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

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

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 Picton 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 in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Picton travel costs.

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

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


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more popular for its beaches and small town charm, while Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is popular for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

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

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 Picton. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

Dining out at restaurants in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Picton 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 Picton is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

The decent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Picton.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Dining under the stars is the best way to experience a night at Uluru.

Picton is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Picton is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) to choose from. 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.

Picton is not a resort destination.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

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

Picton is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

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

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

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

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 Picton to go shopping. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.


Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Picton More Beautiful?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) as well. It's dramatic beauty and spiritual setting make this an iconic destination. It's particularly striking at sunrise and sunset.

Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

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

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.

Picton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.


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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Picton 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.

Picton is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

Picton 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.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Picton

Picton 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.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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


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

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

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

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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


  • How many days in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Picton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 3-4 
    Picton 1-2

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

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 Picton. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Picton, one day is sufficent for most. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

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 picturesque destination of Picton. It offers something for everyone. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Picton?

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 food around the destination of Picton. 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the spiritual 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.

Picton 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


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

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Prices
    Australia Prices
    Picton Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $186
    Picton $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is $186, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. 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 Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $58
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $116
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Picton

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


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: Picton Hotel Prices.

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

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: $131
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Alice Springs Coach Transfer: $171

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $134

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

Prices for flights to both Picton 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) $81
    Picton $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: $134
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset + Outback Barbecue Dinner & Star Talk : $211
  • Uluru Experience with BBQ Dinner: $219
  • Mt Conner 4WD Small Group Tour from Ayers Rock Resort inc Dinner: $258

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Picton

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

  • CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $37
    Picton $109

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:

  • Uluru Audio Tour App: $13
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset Tour: $71
  • Small Group Uluru Sunset Viewing Tour: $73
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Field of Light Sunrise Tour: $87
  • Afternoon Kata Tjuta Small Group Tour: $118
  • Alice Springs Highlights Tour : $120
  • Kata Tjuta Small-Group Tour Including Sunrise and Breakfast: $161
  • Uluru Small Group Tour including Sunset: $161
  • Palm Valley 4WD Tour from Alice Springs: $174
  • Best of Alice Springs Full Day Tour: $178
  • Aboriginal Homelands Experience: $261

Tours and Activities in Picton

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

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $119
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $66
  • Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour: $95
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $89
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $95
  • Depart Marlborough Sounds Afternoon Seafood Cruise: $90
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour: $178
  • From Havelock to Marlborough Sounds Postie's Day Off Cruise: $83
  • From Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood: $104
  • From Private Wine and Gourmet Tour of Marlborough: $575
  • Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $11
    Picton $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

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

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $39
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
  • Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
  • Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
  • Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101


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

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 Picton Expensive?.