Uluru is set for a tourism boost with Virgin Australia today announcing two new direct services from Melbourne and Brisbane to be introduced next year.

Launched in partnership with the Northern Territory Government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia (operators of Ayers Rock Resort), the new services will inject more than 62,000 seats per year to the Red Centre, connecting tourists directly to the spiritual heartland of Australia, while providing more choice and value to travellers.

The new services will also support the growth of the Indigenous Tourism sector, contributing to the Northern Territory’s more than $3bn visitor expenditure.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was announced as one of the Top 52 Places to Travel in the World this year by The New York Times and plays host to a raft of internationally-renowned tourism experiences including the much-loved Field of Light Installation, the new Wintjiri Wiru cultural storytelling experience, and an array of arts and cultural tours for travellers of all ages.

$129 Uluru flight sale and accommodation deal

To celebrate, Virgin Australia has dropped a mammoth Uluru sale with fares from as low as $129 one-way in Economy for travel from 6 June 2024 to 12 September 2024 until midnight AEST this Wednesday 22 November 2023 (or until sold out).

Ayers Rock Resort has also released a special Welcome Offer for stays at Uluru from $150 per night at the Lost Camel Hotel, the perfect location to explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and enjoy all the amenities of the resort.

“Uluru is a special place in Australia and a cultural landmark that identifies this wonderful country to the world,” CEO, Virgin Australia, Jayne Hrdlicka, said.

“We look forward to once again connecting Australians and international tourists alike, to the spiritual heartland of Australia.”

“We are also proud to be offering direct flights to Uluṟu from Melbourne and Brisbane for the first time. The forecast demand from these cities, coupled with excellent connectivity from our international airline partners, will provide a much-needed tourism boost to the region.

“Greater competition in the market and more seat capacity to Uluru will also provide travellers with more choice and value next time they fly to the Red Centre.

“We carried over 19 million passengers domestically last year and we are excited to be adding more destinations to our network that connect Australians and open a new gateway of travel between our most popular tourist destinations and the world.”

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden said Territorians appreciated the support of Virgin Australia showcasing significant tourist attractions to local and overseas visitors.

“The Territory Labor Government is proud to welcome Virgin Australia back to Uluru,” Bowden, said.

“This exciting development was made possible with the Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme and Voyages’ strong partnership, which underpins the Territory Government’s commitment to develop aviation access throughout the Territory.

“Uluru is a must-do destination and a preferred destination for our international markets. Today’s announcement will also increase connectivity for those international visitors travelling through Melbourne and Brisbane.”

Wintjiri Wiru Kurpany at Uluru with Voyages Indigenous Tourism.

“Whether it’s still on the bucket list or a much-loved destination, visiting Uluru is a must-do for international and Australian travellers alike,” CEO, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, said.

“These new routes deliver more choice for travel to the NT, but also an abundance of convenient international connections through Virgin Australia’s global network of partners.

“Demand to visit Uluru is incredibly strong – driven by a wealth of amazing cultural experiences including the world-first $10 million cultural drone and storytelling experience, Wintjiri Wiru – and we can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for Virgin Australia’s return to the Red Centre.”

The first flights will depart 6 June 2024, giving travellers plenty of time to enjoy the Northern Territory’s peak tourism season (May to October).