Mount Conner Lookout
A striking flat-topped mountain and vast salt lake offering breathtaking desert vistas, a must-see on Outback journeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light on the landscape
Mount Conner Lookout
Best Time
Golden light on the landscape
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking flat-topped mountain and vast salt lake offering breathtaking desert vistas, a must-see on Outback journeys.
"The view of the vast landscape and the striking shape of the mountain is truly breathtaking. "
Book a Tour in Advance
Access is via private property; book tours with stations like Curtin Springs. :ticket:
Walk Across the Road
Don't miss the salt lake view from the dunes opposite the main lookout. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Conner's Majestic Shape
Mount Conner Lookout
A striking, flat-topped mountain dominating the desert landscape. Its unique form is a photographer's dream.
Lake Amadeus Salt Flats
Across the road from the lookout
Vast, glistening white salt flats stretching for kilometers, offering a surreal and breathtaking desert spectacle.
Desert Flora and Fauna
Surrounding areas
Discover unique desert plants, including bush tomatoes and flowers, and spot wildlife tracks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Mount Conner
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Tour in Advance
Access is via private property; book tours with stations like Curtin Springs. :ticket:
Walk Across the Road
Don't miss the salt lake view from the dunes opposite the main lookout. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Scale
The vastness is incredible. Consider including a person or vehicle for perspective.
Rest Stop Amenities
Toilets, shaded seating, and hand-washing facilities are available.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Tour in Advance
Access is via private property; book tours with stations like Curtin Springs. :ticket:
Walk Across the Road
Don't miss the salt lake view from the dunes opposite the main lookout. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Scale
The vastness is incredible. Consider including a person or vehicle for perspective.
Rest Stop Amenities
Toilets, shaded seating, and hand-washing facilities are available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Conner Lookout for its breathtaking views of the unique mountain and the expansive salt lake, calling it a hidden gem and a worthwhile stop on the way to Uluru. The rest stop facilities are appreciated, though some note the mountain's resemblance to Uluru can cause initial confusion. The opportunity to see desert flora and fauna adds to the experience.
"The Mt Conner lookout was a very impressive stop on our trip. The view of the vast landscape and the striking shape of the mountain is truly breathtaking. What made it even more special was the incredible sight of the salt lake in the middle of the desert – a unique and memorable highlight.
Definitely worth pulling over to take in the scenery and capture some photos. A hidden gem on the way to Uluru!"
Pramesh Kumar
"We're enjoying our drive to Uluru, taking a break at the Mount Connor Lookout. The view of Salt Lake and Mount Connor is truly amazing and majestic! Checkout the bush vegetables eg apple,🍏 tomatoes 🍅 and flowers 🌺"
Quachet
"Got excited, then realised, 'mount fooluru'. Was a good stop anyway, must walk up the dune on other side of the road to see the salt lake."
Andrew Denniss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Conner (Atila) is located on private property. Access is typically through guided tours offered by stations like Curtin Springs. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Uluru.
While the lookout itself is accessible by road, the mountain is on private land. You'll need to join a tour to explore beyond the designated lookout points.
Mount Conner Lookout is approximately 100 kilometers (about 1.5 hours drive) east of Uluru.
Independent access is generally not permitted as it's on private land. Booking a tour is the recommended way to visit.
Some scenic flights over the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park may offer aerial views of Mount Conner.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the lookout area is usually included as part of a tour package. Check with your tour operator for specific details.
The lookout is accessible during daylight hours, but tour operating times will dictate your visit. It's best to confirm with your tour provider.
Costs vary depending on the tour operator. Expect to pay for a guided tour that includes transport and access to the site.
You can drive to the general vicinity, but to access the specific lookout and surrounding areas, a tour is generally required due to it being on private property.
As Mount Conner is on private land and not a national park, there are no standard park entry fees. Tour fees cover access.
📸 📸 Photography
The main lookout offers a classic view of the mountain and salt lake. For a different angle, walk across the road to the dunes.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hues and dramatic shadows.
Drone usage is often restricted on private property and in sensitive ecological areas. Always check local regulations and obtain permission before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
The contrast between the red desert, white salt lake, and the imposing mountain provides unique photographic opportunities.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the panoramic views, take photos, learn about the local flora and fauna, and use the provided rest stop facilities.
Yes, children can enjoy the views and the novelty of the desert landscape. The walk across the road to the salt lake is also engaging.
The main lookout requires minimal walking. A short walk across the road to the salt lake dunes is recommended.
Guided tours often include commentary and may involve short walks to specific points of interest.
You might spot tracks of snakes, centipedes, and mammals in the sand dunes. Keep an eye out for desert birds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place to break up long drives, with facilities like toilets and shaded seating providing comfort. The opportunity to see bush vegetables and flowers, and spot wildlife tracks, adds an educational element to the visit.
🚗 Road Trippers
The visual impact of Mount Conner and the unexpected beauty of Lake Amadeus make it more than just a rest stop; it's a memorable scenic experience. It’s a chance to stretch your legs, capture some stunning photos, and appreciate the diverse landscapes of the Northern Territory.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Don't forget to explore the dunes across the road for different perspectives of the salt lake. Consider wide-angle lenses to capture the immense scale of the landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Atila (Mount Conner)
For those with a specific interest, like a child hyper-fixated on the mountain, learning about its Indigenous heritage can be particularly enriching. Tours often provide insights into the traditional custodians of the land and their connection to Atila.
Respectful engagement with the landscape and any cultural information shared is paramount. The mountain is not just a geological feature but a living part of the country's history and culture.
Experiencing the Salt Lake
This area is a fantastic spot for photography, offering a stark contrast to the red earth and blue sky. The sheer scale of the salt lake can be awe-inspiring, and it's a great place to appreciate the unique geological formations of the Australian Outback.
Be prepared for the bright glare from the salt. Wearing sunglasses and a hat is essential. The ground can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the dunes.
Mount Conner as a Road Trip Stop
Beyond its practical function, it offers a significant visual reward. Many visitors are surprised by the beauty of Mount Conner and the adjacent salt lake, finding it a highlight of their Outback road trip. It provides a different perspective on the Red Centre's landscape compared to the more famous Uluru.
Pro Tip: If you're driving from Uluru towards Alice Springs, this is a great place to stop before the longer stretch to your next destination. If coming from Alice Springs towards Uluru, it's a fantastic introduction to the grandeur of the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit