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

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

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 Noosa Heads 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. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a relaxed, peaceful, and scenic coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Noosa Heads: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Noosa Heads than Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Noosa Heads is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and small town charm, while Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more popular for its museums, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is well known for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. Noosa Heads is well known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Also, Noosa Heads is famous for Noosa Main Beach.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a national park with good options for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Dining out at restaurants in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Noosa Heads can be an enjoyable experience.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dining out in Noosa Heads is an experience not to be missed. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Resorts?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great national park for its luxury resorts. However, Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

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

With world-famous beaches, Noosa Heads is a very popular vacation destination. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

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

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Noosa Heads is a popular spot for hiking. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

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

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 Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Noosa Heads.

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.

Noosa Heads is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for couples.

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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Noosa Heads are both superb 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads has some public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

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 Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting?.

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads.

Couples should spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads.


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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the spiritual national park of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Noosa Heads is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

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

The other-worldly national park of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) offers museums and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Noosa Heads?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Noosa Heads is a great place to explore. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people visit for the beaches. 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, Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.



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

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


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: Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $75
    Noosa Heads $17

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 Noosa Heads

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

  • Sunshine Coast and Noosa Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: $32
  • Sunshine Coast Airport Departure Transfer from Hotels: $19
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $131
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $118
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (4pax): $101
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $97
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 5 pax: $124
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 3 pax: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa 7 seater + Luggage Trailer: $151
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 21 pax: $212
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $228
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $222

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

Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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
    Noosa Heads $34

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 Noosa Heads

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

  • Private Cooking Workshop in Queensland: $42
  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $37
    Noosa Heads $40

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 Noosa Heads

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


  • Surf Lesson
    $42
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    $85
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads

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

  • 1 Hour Self Guided Water Bike Tour of the Noosa River: $34
  • 2 Hours Sunset Experience on Noosa River: $22
  • 2-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour at Noosa: $53
  • 2hr Self Guided Water Bike Tour of the Noosa River: $57
  • 3-Hour Noosa Explorer e-Bike Tour: $101
  • Adrenaline Blast - 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience : $155
  • Adventure Rafting - Mooloolaba Turtle Tour: $46
  • Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains Tour Combo: $187
  • Birdwatching and Wildlife Noosa Biosphere Full-Day Experience: $124
  • Brisbane Airport and Cruise Terminal to Sunshine Coast 11 pax: $265
  • Brisbane Airport and Cruise Terminal to Sunshine Coast 13 pax: $292
  • Bushtucker Cruise: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $11
    Noosa Heads $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads

Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday: $94
  • Noosa Brewery & Distillery Tour - the best of Noosa: $165
  • Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $165
  • Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $168
  • Sunshine Coast & Noosa Scenic Food & Wine Tour Inc. Lunch: $185
  • Maleny & Montville Tour with Artisan Village, Lunch, Wine Tasting: $187
  • Noosa Hinterland Tour with Gourmet Lunch, Wine Tasting & Everglades Lake: $194
  • Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour- visit 2 distilleries, a winery and a brewery : $198
  • Sunshine Coast Private Gourmet Food and Wine Tour: $242
  • Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings: $268


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

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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.