🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all known regulation around recreational and commercial drone use over Ayers Rock (Uluru), Northern Territory, Australia. Give a 👍 at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have in the Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
Ayers Rock (Uluru) is located in the Northern Territory (NT) which follows the common rules of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). If you're looking for the unmanned aerial vehicle rules of Australia then click here.
As for a shortcut, no matter where in Northern Territory (NT), you should fly:
at a maximum altitude of 120 m above the ground.
away from private property, vehicles in movement, people or large crowds (including over beaches, stadiums or parks) & respect individuals' privacy.
at least 5.5 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
only during permitting weather & within your sight at all times.
away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
Can I fly a drone over Ayers Rock?
Ayers Rock (Uluru) is part of a the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which is regulated by the Parks & Reserves authorities of the Northern Territory. Moreover the famous rock is also a culturally sensitive place for the Aboriginal people.
🚨 Recreational drone use: with this in mind, flying your unmanned aerial vehicle or even an air plane for recreational use over Ayers Rock (Uluru) is unfortunately not allowed today.
✅ Commercial drone use: it is possible but hard to get a permit to fly above Ayers Rock today, even for commercial purposes (movie, aerial photography, etc.) as you must apply for a permit and have an Australian pilot's license to obtain it. You can apply for a permit from the Park Australia website and enquire via:
Phone: +61 8 8956 1128 (8.00 am – 5.00 pm, every day)
Email: uluru.info@environment.gov.au
🛫 Watch out for Ayers Rock Airport!
Once out of the National Park, be careful of the small Ayers Rock airport runway a little upper north which is only 4 kms away from Lasseter Highway (the only main road). Due to its proximity, about 5 km of the highway is completely forbidden for drones to take off. In any other case, make sure you're at least 30 m away from the road before taking off.
💡 Are you exploring further the Northern Territory? Check out this post.
How to get to Ayers Rock?
Ayers Rock is one of the most iconic must do attractions of Australia but surely also one of the most isolated ones in the world. To get there, only 2 options really..
🚗 Drive: We count road trips in days here.. depending if you're departing from:
Alice Spring: allow 1 day (return)
Adelaide allow 2 days (one way)
Darwin, Melbourne or Perth: allow 3 days (one way)
Cairns or Canberra: allow 3.5 days (one way)
Sydney or Brisbane: allow 4 days (one way)
🛫 By plane: easiest really, here you will either have the option to land at Ayers Rock Airport which is conveniently located 30 mins drive from Ayers Rock. Or you can land at Alice Springs which is 'only' 1 day road trip (return) from the big red rock.
What to do at Ayers Rock?
🚁 Take a helicopter ride: "We've been there and are just like you desperate of these aerial shots to complete your album" The best way to get an aerial view of Uluru is to hire a helicopter ride to bring you above this majestic site. It isn't cheap but if you hit for sunset, it should be an unforgettable memory. Here is the only company we're aware of:
🤳 Go sightseeing: there are 8 walks to complete whilst around Ayers Rock. You will find a complete list here to plan your trip at best.
If you got everything in order, you can start flying over the Ayers Rock's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone over Ayers Rock or nearby Alice Springs & have a safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
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