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What to pack for Uluru

Hot days and cool nights await in Uluru

Set right in the middle of the Australian desert, Uluru is a destination that requires a little more than your average holiday spot.

Depending on the season, you’ll need to pack specific items, like warm layers, to comfortably enjoy all activities Uluru has to offer. However, one thing is constant throughout the year – you need to have quality sun protection to protect your skin from the intense desert sun and always bring a water bottle.

From quick-dry daytime clothing to fly nets, daypacks and road trip activities, here’s all you need to know about packing for Uluru.

Uluru packing list

Darker clothing – the red dust of the Outback can stain light-coloured clothes (white and beige items especially)
Lightweight breathable clothing – quick-dry t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts, loose-fitting shorts or trousers
A smart casual outfit – if staying in resorts or visiting the Field of Light, but the Outback is relatively low-key, so a casual dress/skirt or jeans and a shirt are suitable
Wind and waterproof jacket – it can rain in Uluru, typically in summer
Layers – a warm fleece jumper or thick jacket for morning sunrise experiences and after dark
Walking shoes – closed-in shoes (such as running shoes with decent sole tread), suitable for dusty and rocky terrain, hiking boots and socks are recommended for longer walking trips
Sandals or flip-flops – useful for campsites or at swimming spots
Swimsuit – you’ll be glad to have one when you come across a natural swimming pool
Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen – take extra care as the Australian desert sun is very strong
Daypack – a small, lightweight bag to carry your water bottle, sunscreen and snacks
Fly head net – generally available around the site
Torch or head lamp if camping
Road trip activities for days with long drives
Plug adapter – Australia uses Type I
A reusable water bottle – minimum 2 litres
Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner – if camping, available for hire or bring your own
Lightweight, quick-dry towel – useful for camping and swimming
Battery pack/power bank – helpful in recharging your phone or camera
Insect repellent

Ultimate packing list

Our packing list covers essential documents, luggage, personal items and clothing you may need to get you trip-ready.

Explore packing list

Seasonal clothing

Two women stand and swim in the waters of Ormiston Gorge in the Northern Territory

Summer

Summer in the Australian Outback gets very hot. To keep cool during the day, you’ll want to bring lightweight, quick-dry clothing. Long sleeves are ideal as they also protect against the sun. From December to February, Uluru also gets the occasional storm and rainfall, so you may also want to pack a rain jacket.

Summer is also when the flies around Uluru are at their worst. Fly head nets are available to purchase when you arrive.

An Intrepid leader talks to a hiker as they walk along a track in Northern Territory

Spring and autumn

These months still see very warm daily temperatures, so you’ll still need to bring comfortable, lightweight clothing that dries quickly in the heat. Sun protection is also still important in these months, so ensure you have a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Evening temperatures are much cooler than daytime temperatures. Pack warmer clothes, like jumpers, beanies and gloves, especially if you're getting up early to watch the sunrise or sitting around a campsite.

Two women look on at the sunrise over Uluru while wearing beanies and jackets

Winter

While not a traditional winter, Uluru and the surrounding Kata Tjuta National Park get very cold overnight. You’ll need to bring warm layers like a fleece jumper, beanie, gloves, scarf and warm trousers for when the sun goes down.

However, during the day, you’ll still need comfortable, lightweight walking clothing to wear while out in the sun all day. To protect from bites, stings and scratches, long hiking trousers are ideal at any time of year.