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

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

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 Airlie Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a spiritual, spectacular, and breathtaking national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach. Although Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach are popular destinations, Airlie Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Airlie Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) attracts visitors for its museums and food. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is famous for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. Airlie Beach is famous for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. It is also well known for the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

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 Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Airlie Beach is a perfect choice. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.


Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach is not to be missed. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Airlie Beach is a very popular vacation destination. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

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

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach.

Many people visit Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) specifically for its hiking. 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.

Known for its hiking, Airlie Beach draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). You'll find everything you need as far as forgotten essentials and tourist souvenirs nearby.

Many visitors go to Airlie Beach to go shopping. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Airlie Beach.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is very family-friendly. 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.

Airlie Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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.

Airlie Beach has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). 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.

Airlie Beach is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

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

Airlie Beach has some public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

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 Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach 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.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable town. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

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 Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

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

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

Both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Airlie Beach.


  • How many days in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Airlie Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 3-4 
    Airlie Beach 4-7

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

In Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this other-worldly national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Airlie Beach. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Airlie Beach?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the idyllic destination of Airlie Beach. It offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the breathtaking destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Airlie Beach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days here is typical. Your budget might influence how long you stay. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Airlie Beach is a great place to explore. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It is common to spend one week here. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach is $142. 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 Airlie Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $58
    Airlie Beach $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $116
    Airlie Beach $118
Compare Hotels in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach

Looking for a hotel in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Airlie Beach? 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 Airlie Beach


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: Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $75
    Airlie Beach $19

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:

  • Whitsunday: Prosperpine Airport to Airlie Beach Transfer: $16
  • Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $127
  • South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $60
  • Return Transfer PPP Airport Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $32
  • One Way Only - Airport Transfer share shuttle service: $17
  • Mirage Whitsundays Hotel Private Airport Transfer (one way): $133
  • Mirage Whitsundays Hotel Private Airport Transfer (Return): $264
  • Luxury Mercedes Private Airport Transfer (one way): $133
  • Luxury Mercedes Private Airport Transfer (Return): $264
  • Crayfish Beach Hook Island Camping Transfer: $140
  • Airport Transfers - Return (round fare) share shuttle service: $28
  • Private Transfer to Whitsunday Coast Airport: $315

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

Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach 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
    Airlie Beach $32

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 Airlie Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.

  • 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $72
  • Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $37
    Airlie Beach $161

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

Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise: $59
  • Airlie Beach Blast Tour - 10 Minute Airlie Beach Helicopter Tour: $107
  • Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • Airlie Beach Jet Ski Tour: $99
  • Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $46
  • Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise with champagne & antipasto: $58
  • Airlie Beach Trike Tours: $50
  • Airlie Beach sightseeing Tour: $50
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $45
  • Adults-Only Whitehaven Beach Sailing Tour: $183
  • Airlie Adventure Jet Ski Tour: $164
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $11
    Airlie Beach $9.05


When comparing the travel costs between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Airlie Beach, we can see that Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Airlie Beach Expensive?.