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

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

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 Brisbane can help you decide which place is right for you.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a other-worldly, spiritual, and spectacular national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Brisbane: 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
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • 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 Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane. Although Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Brisbane are both popular with visitors, Brisbane has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brisbane is more popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is known for its food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Brisbane is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). 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.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

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

Brisbane has a large number of nightlife venues. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop 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 Brisbane Better for Resorts?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is great for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). 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.

Brisbane is not a resort destination.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Brisbane is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

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

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

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

Brisbane is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

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

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is well-known for its shopping. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

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 Brisbane Better for Families?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Brisbane.

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.

Brisbane is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is an amazing national park to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Brisbane are both very good 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.

Brisbane is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

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

Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Brisbane 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.

Brisbane has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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 Brisbane a more walkable city?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Brisbane

Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a very walkable coastal city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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 Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

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

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

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Brisbane. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than in Brisbane. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), and 2-3 days is enough time in Brisbane.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.


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

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

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Brisbane. 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 Brisbane?

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


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

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Brisbane. 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 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, Brisbane 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 Brisbane is $132. 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 Brisbane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $58
    Brisbane $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $116
    Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Brisbane

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


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices.

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

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.80
  • Go Card
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

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

  • Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $19
  • Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $134
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $125
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $92
  • Private Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City to Cruise Port: $125
  • Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City to Cruise Port: $92
  • Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $232
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Port to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $33
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Cruise Port to Brisbane: $33

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

Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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
    Brisbane $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

Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.23
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.96
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.17
  • Ice cream
    $3.59
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.25
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.52
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.57
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.29
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.15
  • Bread
    $1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

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

  • City Lights Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $72
  • City Lights Dinner Cruise in Brisbane with Dinner: $73
  • Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine: $564
  • Sunshine Coast Food Tour: $656

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $37
    Brisbane $24

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • 1hr Animal Tour: $44
  • 2hr Animal Tour: $74
  • 3 Hours Jetski Tour and Lunch in Brisbane City: $269
  • 3-Hours Walking Tour in Brisbane: $57
  • 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $33
  • 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
  • Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $80
  • Adventure Moreton Island Scuba Dive Tour: $181
  • Adventure Moreton Island Wrecks Adventure Package: $120
  • Adventure Theme Scavenger Hunt Experience in Brisbane: $30
  • Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour: $71
  • All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $134

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $11
    Brisbane $50

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.80
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.15
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.55
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
  • Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $49
  • City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
  • River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
  • Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane: $67
  • Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $100
  • Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $100
  • Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $121
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $125
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $126


When comparing the travel costs between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane Expensive?.