Fly Uluru Tour of the Giants

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A two-hour flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta and out to Mount Conner, the flat-topped, horseshoe-shaped mesa that rises from the same buried rock as the other two. It is the operator's most popular flight, by plane or helicopter.

Days

3 hours (2 hour flight)

Age

All ages; under 3s on a lap

Group size

Shared small aircraft, at least 2 passengers

Start / finish

Yulara / Ayers Rock Airport / Yulara

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Light plane or helicopter, with hotel transfers in Yulara

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

View map

Included experiences

Uluru — the rock from above
Kata Tjuta — the domes from the air
Mount Conner — fly out to the flat-topped mesa

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY: YULARA TO AYERS ROCK AIRPORT

Your pilot's day starts before yours: you're collected from your Yulara hotel or the campground and driven the few minutes to Ayers Rock Airport. Weights are checked, the pilot seats everyone to balance the aircraft, and headsets go on so you can hear the commentary over the engine. This route is flown by plane or helicopter. On the plane every seat is a window seat; in the helicopter the bubble canopy gives you the view straight down. Flights run through the day, sunrise included, and the low early light is when the red of the desert is deepest.

IN THE AIR: ULURU AND KATA TJUTA

Within minutes of take-off the first of the giants is below you. Uluru rises 348 metres above the plain and is 9.4 km around the base, yet most of the rock is thought to lie underground. To the west, the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta climb even higher, the tallest, Mount Olga, standing 546 metres above the sand. From the air you see what the ground hides: the valleys running between the domes and the dark streaks where water pours off the rock after rain. Out of respect for their sacred meaning to the Anangu, the aircraft doesn't circle all the way around either.

OUT EAST: MOUNT CONNER

Then the pilot turns east across sand dunes and desert oaks to Mount Conner, the third giant and the least known. It is a flat-topped, horseshoe-shaped mesa about 300 metres high on Curtin Springs, a working cattle station, and drivers coming down the Lasseter Highway often mistake it for Uluru. Its sandstone layers are thought to sit on the same buried rock bed as Uluru and Kata Tjuta. On the helicopter version you may land on the mesa itself, a place few people ever stand. The plane flies over without landing.

BACK TO YULARA

After about two hours in the air you touch down at Ayers Rock Airport and are driven back to your accommodation, about three hours after pick-up. Two hours of this country from above makes sense of the map: three rocks, tens of kilometres apart, rising out of one red plain.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Desert Gardens, Sails in the Desert, Outback Hotel & Lodge or Ayers Rock Campground at Yulara; other accommodation is collected from the nearest of these. With your own car, meet at the General Aviation Lounge at Ayers Rock Airport. Be at the pick-up point 5 minutes early.
Departure time: Flights run through the day, including at sunrise; the time on your confirmation is your pick-up time and is confirmed when you book.
Duration: Flight time 2 hours; about 3 hours from pick-up to drop-off.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Children under 3 can fly on an adult's lap with an infant restraint and earmuffs; from 3 they need their own seat.
Fitness: No walking is involved beyond getting in and out of the aircraft. Weights in kilograms are needed for every passenger when you book, because the pilot balances the load; arriving more than 10% over your stated weight can mean you can't fly.
Please note: The plane needs at least 2 passengers and the helicopter at least 3 for the flight to go. Only the helicopter can land on Mount Conner. Flights don't circle all the way around Uluru or Kata Tjuta, out of respect for their sacred significance.

What is included

2 hour scenic flight
Return transfer from Yulara accommodation

Not included

Food and drink

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.