The short answer
A short outback trip costs less than you might expect if you camp, and a lot more if you add scenic flights or luxury lodges. As a rough guide, a 3-day small-group camping tour of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon starts from around $995 per person, while fly-in Kimberley experiences can cost more than $1,000 per person for a single day.
All prices below are in Australian dollars and were checked on operator and park websites in October 2026. Prices change with seasons and demand, so treat them as a starting point.
National park passes
Most organised tours include park fees — check the inclusions before you pay twice.
| Park | Adult price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uluru-Kata Tjuta | $38 (3 days) / $50 (annual) | Under-18s free |
| Kakadu | $40 dry season / $25 wet season | Children 5–15 half price |
| WA parks (Karijini, Purnululu) | About $17 per vehicle per day | Holiday and annual passes available |
| Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre (SA) | About $14.40 per vehicle | Pay online before entry |
Guided tours
| Tour | Typical starting price per person |
|---|---|
| Kakadu day tour from Darwin | From about $290 |
| 3-day Uluru, Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon camping tour | From about $995 (swag) / $1,150 (eco tent) |
| Guided Larapinta Trail trek (multi-day) | From about $3,400 to $5,500+ |
| Multi-week Kimberley & Gibb River Road tours | Several thousand dollars; varies widely by comfort level |
Experiences and scenic flights
| Experience | Price from (adult) |
|---|---|
| Field of Light, Uluru (general entry) | $50 |
| Sunset camel ride, Uluru | About $159–$165 |
| Uluru dinner experiences under the stars | About $295–$455 |
| 15-minute Uluru helicopter flight | About $230 |
| 30-minute hot-air balloon flight, Alice Springs | About $380 |
| 1-hour Lake Eyre scenic flight from William Creek | About $410 |
| Bungle Bungle scenic flight from Kununurra | About $549–$599 |
| Horizontal Falls half-day seaplane tour from Broome | About $1,295 |
| Coober Pedy opal mine tour | About $15–$40 |
| Alice Springs Desert Park entry | $41.50 |
Accommodation
Accommodation at Uluru is limited to Ayers Rock Resort and the luxury Longitude 131°, so prices rise sharply in the May–September peak. Book early.
| Where | Price from (per night) |
|---|---|
| Ayers Rock Campground — tent site | $30 |
| Ayers Rock Campground — powered site | $60 |
| Outback Pioneer Lodge dorm bed, Yulara | About $38–$42 |
| Sails in the Desert, Yulara | About $595 per room |
| Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle cabin | About $293 |
Sample budgets
- Budget (camping tour, no flights): around $1,000–$1,500 for 3 days in the Red Centre, plus flights to Alice Springs or Yulara.
- Mid-range (hotel, a couple of paid experiences): roughly $2,000–$3,500 per person for 4 days at Uluru and Kings Canyon.
- Luxury (lodges, dinners, helicopters): $5,000+ per person is easy to reach on a short Uluru or Kimberley trip.
Ways to save
- Travel in the shoulder months (April or October) when lodges discount.
- Pick a tour that includes park passes and meals.
- Choose one scenic flight that matters most to you rather than several.
- Visit Kakadu in the wet season for the reduced $25 park pass — but check which roads are open.
Prices in AUD, checked October 2026. Always confirm current rates and conditions with operators and park authorities before you travel.
