Best Uluru Helicopter Tour: 36 Minute Scenic Flight Review!
LOOKING FOR THE BEST ULURU HELICOPTER TOUR AND IF IT’S WORTH THE COST?
While Uluru is striking in photographs, seeing it from above, especially during the golden light of sunset, reveals the full grandeur of the heart of Australia right before your eyes.
Our 36-minute helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta was the highlight of our trip in the Red Centre, and one of the most memorable tours we’ve ever taken.
In this post, I’m sharing our experience with Professional Helicopter Services, what to expect from the sunset tour, our tips and five reasons this flight is one of the most worthwhile additions to your Uluru itinerary.
Best Uluru Helicopter Tour
I booked this Uluru and Kata Tjuta 36-minute helicopter ride experience, and I cannot emphasize enough how absolutely INCREDIBLE it was.
This is genuinely one of the best things to do in Uluru and was worth every dollar.
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The Best Helicopter Tour of Uluru
Uluru during sunset is spectacular from any angle. The rock changes shades as the sun begins to set, and you can actually watch the colours shift in real time. We booked the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Sunset Helicopter Tour on Day 1 of our 3 days in Uluru. The flight gave us a sweeping aerial view of both landmarks glowing in the sunset hues.
We chose Professional Helicopter Services because it is one of the most established providers in the region, with over 30 years of flying experience. They’re consistently rated among the top helicopter operators in Yulara.
TIP: If you book your tour here you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure. There’s also a “reserve now, pay later” option that’s helpful if your itinerary is still flexible.
There are several helicopter tours available in and around Uluru. Some are short 15-minute flights that circle only Uluru. Others are longer, extended tours that go up to 2 hours and include Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Lake Amadeus, priced at around $1,400 per person.
After going through all the options, we chose the 36-minute Sunset Grand View tour, which felt like the best balance. Long enough to appreciate the scale and beauty of the landscape especially during sunset, but not over the top in terms of time.
The tour was priced at ~$450 per person, which is a significant investment, but one we felt was well worth it. Our tour covered hotel pick-up and drop-off, a pre-flight safety briefing, and live commentary from the pilot throughout the ride.
Check availability and Get 5% OFF Your Tour with code “HATEXPLORES”➡️
Five Reasons to Book a Kata Tjuta+Uluru Helicopter Ride
We’ve explored countless hikes, scenic drives, and lookouts across Australia, but nothing prepared us for the sheer scale and silence of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the sky. If you’re considering splurging on this aerial adventure, here’s exactly why it’s worth every dollar.
1. See Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta in One Tour
This flight includes aerial views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta in a single route. The flight time is long enough to allow full passes over each formation, and the aircraft circles around.
With the vast spread of domes and restrictions due to sacred sites, ground-based access to Kata Tjuta is restricted to less than 25% of the formation due to the vast spread of domes and cultural sensitivities around sacred sites. From the air, you’ll witness the full majesty of all 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta, a perspective impossible to achieve from ground level.
2. Safety Standards You Can Trust
Professional Helicopter Services (PHS) operates these flights, bringing over four decades of aviation expertise to your experience. Established in 1981, PHS has grown to become one of Australia’s leading helicopter companies, safely transporting over 90,000 passengers annually through their tourism operations.
The aircraft used for these tours undergo rigorous maintenance schedules and regular inspections. Before takeoff, you’ll receive a comprehensive safety briefing, and weight distribution is carefully managed to ensure optimal flight conditions. The pilot adjusts seating arrangements to maintain proper helicopter balance throughout the journey.
These sightseeing flights prioritise smooth, comfortable experiences over thrill-seeking manoeuvres. You won’t encounter rapid turns or sharp dips. Noise-cancelling headsets ensure clear communication and enhance your overall comfort.
3. Perfect for Time-Conscious Travellers
If you’re visiting Uluru on a tight schedule, this helicopter tour maximises your sightseeing efficiency. The flight covers both major landmarks without requiring a full-day commitment, leaving you free to pursue other activities like guided walks, cultural centre visits, or those iconic sunrise and sunset viewing sessions.
4. Seamlessly Organised Experience
The operational excellence of this tour enhances the entire experience. Our pilot carefully timed our flight to coincide with optimal lighting conditions, particularly the golden hour when Uluru’s famous colour transformations are most dramatic.
Every aspect runs like clockwork: check-in processes, comprehensive safety briefings, hotel transfers, and efficient boarding procedures.
5. Expert Commentary That Enriches Your Journey
The pilot shares information through headsets during the flight. Commentary includes local geography, distances, the names of specific domes, and cultural notes where appropriate. It helps you understand what you’re seeing and adds useful context, especially if you’ve already visited the area on foot.
Our Experience + Review
OVERVIEW
⏳ Tour duration: Approx. 1.5 hours in total
🌇 Departure: 30 minutes before sunset
🚐 Pick-up & drop-off: Included from your hotel at Ayers Rock Resort
☀️ Operates: 365 days a year, weather permitting
📍 Hotel Pickup and Pre‑Flight
Once you book the 36-minute “Grand View” tour, you’ll receive a detailed confirmation email containing your pickup time and essential safety instructions. Complimentary hotel transfers are included from all hotels within the Ayers Rock Resort. The bus transfers are from the Resort to the Yulara Airport, which is around 10 minutes away.
TIP
Since there is no air conditioning inside the helicopter, it can get quite warm during the flight. We recommend bringing jackets for the bus ride to the airport and leaving them on the bus, where you can pick them up after the flight.
Upon arrival, a staff member will greet you and run through a thorough safety briefing. You’ll be weighed for seat balancing and asked to sign a waiver. Headsets are provided for in-flight communication and commentary.
If you’re travelling with friends, mention this during check-in so staff can accommodate group seating when weight distribution permits.
🚁 Aircraft and Takeoff
At the airport, you’ll be assigned to either a four-seat or five-seat helicopter, depending on group size and aircraft availability. After final safety checks with the ground crew and seat allocation, the rotors begin spinning, and you’ll be airborne within minutes.
The helicopter immediately gains altitude over the distinctive red desert landscape. Uluru dramatically enters your field of vision within the first few minutes of flight, creating an unforgettable first impression of this iconic landmark.
TIP
Since this is a round-trip flight, don’t stress about securing the “perfect” seat. Passengers seated on the left during the outbound journey will enjoy spectacular views on the right side during the return flight, ensuring everyone experiences optimal vantage points throughout the tour.
Once the seats are allocated and you are all settled after a final check with the ground crew, the blades start to spin and you’re airborne within a minute. You immediately gain altitude over flat, red desert, and the view opens up fast, Uluru comes into frame within the first few minutes.
The Flight!
The helicopter does not fly directly over Uluru or Kata Tjuta out of respect for Anangu cultural protocols and Parks Australia’s regulations. Instead, the helicopter follows wide, steady loops that give you clear views of both landmarks from multiple angles.
- Uluru Experience: Your journey begins by circling Uluru, showcasing the monolith’s impressive scale. From this aerial perspective, you’ll clearly identify distinctive features including the Mutitjulu Waterhole, the dramatic vertical folds carved into the sandstone, and ancient caves nestled at the base. The interplay of sunlight reflecting off Uluru’s surface creates breathtaking photographic opportunities that ground-level viewing simply cannot match.
- Kata Tjuta Exploration: The helicopter then travels west toward the Kata Tjuta dome formations. These geological giants actually exceed Uluru’s height in several sections and span a significantly larger area. From above, the 36 domes appear as a collection of tightly clustered boulders, separated by deep corridors and mysterious shadowy gorges. You’ll soar past the famous Walpa Gorge, and on exceptionally clear days, you may even glimpse the distant silhouette of Mount Conner to the east.
During our flight, we even saw Kings Canyon, despite its considerable distance from Uluru! Throughout the journey, your pilot shares information about what you’re seeing, both the geological features and the cultural context.
The flight path adjusts slightly based on prevailing wind conditions, but regardless of weather, everyone enjoys multiple clear views of each landmark.
The flight lasts approximately 36 minutes, but with briefing, boarding, and return transfers, the full experience takes around 90–95 minutes.
After landing, the pilot may let you take a photo in front of the aircraft (subject to safety conditions and timing). Then you’re dropped back at your hotel in Yulara, usually within two hours of your original pickup time!
The Best Uluru Helicopter Tour: Things to Know Before You Book
Before you book your scenic helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, there are a few important details to be aware of, especially if it’s your first time visiting the Red Centre or booking a scenic flight.
- It’s important to understand that no helicopter or plane is allowed to fly directly over the top of Uluru. It is of deep cultural importance to the Anangu people, and overflights are not permitted under National Park regulations. Instead, flights operate on designated paths that allow excellent side-on views while respecting the sacred status of the land.
- Passengers weighing over 125 kg (275 lbs) must purchase an additional adjacent seat for safety and aircraft balance. This is clearly outlined at booking and factored into the fare type.
- Children under 12 months old can fly free and can be seated on a guardian’s lap!
- All travellers must be able to board independently using steps and sit unaided throughout the flight. This tour does require a moderate level of mobility, as staff are not permitted to lift or physically assist guests into the aircraft.
- As for what to wear, it is compulsory to wear closed-toe shoes!
- Drone use is strictly prohibited within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and within 5.5 kilometres of the airport, so leave your drone gear behind for this one. Helicopter tours follow strict environmental guidelines and fly at altitudes and angles designed to minimise disruption to both wildlife and other visitors within the park.
The Best Uluru Helicopter Tour: FAQs
Now that you have a better understanding of the tour, let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about Uluru helicopter tours:
Why Can’t You Fly Over Uluru
Helicopter flights are not permitted to fly directly over Uluru or Kata Tjuta because these sites hold great cultural and spiritual significance for the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the land. To respect their wishes and comply with National Parks regulations, flight paths are designed to circle around and beside the formations rather than flying above them. This ensures that the experience remains respectful while still offering breathtaking views from multiple angles.
Helicopter Ride Over Uluru Price
The cost of the 36-minute helicopter tour that includes both Uluru and Kata Tjuta is approximately AUD 450 per person. If you tend to get motion sickness, there is a fifteen-minute option that focuses only on Uluru and starts at around AUD 205 per person.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private tours that cover additional landmarks like Kings Canyon can cost upwards of four thousand eight hundred Australian dollars for two people.
The Best Uluru Helicopter Tour: Wrap-Up
That’s the wrap of the article! So, if you’ve ever wondered what the best Uluru helicopter tour is, now you know better! It was honestly such an incredible experience, I can’t recommend it enough! If you have any questions or suggestions, message us on Instagram!
