The Ayers Rock, which the locals call Uluru, is the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Ayers Rock is many things to many people. In essence, this iconic monolith in the heart of Australia is a tourist attraction, a geological wonder, a cultural landmark, and a sacred place.
Not far away from Uluru is Kata Tjuta, a group of 36 rocky domes spread over an area of more than 20 km (12 Miles). Kata Tjuta is also known as The Olgas.
One of the best ways to experience both Uluru and the sprawling domes of Kata Tjuta is from the comfort of a helicopter seat.
In this article, we tell you everything you must know before you book your helicopter tour to Uluru.
Top Tickets
# Uluru 15-Minute Helicopter Experience
# Extended Uluru & Kata Tjuta helicopter tour
# Uluru and Kata Tjuta Sunset helicopter tourIt’s highly recommended to book your helicopter tour to Uluru tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
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Cost of Uluru helicopter tours
The cheapest helicopter ride over Uluru will cost approximately US$111 per person.
It is also the most popular around the attraction.
At the higher end is the Extended Uluru & Kata Tjuta Helicopter tour, the tickets of which can go up to US$228 per person.
Helicopter rides can be a costly affair.
So, it is important to know the tour costs in advance to plan your trip and factor it in with other considerations.
But there is no doubt that a heli tour over Uluru will be an unforgettable activity in your life.
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Best Uluru helicopter tours
Uluru helicopter rides come in many flavors.
You can decide to fly over only the Ayers Rock or fly over both Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta.
If you want, you can combine both the rock formations with a flypast over the glittering Lake Amadeus.
Below, we present our favorite heli tours that are popular with vacationers in this part of Australia.
Uluru 15-Minute Helicopter Experience
On this Uluru heli ride from Yulara, you will see the monolith and its wondrous surroundings from the air.
Red Centre, its vastness, and its contrasts with the Australian desert landscape will surely amaze you from a unique vantage point.
The tour works in your favor if you are short on time.
A hotel transfer facility is available.
Tour Operator: Professional Helicopter Services
Cost of the tour (3+ years): US$111 (165 AUD)
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Uluru and Kata Tjuta Sunset helicopter tour
If you are a sucker for sunsets, the Sunset helicopter tour over Uluru is perfect for you.
What sets this 36-minute tour apart from the other Uluru and Kala Tjuta helicopter tours is the landscape bathed in the breathtaking warm and golden glow of the setting sun.
You will also fly over the western face of Mount Olga, the majestic Walpa Gorge, and the Valley of the Winds.
Hotel pickup facility is available for this tour.
Tour Operator: Professional Helicopter Services
Cost of the tour: US$223 (332 AUD)
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Uluru & Kata Tjuta: 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Experience
If you want to spend more time in the helicopter savoring views of Australia’s mesmerizing Red Centre, opt for the Extended Uluru & Kata Tjuta heli tour.
Take in the breathtaking beauty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on this 30-minute helicopter experience.
Fly high above these awe-inspiring landmarks, capturing the full scale and grandeur of Australia’s Red Centre.
As you soar, your expert pilot will share insights into the cultural and geological significance of Uluru and the surrounding domes of Kata Tjuta.
With panoramic views from the helicopter, this tour is perfect for photographers and adventure seekers alike.
Tour Operator: Professional Helicopter Services
Cost of the tour (3+ years): US$187 (280 AUD)
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What to expect on the helicopter tour
Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta are two major stone formations (and thus landmarks!) in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
It isn’t easy to understand its size and scale from ground level, and that is where a helicopter tour helps.
This video by Ayers Rock Helicopters gives you an idea of what to expect during the heli tour –
Related: Enjoy Breathtaking Views with Sunset Helicopter Tours
Departure point
A hotel pickup facility is available for all Uluru helicopter rides.
Guests who prefer reaching the airfield by their own means of transport can come to the Ayers Rock Airport to take off for the Extended Uluru & Kata Tjuta heli flight.
Pickup on Uluru 15-Minute Helicopter Experience is available from within the Ayers Rock Resort (excluding Longitude): Sails in the Dessert, Outback Pioneer, Desert Gardens, The Lost Camel, Emu Walk, or Ayers Rock Campground.
You will be dropped off at your hotel after the tour ends.
Timings of the tours
Uluru helicopter tours operate all days of the week.
The Extended Uluru and Kata Tjuta Helicopter tour takes off at 8.50 am, 10.10 am, 2 pm, and 3.20 pm.
Uluru 15-Minute helicopter tour departs at 9.50 am and 1.50 pm.
The take-off for the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Sunset Helicopter Tour depends on the time of sunset on the preferred day. Usually, the departure may take place between 6 pm to 7.15 pm.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Uluru.
A minimum of two passengers are required on these tours, and if they fail, they will be canceled.
Up to four or five travelers are allowed on Uluru heli tours, depending on the tour selected.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
A valid photo ID is required.
Helicopter tours around Uluru are not recommended for people with low fitness levels.
The flights may not fly directly over or completely around Uluru or Kata Tjuta due to the cultural sensitivity of the feature.
These tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Luggage and large bags are not allowed onboard.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check-in at least 30 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Exclusions of the air tour
Uluru heli tours do not include food and drinks.
Your ticket price also excludes gratuities and souvenir photos.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
