific with the kind of services you like from your hotel, you should check reviews on customer service and state of facilities.

Check trusted websites for credible reviews according to star ratings, costs, and popularity. It’s always best to trust a real traveler who has actually used the accommodation and left a credible and honest review than going off a feeling.

4. Type of Accommodation

Depending on whether you’ll be a solo traveler, a couple, or a big group of friends, you’ll want to book your accommodation accordingly. Some places don’t have enough rooms for a lot of guests, which means that the group will have to be split up. While others don’t offer enough privacy if you were longing for some solitude.

Uluru has a few different options available that include a stay on a camping site, in a luxury lodge, or in a hotel and apartment. One of the highest-rated luxury lodges is Uluru accommodation at Longitude 131; guests can actually enjoy sleeping under the stars while they relax completely.

Camping sites might give you access to a shared public shower room and public barbecue facilities. In contrast, private lodges will provide you with access to your own bonfire, private bathroom, and a delicious on-site restaurant.

Whether you want to camp, enjoy a spa retreat, or stay in a budget hotel or self-catering camping sites, you’ll be able to pick a spot that’s right for you and your travel companions.

5. The View and Surroundings

The most important thing to consider when looking for accommodation here is the view. This is primarily the main reason people visit Uluru, so you have to make sure that the accommodation you choose has rooms that face the beauty of its surroundings.

Either with an open skylight in the rooms or the option to sit on a deck that overlooks the mountain in the distance. Some rooms in Uluru even have 360 views of the surrounding landscapes. With open glass walls in rooms and open decks.

6. Price

Lastly, browse around for prices that best suit your budget. Plan your dates accordingly to find discounted timeframes and special offers. Facilities are more likely to give a discount for bookings on longer stays.

When you consider the six factors mentioned above, you’ll be able to track down accommodation that is best suitable for your budget and travel group type.