Search and compare cheap car rentals in Uluru from top brands
See the sights of the Outback with a car rental from Uluru
Uluru was referred to in recent history as Ayers Rock, but has reclaimed its original name given by the indigenous Yankunytjatjara people. The name refers not only to the magnificent and famous rock formation but the surrounding region which includes the service town of Yulara and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. There’s so much to see and do in this unique, scenic part of Australia.
Uluru car hire locations
Car hire counters can be found at Ayers Rock Airport, inside the terminal building. These include Avis, Thrifty, Dollar, and Hertz Car Rental.
Essential information for your Uluru car rental adventure
Airport guide
Ayers Rock Airport (IATA: AYQ) is also known as Connellan Airport and services the Uluru area. There is one small terminal and a single runway that can accommodate large jet aircraft. It offers flights to and from Australian cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, and Alice Springs.
There is WiFi available for passengers at the airport, and car rental counters are easy to locate in the terminal.
Guide to driving near Uluru
A safe road trip is the best type of road trip—you want your adventure to be memorable for all the right reasons and none of the wrong ones! We’ve put together a few top tips for anyone picking up a rental car in Uluru that will help towards a smooth, hassle-free journey.
Always drive on the left side of the road in Australia! If you need time to adjust, take it before you hit the major highways.
Distances on Australian roads will be posted in kilometres, and speeds in kilometres per hour.
The Outback is remote and can be a harsh environment. You should always ensure that your rental vehicle is stocked with food, water, warm clothing, and a method of communication in case of a breakdown.
Take every opportunity to fill your hire car with petrol! Petrol stations can be few and far between.
In the Northern Territory, the default speed limits are 60 kilometres per hour in built-up areas and 110 kilometres per hour outside of built-up areas. These are subject to change, and you should always abide by the limits on any posted signs. The highest limit in the state is 130 kilometres per hour.
Be aware of the enormous road trains which traverse the Stuart Highway regularly.
The blood alcohol concentration limit for fully licensed drivers in the Northern Territory is 0.05%. We highly recommend avoiding alcohol entirely before driving.
Destination ideas for your Uluru car rental adventure
With a car hire, Uluru can serve as a starting point for exploring Australia’s incredible Outback landscapes. The Stuart Highway runs north-south through the Northern Territory and South Australia and can take you to some incredible parts of the country. From the underground homes of Coober Pedy to the rugged but welcoming Alice Springs, there are memorable destinations around every curve in the road.
The three common places that intrepid road trippers include in a journey from Uluru are Alice Springs, which is just five hours’ drive to the northeast, a rugged and interesting city that serves as an urban oasis and centre for activities in this unique part of the country. Continuing north on the Stuart Highway will—eventually—see you in tropical Darwin, while the same highway will take you south to Adelaide, a stately city near the beautiful South Australia coast.
If you’re looking for places to visit a little closer to the area, take a look at our suggestions below. Remember, however, that distances in the Outback can be longer than they appear on the map—it’s a vast and sparsely populated region, and you can expect long drives between any attractions.
Ayers Rock Resort
An easy choice for spectacular luxury accommodation in a strategic place in the Outback, Ayers Rock Resort is easily a favorite relaxation and recreation spot in the Red Centre.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
This unique and stunning park is a living cultural landscape, with incredible natural formations and rich aboriginal heritage. Take time to view Uluru at sunset, explore waterholes, see the ancient rock art, visit the cultural centre, and set out on foot or as part of a guided tour to get up close and personal with the land.
Watarrka National Park
Near the small town of Petermann, this park is famous for the Kings Canyon rim walk. This 3.5-hour hike taking in summit views and lush valleys is a fantastic experience and comes highly recommended for visitors to the area. Watarrka is around three hours’ drive from Uluru with your rental car.
Curtin Springs
This working million-acre cattle station an hour from Uluru welcomes visitors. There is accommodation available, paper-making demonstrations, guided walks, 4WD tours, and other ways to experience this unique property in Central Australia.
