21 October 2026
New guest insights* from Ayers Rock Resort have revealed the biggest misconception about visiting Uluru: most travellers don't realise how much there is to do until they arrive.
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of past guests said the destination offered more experiences than expected, while more than half (52%) said they would stay longer if planning their trip again.
Over two-thirds (68%) of past guests recommended first-time visitors spend at least four nights at Uluru to make the most of the destination; yet the average Ayers Rock Resort guest currently stays just 2.5 nights.
When asked about the biggest mistakes travellers make when planning an Uluru trip, the top answers were:
- Not booking experiences in advance
- Trying to fit too much into a short visit
- Not realising how much there is to do
- Not staying long enough
- Visiting at the wrong time of year
- Collectively, the findings point to one clear takeaway: visitors should plan for Uluru as a multi-day destination rather than a quick stopover.
"Many Australians still think of Uluru as a destination you can see in a day or two, but our guests consistently tell us they've underestimated both the scale of the landscape and the range of experiences on offer,” said Ana Sofia Ayala, Chief Marketing Officer at Voyages Tourism Australia.
"Visitors aren't coming just to tick Uluṟu off a bucket list. They're looking for a deeper, more meaningful connection with the destination, and that takes time."
Past guests shared their top tips for first-timers:
“Allow at least five days, four nights so you are not rushing,” said Angelimar, from Maribyrnong, Victoria.
“Do it all - walk around, Segway around, do all the walks, eat the special dinners, seek the sunsets, meet the locals,” said Sally of Bulimba, Queensland.
“Do as much as you can, but don’t rush it. Give yourself time to take it all in,” said Judy of Grange, South Australia.
“Do your homework before you go! There’s so much more than we thought,” said Kay of Elland, NSW
Part of the Journey Beyond group of brands, Ayers Rock Resort offers six accommodation options to suit different travellers and budgets, from a campground and lodge-style accommodation to self-contained apartments and three-, four- and five-star hotels.
Guests can choose from over 100 bookable tours, activities and experiences, spanning cultural experiences like the award-winning Wintjiri Wiru and iconic outdoor attractions like Field of Light, together with guided walks, stargazing, camel rides, Segways, cycling and dining experiences.
To help visitors plan, Ayers Rock Resort has developed five-day itineraries around different styles of travel: Luxe Life, Family Adventure, Health and Wellbeing, Deeper Discovery and Road Trip. Each unique planning tool brings together accommodation, activities and dining ideas for a four-night stay.
A new “Stay More, Save More” offer is also available for travellers planning a stay of four nights or more, with savings of up to 40 percent on selected room types at Sails in the Desert, Desert Gardens Hotel, and Outback Hotel, for stays from 1 November 2026 to 30 September 2027^.
For more information and bookings, visit ayersrockresort.com.au
*Research conducted between 17 August to 18 September 2026 by Voyages Tourism Australia among 250 past Ayers Rock Resort guests who visited in the last two years.
^Terms and conditions apply. Offer is subject to availability. Four-night minimum stay required. Visit the Ayers Rock Resort website for full terms and conditions.
