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

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

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 Darwin 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. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Darwin

Darwin is a multicultural, authentic, and local town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Darwin: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Darwin than Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Darwin is better known for its nightlife and beaches, while Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more popular for its food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more touristy than Darwin and is popular for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. Darwin is well known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather. Also, Darwin is famous for Mindil Beach.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

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

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 Darwin. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Darwin 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 Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

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 Darwin Better for Resorts?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is notable for its resorts. However, Darwin is not a resort destination.

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.

Darwin is not a resort destination.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Darwin is very good for the beache. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Darwin to enjoy the beach. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

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

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Darwin. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Darwin.

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 Darwin to go shopping. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Darwin.

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.

Darwin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Darwin is a good national park for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is notable for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great national park to visit for backpackers. 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.

Darwin is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Darwin 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.

Darwin has some public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

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 Darwin a more walkable city?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Darwin

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Darwin are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Darwin is a somewhat walkable national park. There are biking and walking paths around town.

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

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

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

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

Families should spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than Darwin. 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 Darwin. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than Darwin 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock).


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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Darwin. 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 Darwin?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural destination of Darwin. It offers something for everyone. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the destination of Darwin. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Darwin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the spectacular destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Darwin 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. 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, Darwin 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 Darwin is $111. 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 Darwin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $58
    Darwin $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $116
    Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Darwin

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


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: Darwin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $75
    Darwin $12

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 Darwin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:


  • Shuttle to Train Station
    $9.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:

  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $60
  • Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $60
  • PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER Darwin Airport & Darwin Hotels (oneway): $100
  • Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $91

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

Prices for flights to both Darwin 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
    Darwin $37

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 Darwin

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

  • Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $65
  • Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $85
  • Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $92
  • Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $104
  • Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $37
    Darwin $15

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 Darwin

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

  • 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $141
  • 1 Day Litchfield National Park Tour & Berry Springs Max. 10 Guest: $141
  • 1 Hour Darwin Adventure Boats Tour: $128
  • 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $30
  • 4 Hour Self Guided Gourmet Lunch and Aboriginal Art Tours: $140
  • 4-Hour Outback Gourmet Food & Aboriginal Art Tour: $167
  • 4x4 Litchfield Park Adventures : $242
  • Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill Full Day Tour from Darwin: $232
  • Berry Springs Jumping Croc Cruise, Fogg Dam & Outback Pub, 10 Max: $188
  • Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $100
  • Corroboree Billabong 2.5 hour Lunch Cruise: $74
  • Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $11
    Darwin $13

Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $16
  • Glass of Wine
    $4.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Darwin, we can see that Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more expensive. And not only is Darwin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Darwin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Darwin 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 Darwin.

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 Darwin Expensive?.