Virgin Australia has announced the launch of two new direct flight services from Melbourne and Brisbane to Uluru, slated to begin next year.
This initiative, a collaborative effort with the Northern Territory Government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, aims to significantly enhance tourism in Uluru, adding over 62,000 seats annually to this iconic destination.
These services are not just about increasing tourist numbers; they also play a crucial role in supporting the growth of the Indigenous Tourism sector, contributing to the Northern Territory’s substantial visitor expenditure, which exceeds $3 billion.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, recently listed as one of the Top 52 Places to Travel in the world by The New York Times, offers a variety of internationally-acclaimed tourism experiences. These include the renowned Field of Light Installation, the new Wintjiri Wiru cultural storytelling experience, and diverse arts and cultural tours suitable for all ages. See accommodations nearby the park.
To mark this exciting development, Virgin Australia has introduced a significant Uluru sale, with economy fares starting at just $129 for travel between 6 June 2024 and 12 September 2024. This special offer is available until midnight AEST on 22 November 2023 or until sold out.
In tandem, Ayers Rock Resort is offering a Welcome Offer for stays at Uluru, with prices beginning at $150 per night at the Lost Camel Hotel. This offer provides an excellent opportunity for tourists to explore the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and enjoy the amenities of the resort.
Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia, emphasized Uluru’s cultural significance and natural beauty, expressing excitement about connecting both Australians and international tourists to this spiritual site. The new direct flights from Melbourne and Brisbane are a first, expected to meet the forecasted demand and provide increased tourism to the region. The added competition and seat capacity to Uluru will offer more options and value to travelers.
Joel Bowden, NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, acknowledged the importance of Virgin Australia’s role in highlighting significant tourist attractions. This development aligns with the Territory Government’s strategy to enhance aviation access throughout the region.
Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, noted that Virgin Australia’s return to Uluru marks a significant step forward for tourism in Central Australia, especially for Indigenous employment, tourism, and training at Ayers Rock Resort. The new routes not only offer more travel choices to the Northern Territory but also enable convenient international connections through Virgin Australia’s global network of partners. The demand to visit Uluru, driven by unique cultural experiences like the $10 million Wintjiri Wiru cultural drone and storytelling experience, is exceptionally high.
The first of these flights are set to depart on 6 June 2024, aligning with the Northern Territory’s peak tourism season, which spans from May to October.
