How to avoid flies at Uluru

The notorious flies at Uluru can be a serious hassle – but there are some good ways to minimise the nuisance.

Uluru in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre is justifiably one of Australia’s top attractions, but it is notorious for one particularly bothersome pest – the flies.

Many visitors will return from Uluru saying the flies drove them mad. Alas, you just have to accept them buzzing around your eyes, ears and nostrils – it’s just part of the Australian outback experience.

There are, however, some things you can do to make the Uluru flies less of a nuisance.

8 great Uluru experiences to book before you arrive

1. Understand Uluru’s caves, bulges, gullies and spiritual stories on a guided base walk.
2. Be awe-struck by the changing colours on a SUNRISE tour.
3. Eat great food on a dune top, and enjoy an expert-guided stargazing session during a once-in-a-lifetime desert dune-top dinner.
4. See an entirely different kind of dramatic outback scenery on Kings Canyon day trip.
5. Do a lap of Uluru by Segway.
6. See the big picture on an outback helicopter flight.
7. See Australia’s most spectacular light show – the Field of Light at sunrise.
8. Admire the colour-shifting giant rock domes on a Kata-tjuta sunset trip.

How to avoid flies at Uluru: Wear light-coloured clothing

Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing can help reduce the number of flies that land on your body. Flies are attracted to dark colorus and movement, so wearing light-coloured clothes can make you less of a target.

Tucking your trousers into your socks and wearing a hat with a fly net can also help keep the flies at bay.

This once-in-a-lifetime dune-top dinner experience, with special stargazing session included, is our top Uluru recommendation.

Avoiding flies at Uluru: Use insect repellent.

Apply a good-quality insect repellent to your exposed skin and clothing, and reapply as needed throughout the day. You can also use natural fly repellents such as eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil.

Sort out your Red Centre transport now

Transfers: Alice Springs to Uluru | Uluru to Alice Springs | Uluru to Kings Canyon | Kings Canyon to Uluru | Kings Canyon to Alice Springs.
Day tours: Uluru from Alice Springs | Kata Tjuta from Uluru | Kings Canyon from Uluru | West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs.

Best time of day for dodging flies at Uluru

Flies are most active during the middle of the day, so try to avoid being outside during this time if possible. Do something indoors like the Gallery of Central Australia.

Plan your activities such as the Uluru Base Walk for early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the weather is cooler and the flies are less active.

It is no coincidence that the top Uluru activities, including sunrise tours, guided base walks and dunetop dining experiences take place at the beginning and end of the day.

The flies are also a much bigger problem during the hotter, summer months – avoid November to March unless you want to be constantly waving flies away.

What flies are attracted to

Flies are attracted to sweet or fruity fragrances, so avoid using scented lotions, shampoos, and perfumes. Stick to unscented products to help reduce your attractiveness to the flies.

Which Uluru accommodation should I book?

Let’s not sugar-coat it: Accommodation at Uluru is expensive. Specialist Australian accommodation website Wotif lists Uluru accommodation for from $300. Check the top deals page to search through the options.

However, if you stay for three nights rather than two, hefty discounts tend to kick in.

The Uluru accommodation options are designed with different target markets in mind. Book which one fits you best.