A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) vs. Adelaide for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Adelaide can help you decide which place is right for you.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a spectacular, breathtaking, and other-worldly national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Adelaide: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adelaide. Although Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Adelaide are popular destinations, Adelaide has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adelaide is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) attracts visitors for its food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. It is also well known for the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

How is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) different from Adelaide?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Adelaide and Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Adelaide.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Cultural Center offers information on the local Anangu culture. Also make sure you visit Field of Light, which is an art installation that is impressive. Wintjiri Arts and Museum is another local spot that is worth visiting.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adelaide. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


Is the Food Better in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Many of the dining options are connected with the resorts in the area. A bucket list experience is to enjoy outdoor dining with a 4 or 5 course menu under the desert moon. Many visitors also enjoy the unique experience of an outdoor barbecue, complete with local foods and a stunning sunset view. There are several fine dining options in the area, and a handful of budget-friendly places to eat as well.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Nightlife?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Adelaide is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Dining under the stars is the best way to experience a night at Uluru.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Resorts?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Adelaide is not a resort destination.

In Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), you'll find some of the region's top resorts. While there is nowhere to stay inside the park, just outside there are many resorts and hotels. Many of the options in the area are run by one or two companies. There are also campgrounds nearby.

Adelaide is not a resort destination.


Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Beaches?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Adelaide is a very popular place for the beache. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a beach destination.

Adelaide is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a beach destination.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Hiking?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are countless walks in the area that pass by stunning viewpoints and surreal rock formations. You can feel the natural beauty and the spirituality of the park as you soak up the other-worldly landscape. Out of respect for the people and nature, always stay on marked trails.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Adelaide is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Adelaide is well-known for its shopping. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Many visitors go to Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) to go shopping. You'll find everything you need as far as forgotten essentials and tourist souvenirs nearby.


Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Families?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a very family-friendly destination. Kids and adults alike will benefit from learning about the local Anangu culture. You can visit the Cultural Center or take an informative guided tour of the area. A visit to the Field of Lights is sure to impress as well. Other family-friendly activities include camel rides, beautiful hikes, helicopter rides and reptile shows.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Couples?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is renowned for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great national park for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The natural and spiritual beauty of this sight make it a truly romantic destination. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular. There are also romantic resorts, adventure-filled activities, and unique dining opportunities that will make this an amazing honeymoon or anniversary trip.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers choose to stay at a hostel or campground near the sight. There are also some cheaper tour options that cater to the backpacker crowd.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.


Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Students?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Adelaide is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not popular with students.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Adelaide is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you around easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). There's no public transit or taxis in the area, but there is a hop-on hop-off bus as well as private bus tours and rental cars that you can arrange.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide a more walkable city?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Adelaide

Adelaide is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Adelaide is a very walkable city. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a somewhat walkable national park. There are many walks in the area, and seeing Uluru on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to explore.


For even more information, also check out Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Worth Visiting? and Is Adelaide Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adelaide or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

How long in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

It's fun to spend time in either Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), and 2-4 days is enough time in Adelaide.

Families should spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide? Ideal Length of Stay
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 3-4 
    Adelaide 2-4

One day in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

The beautiful national park of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Adelaide. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A weekend in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Adelaide. It offers something for everyone. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the destination of Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Adelaide or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is $152, while the average daily cost in Adelaide is $110. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Adelaide in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $58
    Adelaide $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $116
    Adelaide $130
Compare Hotels in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Adelaide

Looking for a hotel in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)


Hotels in Adelaide


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $75
    Adelaide $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Also for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Coach Transfer from Ayers Rock (Uluru) to Kings Canyon: $114

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Adelaide city to Adelaide Cruise Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide Port: $37
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Adelaide Airport: $54
  • Private Departure Transfer from Adelaide City to Adelaide Int Airport: $59
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $67
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide City: $59
  • Private Adelaide Airport Round-Trip Transfer: $119
  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $235
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $93
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Business Car: $63
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Luxury Van: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Adelaide?

Prices for flights to both Adelaide and Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $47
    Adelaide $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

For Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Base and Sunset Half-Day Trip with Opt Outback BBQ Dinner: $131
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset + Outback Barbecue Dinner & Star Talk : $191
  • Uluru and Kata Tjuta Experience with BBQ Dinner: $205
  • Mount Conner 4WD Small Group Tour from Ayers Rock including Dinner: $237

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Maggie Beer's Farmshop Interactive Cooking Demonstration: $37
  • Adelaide Central Market Food Tour: $46
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $59
  • The F Factor: Adelaide food tour: $60
  • Four Hours Cooking Class in Adelaide Hills: $124
  • Maggie Beer's Farm Cooking School and Seasonal Lunch: $131
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $195
  • Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $37
    Adelaide $14

Tours and Activities in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

For Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Driving Tour in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park: $13
  • Aboriginal Homelands Experience from Ayers Rock including Sunset: $237
  • Afternoon Kata Tjuta Small Group Tour: $105
  • Discover Uluru: Aboriginal Art & Culture 4.5 Hours Tour: $170
  • Kata Tjuta Small-Group Tour Including Sunrise and Breakfast: $142
  • Small Group Uluru Sunset Viewing Tour: $65
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Field of Light Sunrise Tour: $60
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset Tour: $67
  • Uluru Audio Tour App: $13
  • Uluru Small Group Tour including Sunset: $142

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2h Wine Experience, Vineyard walk, 6 wines, charcuterie board: $60
  • 3 Hour Adelaide Walking Tour: $37
  • 3 Hour Sailing Adventure on Brindabella: $121
  • 3-Day Yorkes Peninsula Coastal Wilderness Tour from Adelaide: $1,637
  • 5-Day Flinders Ranges & Outback Eco Tour from Adelaide: $1,966
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $59
  • 90-Minute Maritime and Dolphins Cruise in Port Adelaide: $59
  • Abseiling Adventure in Adelaide: $100
  • Adelaide Central Market Delicious Lunch Tour: $113
  • Adelaide Central Market Discovery Tour: $60
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $110
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $11
    Adelaide $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $30
  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $43
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $52
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $53
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $78
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $80
  • Picnic and Wine Tasting Experience in the Barossa Valley: $104
  • Barossa Wine Tasting shared tours: $111
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $111
  • The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $111
  • McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike: $118
  • Wine Tasting in McLaren Vale: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Adelaide, we can see that Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adelaide would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adelaide and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than you might in Adelaide.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Expensive? and Is Adelaide Expensive?.