Asia & Pacific · Best May–Sep
Uluru and Outback packing list for families
The Red Centre swings from hot, fly-filled afternoons to frosty winter nights. These are the things that keep kids comfortable on sunrise walks and starry evenings around Uluru.
Photo by Michael Jerrard on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Australia: Uluru & Outback
- Bush flies are relentless in the warmer months. A fly head net over each child's hat sounds silly until you are there, and then everyone wants one.
- Winter days are lovely, but nights can drop near freezing. Pack a warm jacket and beanie for sunrise viewing and evening dinners outdoors.
- Climbing Uluru has been closed since 2019 out of respect for the Anangu people. The base walk and Kata Tjuta trails are the highlights, and some walks close early on very hot days.
Best timeMay–Sep
PlugsType I, bring an adapter
MoneyAustralian dollar
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Australia: Uluru & Outback
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Warm jacket and beanieDesert sunrises and winter nights get cold.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes1
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure3
Fly head netOur pickKeeps bush flies off faces on outdoor walks.
Hydration backpackThe dry heat dehydrates quickly on walks.
Small flashlight or headlampSunrise viewings and stargazing start in the dark.
Little ones5
Lightweight travel strollerOur pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech5
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterOur pickType I, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Desert tones
Terracotta, sand, sage, bone
For the grown-ups
- Linen in sand and terracotta
- A light layer for cool desert evenings
- Sturdy sandals or sneakers
For the kids
- Breathable long sleeves for sun
- A sun hat with a chin strap
- Trail shoes for hikes
For photos
- Warm tones glow at golden hour
- Sage or white keeps it fresh
Month by month
Australia: Uluru & Outback weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 99°F 37°C | Very hot summer days, occasional storms, and lots of flies | Bush fly season, when head nets earn their place in the bag |
| February | 96°F 36°C | Very hot summer days, occasional storms, and lots of flies | Bush fly season, when head nets earn their place in the bag |
| March | 91°F 33°C | Warm autumn days cooling off, with flies easing by April | Bush fly season, when head nets earn their place in the bag |
| April | 84°F 29°C | Warm autumn days cooling off, with flies easing by April | |
| May | 75°F 24°C | Winter: mild, sunny days and cold, clear nights near freezing | Crisp, clear winter skies, the best stargazing of the year |
| June | 68°F 20°C | Winter: mild, sunny days and cold, clear nights near freezing | Crisp, clear winter skies, the best stargazing of the year Australian winter school holidays, when Yulara gets busy |
| July | 68°F 20°C | Winter: mild, sunny days and cold, clear nights near freezing | Crisp, clear winter skies, the best stargazing of the year Australian winter school holidays, when Yulara gets busy |
| August | 73°F 23°C | Winter: mild, sunny days and cold, clear nights near freezing | Crisp, clear winter skies, the best stargazing of the year Desert wildflowers can bloom after good rains |
| September | 82°F 28°C | Spring: warming fast, with hot afternoons by November | Desert wildflowers can bloom after good rains |
| October | 89°F 32°C | Spring: warming fast, with hot afternoons by November | |
| November | 94°F 34°C | Spring: warming fast, with hot afternoons by November | Bush fly season, when head nets earn their place in the bag |
| December | 97°F 36°C | Very hot summer days, occasional storms, and lots of flies | Bush fly season, when head nets earn their place in the bag |
Questions families ask
Australia: Uluru & Outback with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Australia: Uluru & Outback with kids?
The best time is May–Sep. Winter: mild, sunny days and cold, clear nights near freezing
What's the weather like in Australia: Uluru & Outback?
Typical daytime highs range from about 68°F (20°C) in June to about 99°F (37°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Australia: Uluru & Outback?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Australia: Uluru & Outback?
Type I, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Australia: Uluru & Outback with kids?
Bush flies are relentless in the warmer months. A fly head net over each child's hat sounds silly until you are there, and then everyone wants one.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.