Visit at sunrise or sunset for a spectacular sight as Uluru transforms from ochre to burnished orange and intense red.
A natural wonderland
Visit one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Uluru. Not only is it a spectacular natural formation, Uluru is a deeply spiritual place. You can feel a powerful presence the moment you set eyes on it.
At 348m high, Uluru is one of the world’s largest monoliths, towering over the surrounding landscape and some 550 million years old.
Made of sandstone, Uluru is often referred to as the heart of the ‘Red Centre’ and is one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks. Breathe in, see the colours change before your eyes, hear the stories of time and be amazed as Uluru captures your heart.
For the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park holds a special cultural significance where earth and memories exist as one.
Feel the connection to the land as this iconic rock formation hides ancient wisdom and diverse plant and animal life. Discover an awe-inspiring landscape where creation stories are whispered on the winds.
Choose to walk with a Traditional Owner, join a camel tour, self-drive or dine under a canopy of stars. There are more than 101 culturally appropriate activities to experience in the region.
Things to see & do at Uluru/Ayers Rock
Top 5 things to do
1. Walk around the base of Uluru
The Uluru Base Walk is one of the best ways to soak in the beauty and get up close to Uluru. You can circumnavigate the 9.4km base and relax beside tranquil waterholes, take a break under a magnificent Sheoak tree and peer into hidden caves.
Join a guided tour to hear stories of the Dreamtime passed down by generations. See incredible rock art sites, learn about the natural flora and fauna of the area, and find out more about the fascinating geology of this area.
Did you know that what we see today are just the tips of huge rock slabs that continue below the ground for up to 6km?
Many visitors are surprised to learn that there are more than 415 species of native plants, 21 species of mammals, 178 species of birds, 73 species of reptiles and thousands more species of ants, spiders and bugs found here.
There are plenty of walking trails at the base of Uluru and most are wheelchair accessible.
2. Enjoy a sunrise or sunset
Uluru is famous the world over for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Whatever you do, don’t miss a sunset or sunrise at Uluru when the light turns its massive surface from ochre brown to burnished orange to intense red and all the colours in between.
There are over five viewing areas built specifically for experiencing the landscapes of Uluru so don’t forget to pack your camera.
3. Dine under a canopy of stars
Have the dinner of your life, under the stars and deep in the desert against the backdrop of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, tucking into gourmet outback fare.
What better way to enjoy NT’s iconic landscapes than by combining them with world-class dining experiences?
With Sounds of Silence and Tali Wiru dinner packages available from Voyages, there is a dining experience to suit all budgets and tastes.
4. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Culture Centre
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a great starting point for visitors to the park. The centre offers information about activities and the park as well as an introduction into Anangu culture.
The award-winning Maruku Arts has a diverse range of art including woven baskets, punu (woodwork) and traditional paintings on canvas. Get involved and take part in demonstrations and workshops with local artists.
Maruku Retail Gallery, is located at the Cultural Centre within Uluru Kata -Tjuta National Park.
5. Take a camel tour
Travel through the red sand of Central Australia on the back of a camel, or desert ship, taking sunrise and sunset tours to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Climbing Uluru
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is a deeply sacred place to the Aboriginal Anangu people.The climb was permanently closed on 26 October 2019.
Rather than climbing Uluru, you can take the fascinating Uluru base walk instead. Start from Mala carpark in the morning while it’s cool, take plenty of water and discover the diverse plants, animals and geological features. This is the best way to fully appreciate the natural and cultural beauty of Uluru.
Take a tour and chat with local guides to learn more about their culture and the significance of this mighty rock.
There is also a free ranger-guided ‘Mala’ walk on every day. This walk talks you through the story of the Mala (rufous-hare wallaby) people, giving you the chance to learn more about traditional Anangu culture, rock art and how the park is managed.
There are plenty of options so please visit Parks Australia website for more information.
More information
Uluru can be accessed by air with direct flights from major Australian airports and via Alice Springs airport. The Red Centre Way drive is ideal for those wanting a self-drive adventure or you can join one of many organised tours from Alice Springs.
Please see the following links for more information.
Travellers’ stories
How do I get to Uluru?
You can drive, fly or take a guided tour. The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru takes around 4.5 hours (460km), while a trip from Kings Canyon will take you approximately 3 hours (306km). You can fly to Ayers Rock Airport from most major cities in Australia.
When is the best time to visit Uluru?
Uluru has one of the best climates in Australia with sun and stars all year round, so any time is a good time to visit. The most popular period is from May to October when the weather is cooler.
Can Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park be done as a day trip?
It’s possible to do a day trip from Alice Springs, and some tour companies offer this. However, considering the best times to see Uluru are at dawn and dusk, we recommend spending a few days to fully soak up the experience.
How do I get around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?
Once you’ve made it to Uluru, getting around is half the fun! There are sealed roads all around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, so self-driving is easy. There are plenty of exciting tour options as well. You can experience Uluru on foot, bike, in a helicopter, on a Harley Davidson, Segway or riding a camel. Most tour operators will pick you up from your accommodation.
Do I need any passes or permits to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?
Yes, all visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park require a park ticket. These can be purchased at the park entry station, or via your tour operator.
How far is Uluru from Alice Springs?
Uluru is 460km from Alice Springs, which will take you around 4.5 hours by car.
What are the major attractions in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?
The world-famous Uluru is the star attraction of the park. Don’t miss exploring the nearby domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). After dark, check out the Field of Light Installation, or enjoy the Sounds of Silence dinner at Ayers Rock Resort where you can dine under a blanket of stars. Learn about Uluru and the local Aboriginal culture at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
What should I bring with me to Uluru?
Regardless of how you explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, make sure you carry drinking water, wear sunscreen and sun-safe clothing. An insect net can be handy during the warmer months.
Where should I go next from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?
Australia’s Red Centre is bursting with stunning attractions that will provide you with a flavour of the Outback. Kings Canyon, the West and East MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs and Rainbow Valley are just some of the highlights.
