Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder Privacy & Cookies Policy and Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge Review: Travelling with kids
The budget accommodation option at Ayres Rock Resort is the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, but is it any good for holidays with kids?
Guides
Quick verdict
The Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge is the budget accommodation option at the Ayers Rock Resort. Despite being the cheaper option, it's more than serviceable for most people's needs, including families look for holidays with kids.
Uluru should be on everyone's bucket list. The World Heritage-listed monolith that lunges 863 metres out of the Australian desert cannot be experienced second-hand through media or the stories of friends. You must stand before it and witness it for yourself.
Also read: Your complete guide to the Red Centre
If you've started researching your trip, then no doubt you've quickly discovered that there is only one place to stay if you want to be close enough to the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to explore its riches. That destination is the Ayers Rock Resort. Thankfully, there are six different hotels within this sprawling tourist destination. They range from the most basic (a tent), to luxury glamping and five-star experiences with stunning views.
For most of us, however, the cost of getting there, hiring a car and enjoying the food, drinks and attractions puts a lot of pressure on your accommodation options. You may be wondering if the budget Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge is too budget for your needs or not. So, let's take a closer look.
Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge
Details of my stay:
- Where: Ayers Rock Resort, Northern Territory.
- When: 4 September 2019, three nights.
- Room type: 4 Bed Private Room.
- Guests: Two adults, two kids.
- Cost: Starts from AU$184 per night).
- Hotel star rating: 2 stars.
- Book: Outback Pioneer Hotel
My review, in short:
Rating: ★★★½☆
- Cost: Expensive by usual standards, but the budget option for Uluru.
- Location: 20 minute drive from the rock, and next to the only bar in town.
- Holidays with kids: Welcomed, with family-friendly facilities and an overall sense that your children are safe.
- Check-in process: No early check-ins or late check-outs, but fast and friendly.
- The room: Small and featureless, but more than adequate for budget travellers.
- Food: Buffets are solid, but not awfully diverse. But kitchen facilities and BBQs help keep costs down.
- Facilities: Clean, communal, large and family-friendly. The simple pool is a vital afternoon visit, while the in situ bar with live music, and kids game room, ensure it's a place to happily hang in-between trips to the natural wonders.
Typical bunk room at the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge. Image: Accor
Are the rooms too small?
The Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge has within it three tiers of accommodation. For those with a bit more money to spend, there is the option of a room with double beds, a TV and a small bathroom. For those with less, there is a room with four bunk beds and nothing else (outside the essential air-con). And for backpackers, there are multi-bed dorms for men and women.
I chose to stay in the middle four-bunk-beds-in-a-box option. It's about as basic and bare bones as you can get, but it's also perfectly fine. Even for holidays with kids. At first glance, the cold, hard concrete floor, small space (probably 3mx3m) and utilitarian beds may feel all too stark. However, the nature of a trip to Uluru means you don't need your room for much other than sleep.
And sleep comes easily when you're hiking about in 40°C heat. Especially on holidays with kids.
After walking all day in the hot desert sun and with early starts in mind to combat the heat, by the time I got back to my bed on each of the four nights, my children and I had little interest in anything other than sleeping. The same went for our neighbours, meaning that while noise travels through the walls relatively easily, there was little movement or sound after 9pm.
We were left with the distant sounds of the band playing at the bar to fall asleep to. Or to quietly post a few shots on Instagram using the free Wi-Fi.
While a bigger bed would have been nice, I honestly think a TV would have just robbed my family of more exploration time. And as you will read below, the facilities are so communal and family-friendly that there are better things to spend your money on than a kitchenette or toilet.
The pool is small but lovely. Can you see Uluru in the background? Image: Accor
Are the facilities good for holidays with kids?
Staying in a room with just beds, I was concerned about how sharing a bathroom and kitchen with other guests was going to go. Especially given that I had kids with me and the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge is backpacker-friendly. But I need not have worried.
The bathroom facilities are large, cleaned multiple times a day and surprisingly uncrowded. The showers are typically poor, but to be honest, I just jumped in the pool each morning and used the much better cold showers that were down that way instead.
The kitchen is also kept clean and other guests were respectful. We placed our food and drinks in labelled bags in the large fridges and they remained untouched by foreign hands throughout our stay. There are BBQs to cook on, stoves, microwaves and various condiments (and food) left by previous guests to rummage through. My only advice would be to bring some cutlery (plates, bowls, knives, forks) of your own as it was in short supply when we were there.
The pool is obviously a godsend. If you caught my 10 tips for travelling to Uluru article then you'll know that I advise getting all your exploring done before midday. I then spent the afternoons staying cool near the pool with a beverage in hand.
As well as that holidays with kids essential, a games room (closed for maintenance during my stay), and souvenir shop, there is a large bar central to the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge. It's the only place in the whole Ayers Rock Resort where you can get takeaway booze, and its proximity was welcomed.
For those of you more available for a good time – as in, not a parent like your poor writer – the bar is a great place to hang. Live music most nights helps create a laidback, yet party-like atmosphere. And rather than being a location dominated by drunk backpackers, there was a respectful mix of people across all demographics chatting about their day's adventure and having a good time.
The main reception has everything you need to book attractions and the staff are generally laidback and good-natured. A bus regularly travels between the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge and other hotels (if you want to have a sticky beak at the good life) as well as the town centre. And there's ample parking if you choose to hire a car.
The main bar at Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge. Image: Discover Central Australia
Food: Mix of buffet, dining and self-catered
While some of the other accommodation options at the Ayers Rock Resort have some pretty fancy dining, it's a lot simpler at the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge. As mentioned, cooking and preparing your own food is very much on the cards. For that, there is an IGA in the town centre where you can pick up your supplies at a reasonable price.
The Outback BBQ and Bar and the Pioneer Kitchen offer your classic pub lunch and pub food experiences. The Kitchen prices aren't actually too bad and suitable enough to get you out of a jam in the middle of the day. The dinners at the BBQ and Bar are more expensive, but the food is just fine. You'll be eating at long tables with plenty of others, so just make sure your expectations meet the experience.
There is a "proper" restaurant available. The Bough House Restaurant offers breakfast and dinner buffet options, as well as off-the-menu cuisine. It's not nearly as varied as you'd expect in the big city, but still impressive given the location. It's kid-friendly, too, ensuring that families are the most likely to be found sharing the venue with you.
It was a little too expensive for me to choose regularly. However, each day there are specials that you can make use of, and these at least help to justify the cost if you're up for a splurge. Personally, I didn't see the point of the breakfasts at all, as you'll want to be on the road and moving to your day's destination come sunrise. For those look at holidays with kids, I recommend getting some cereal and milk from the IGA for less than $10.
The view from the top of the sand dune. Image: Old Mate Media
Can you see Uluru from the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge?
Yes and no. You can't look out your window and see Uluru on the horizon anywhere in the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge. You must pay for that luxury at one of the other accommodation options. However, there is a very close sand dune that you can climb, where a viewing platform allows you to get a full 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.
Not only is Uluru clearly visible from here, but it's just a really nice place to be. I saw people setting up picnics here in the evening. I ventured up there for sunsets and to take photos of the stunning stars late at night.
Is the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge family-friendly?
I travelled to Uluru with my kids and was more than happy with the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge as a destination for families. The grounds are well looked after and I felt safe letting my kids explore beyond the room and up into the sand dunes. My son (eight years old) was quick to meet some new friends by the decent-sized (if unspectacular) pool and playing with them become a highlight of his trip.
Is the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge any good?
Make no mistake, the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge offers basic rooms. But it makes up for this with well-maintained facilities and a communal "campground" feel that lets you relax into the experience. I had no issues with rowdy backpackers or drunken stumblers keeping me awake, and I felt perfectly safe there with my children. Which is pretty important for holidays with kids.
Ultimately, everything you need for a good stay is at the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge. While it's nice to have a luxury room, epic pool and big TV, I never felt I needed it. After exploring all day in the hot sun, all I really wanted was a swim, an early dinner and a cold beer, with a private, quiet place to get some sleep. Anything beyond that feels like it would have been wasted money.
The latest travel deals
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 56% off Australia stays
Available on stays until December 2020. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Adelaide, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 30% off last minute Australia stays
Available stays until October 2020 in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle, Rockhampton and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hotels.com
Up to 60% off Australia-wide stays + Extra 8% off with code
Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Oaks Hotels & Resorts
Up to 20% off Australia stays + Extra 10% off with code
Available on select stays dates until 30 June 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gladstone, Townsville, Adelaide, Glenelg and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Wotif
Up to 66% off Australia stays
Available on stays until May 2021 in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hotels.com
Extra 8% off on hotel bookings
Save on hotel stays before 31 December 2020 in Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, USA and more. Available at select hotels.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Otel.com
Extra 9% off hotel bookings
Valid on select hotel stays worldwide like Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe and more on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Some restrictions apply.
Last verified
Luxury Escapes
Up to 61% off Australia holiday packages
Available on select dates until December 2021. Destinations include Adelaide, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Hunter Valley and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Stayz
Australia beach holidays from $82/night
Available on select stay dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. Sample price is for a stay at a private beach cottage in South Greenough, Western Australia. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Expedia.com.au
Up to 38% off Australia hotels
Available on select 2020 dates and hotels. Destinations include Perth, Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Newcastle, Port Stephens and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Luxury Escapes
Up to 70% off holidays
Book holidays to Thailand, Bali, Fiji, Maldives, Vietnam and across Australia at up to 70% off. Earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Booking.com
Up to 15% off Australia stays
Available on stays until 4 January 2021 in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Stayz
Australia stays from $54/night
Available on select 2020 dates across Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Brisbane, Perth and more. Sample fare is for a stay at McSweeney Ranch Casino. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
HotelsCombined
Australia stays from $24/night
Available on select stay dates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin, Canberra and more. Sample rate is for a stay at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort in Cairns. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
HotelsCombined
Up to 20% off Oaks Hotels and Resorts across Australia
Available from 17 August 2020 - 30 June 2021 when you stay for 2 nights. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin, Townsville and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Avani
Up to 33% off stays + extra 10% off members
Available on select stay dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Dubai, Lisbon, Malaysia and more. Minimum of 3+ night stays. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Kiwi.com
Up top 15% off Australia hotels
Available on stays until 4 January 2021 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Accor Hotels
Western Australia getaway from $384/night
Available on stays from September - October 2020, including school holidays, at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River Region Hotel. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Expedia.com.au
Up to 15% off Western Australia stay + Extra 10% off members
Available on select dates until June 2021, including school holidays, at Nesuto Geraldton. Minimum of 3 nights stay required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
10Travlr Hotels
Australia hotel package deals from $70
Available on select stay dates until December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, Blue Mountains, Launceston and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Oaks Hotels & Resorts
Up to 30% off South Australia stays
Available on stays until 30 June 2021 when you sign up to Oaks Discovery. Destinations include Adelaide, Glenelg and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Marriott
Earn 2,500 bonus points on Australia stays
Available on stays until 18 October 2020 for members who register for the special offer. Plus a one-time bonus of 5,000 additional points after the third paid stay.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Up to 20% off Australia stays
Available on stays until 31 December 2020 in Hunter Valley, Broome, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney, Box Hill and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Up to 13% off Australia getaway packages + Extra 10% off with code
Available on select travel dates to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Canberra and more. Minimum spend of $100 required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Exclusive
Oaks Hotels & Resorts
10% off stays in Australia and New Zealand
Valid for My Oaks members. Membership is free and also entitles guests to late check-out and complimentary Internet use. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
OneTravel
Up to 25% off worldwide hotels
Available on select dates in Las Vegas, London, Paris, Australia, New Zealand and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hotelopia
Australia hotels from $39/night
Available on select stay dates in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Tasmania and more. Sample rate is for a stay at BASE Brisbane Uptown.
Last verified
Accor Hotels
Up to 25% off Australia stays
Available for travel until 31 December 2020 when you 2 nights or more. Prepayment required. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
5% off hotel bookings
Available on your first Trip.com pre-paid hotel booking. Discount available worldwide including in Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, Fiji, US, UK and more.
Last verified
HomeAway
Australia stays from $85/night
Available on select 2020 dates across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and more. Sample accommodation is at Maisie's Cottage Busselton. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Hotels.com
Extra 8% off stays
Save on hotel stays from 1 April 2020 - 30 June 2021 in Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, USA and more. Available at select hotels.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Best Western
15% off international stays
Must be aged 55+ and proof to be presented at check-in. Available on select hotels in Australia, Athens, New Orleans, Las Vegas and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Finder Hotels
Hotel stays in Uluru from $370 per room
Snap up the perfect stay in Uluru from $370 per room. Price based on twin share.
Last verified
Choice Hotels
Up to 10% off stays
Valid on select dates when booked between 2 and 30 days in advance and prepaid at time of booking. Available at locations across Australia and New Zealand.
Last verified
Arise Hotels and Apartments
Extra 10% off Australia stays
Available on all dates when you use the code. Destinations include Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Adelaide. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Popular Hotels coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Aug 2020 | Extra 8% off on hotel bookings | CLP**** |
| 22 May 2020 | Extra 9% off hotel bookings | AUT**** |
| 6 Mar 2020 | Extra 8% off hotel bookings | 8OF**** |
| 25 Sep 2020 | Extra 10% off Auckland stays | AUC**** |
| 25 Sep 2020 | Up to 20% off United Kingdom stays | TRA**** |
Related Posts
Ask an Expert