Is there any image more iconic than Uluru that pops into your mind when you think of Australian outback? For many, including the Anangu People, who’ve been calling the area home for more than 30,000 years, this world-famous monolith represents so much more than its sheer size—it’s bigger than Vatican City and taller than the Eiffel Tower, yet its true magic lies beyond those impressive facts.
When you come to the Red Centre, it’s the remoteness of the geography that hits you first—the vast, endless desert stretching as far as the eye can see. Then there’s the silence, so profound it feels almost surreal. At night, the sky is filled with more stars than you can imagine, each shining above an ancient land rich with Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. By the time the sun emerges on the horizon, Uluru and its neighbour Kata Tjuta seem to transform before your eyes, their red surface shifting through shades of orange and deep crimson as the sunlight moves across the sky. And somehow, even in this seemingly harsh environment, nature thrives, with splashes of purple wildflowers breaking through the desert terrain, adding unexpected beauty to the landscape.
It’s this combination of raw nature, spiritual significance, and rugged beauty that makes this place so magical—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for the inquisitive traveller looking to connect with Australia’s soul. In this guide to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, I’ll share everything you need to know to make your journey unforgettable—from where to spend the night and the best hikes, to must-see sunset spots and what to pack for your adventure. Let’s dive into this extraordinary adventure.
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While Yulara isn’t the main reason you’re visiting the Red Centre, it’s the main gateway to Uluru–Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Since there’s no accommodation or campgrounds within the park, this is where you’ll spend the night, stock up on supplies, and fill up on petrol. Yulara is 8 km from Ayers Rock Airport, 20 km from Uluru, and 53 km from Kata Tjuṯa, making it a convenient base for your visit. The town has a population of 1,099 inhabitants according to the last Australian Census.
Most of the town’s hotels and restaurants are run by Ayers Rock Resort, an Aboriginal-owned enterprise offering a variety of accommodation options. We stayed at The Lost Camel Hotel, a boutique-style spot just 20 minutes from Uluru, with a pool, private bathrooms, free laundry and complimentary resort bus shuttle.
Yulara has a small town square with a supermarket, car rental desks, and a few dining options—though prices are higher due to the area’s remoteness. Everything is within walking distance, and there’s a free shuttle bus connecting the airport and hotels.
For a drink and some relaxation after a day of hiking, I recommend stopping by The Outback Hotel—it’s a great spot to unwind at night. You can also enjoy free activities hosted by Ayers Rock Resort, such as tours, yarns and guided walks. We attended a bush food exhibition which is held daily at 1pm in the city centre theatre and it was both interesting and educational.
How to Get There
To get to Yulara, you can either fly directly into Ayers Rock Airport or drive. Flying is the fastest option, with direct flights from major Australian cities. A wide range of airlines operate this route, such as Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin. While this is convenient, you’ll likely need to rent a car or rely on shuttle buses to explore the area.
On the other hand, if you have enough time, prefer flexibility and want to soak in the spectacular outback scenery, driving your own vehicle might be the way to go. However, this can be a long journey depending on your starting point. Just keep in mind that distances in the Red Centre are vast, in fact the closest major city near Yulara is Alice Springs, which is 446 km away.
IMPORTANT: If you are planning to tour some of the wonders of the Northern Territory, please be aware that wildlife are more active around roads between dusk and dawn. Most car rental companies won’t allow you to take the vehicle outside any towns between sunset and sunrise. The exception to this is Yulara and Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park area.
Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to two of Australia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders: the iconic sandstone monolith of Uluru and the striking red domes of Kata Tjuta. Located in the heart of the Central Australian desert, about 446 km from Alice Springs, the nearest major city.
The park is co-managed by Parks Australia and the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land, ensuring that its rich Indigenous heritage is preserved. Along with its famous geological landmarks, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park also boasts an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife, including many rare species that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. It’s not just a place of natural beauty, but also a cultural treasure, where the stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime are deeply connected to the landscape.
The national park holds a dual distinction on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognized for its profound natural and cultural significance. It was initially listed in 1987, when the park’s striking geological formations and diverse flora and fauna, gained global recognition. Subsequently, in 1994, UNESCO acknowledged the park’s cultural connection between the land and the Anangu People, one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Entrance Fee
To experience the natural and cultural wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you’ll need to purchase a park pass. The easiest way to do this is online, allowing for quick entry, but if that’s not possible, you can also buy one at the entry station. Keep in mind, you’ll need to scan your pass each time you enter the park. As of December 2024, a 3-day pass costs $38 (25 USD) per adult, while an annual pass is available for $50 (33 USD).
Best Time to Visit
Although Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is open year-round, remember—you’re heading into the desert, where the weather can be unpredictable, with big shifts between day and night. With that in mind, I recommend visiting the park during the cooler months between May and September. Even then, it can still get quite hot during the day, but the temperatures are far more comfortable for hiking and exploring. You might have some chilly nights, but the days are warm, dry, and perfect for enjoying the park’s natural wonders without the intense heat. Just make sure you start exploring early in the morning.
How to Get Around
When visiting Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa, there are several transportation options available. Private buses and shuttle services offer scheduled transfers between Yulara and the national park, with hop-on, hop-off options. These buses pick you up directly from your hotel or campground and prices start at $49 (32 USD) for a return trip to Uluru and $105 (72 USD) for a return trip to Kata Tjuta. Tickets can be bought online.
That said, in my opinion, the best way to explore the area is by renting your own car. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, without relying on bus schedules. You can stop for photos whenever you like and take advantage of the different viewing platforms for sunrise and sunset without feeling rushed.
Significance for Aboriginal People
Uluru and Kata Tjuta hold deep spiritual significance for First Nations People, particularly the Anangu, who have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years. For them, these landscapes are not just natural wonders but sacred places connected to their ancestral beings and stories of the Dreamtime, which explain how the world was created.
To the Anangu People, Uluru and Kata Tjuta transcend their physical form as mere ancient rocks; they embody a living cultural landscape that holds multiple sacred sites and ancestral teachings. Every cave, rock formation, waterhole and path has a story, passed down through generations, teaching important lessons about life, culture, and the land. They perceive this sacred land as the creation of ancestral beings, with themselves as directed descendants entrusted with its protection and conservation.
Dreamtime
For the Anangu People, Dreamtime encapsulates their cultural identity, traditions, and spiritual beliefs. In the context of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Dreamtime tells the story of a once-blank canvas of a world that was transformed by the journeys of the Anangu ancestors. As they traversed the landscape, they shaped the land, giving rise to iconic natural wonders. Both majestic monoliths, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, stand as a testament to their presence on Earth, symbolizing one of their most powerful and evocative creations.
Uluru
Uluru is believed to have formed around 550 million years ago. Yep, you read that right—more than half a billion years! It’s mind-blowing when you realise that Uluru is over twice as old as the oldest dinosaurs, who roamed the Earth around 250 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era. Just imagine how many sunsets this ancient rock has witnessed.
As for its size, Uluru’s total circumference is a massive 9.4 km. To put that into perspective, it’s bigger than Vatican City and Monaco combined, and takes about 3 to 4 hours to walk around its base. The rock towers 348 meters (or 1,142 feet) above the surrounding desert, making it taller than both the Chrysler Building in New York and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But here’s the kicker—most of Uluru is actually underground! Around 2.5 km of its mass is buried beneath the desert surface.
If these facts about Uluru have blown your mind, just wait until you see it in person—it’s an experience that truly takes your breath away!
Change of Name
In 1873, British explorer William Gosse became the first non-Indigenous person to set eyes on the towering sandstone formation, naming it “Ayers Rock” in honor of Sir Henry Ayers, the Chief Secretary of South Australia at the time. For many years, the site was known solely by this colonial name.
However, the Anangu People have always referred to it as “Uluru,” a name that carries deep spiritual and cultural meaning. In a historic moment in 1985, known as the “Handback,” the Australian government returned ownership of Uluru and the surrounding land to the Anangu People, recognizing their deep connection to the area.
In 1993, a dual-naming policy was introduced, officially naming the site “Ayers Rock/Uluru.” At the request of the Regional Tourism Association in Alice Springs, the order of the names was reversed in 2002, giving Uluru prominence. Today, its official name is “Uluru/Ayers Rock,” though most simply call it Uluru in respect of its cultural importance.
Base Walk
The Uluru Base Walk is without a doubt one of the most iconic hikes in Australia, and an absolute must for any nature or hiking enthusiast. The impressive size of Uluru as you get closer is breathtaking—far beyond what I ever imagined. Up until this point, I had only seen it from afar: once from the airplane window as we landed at Ayers Rock Airport (I was lucky enough to be on the side of the plane that offered a perfect aerial view) and later from a viewing platform at sunrise. But starting the walk at the base was a completely different experience—it truly felt magical.
The full base walk spans 10.6 km (6.5 miles) and takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. It’s rated as a Grade 3 trail, and while mostly flat, it takes you past incredible sights: ancient rock art, hidden waterholes, and significant cultural sites. Each part of the walk offers something unique. Some areas are unexpectedly lush and green, with wildlife and bush tucker, while others feel wide open and remote, with little shade.
If you’re not up for walking the entire loop, there are options to rent bikes or join a guided Segway tour. Just be sure to bring plenty of water—we only saw one refill station along the route. Starting early in the morning is ideal, as the heat can build quickly. Aim to finish the hike by 11 am to avoid the peak heat of the day.
Can You Climb Uluru in 2025?
The Anangu People, the traditional custodians of this land, have long advocated for a ban on climbing Uluru due to its sacred significance. As of October 2019, their requests have been enshrined in law, officially prohibiting any attempts to summit the rock. The first person convicted of climbing since the ban was a Victorian man in August 2022, who received a $2,500 fine.
Where to Photograph Uluru at Sunrise/Sunset
Uluru, with its unmistakable silhouette, has to be one of the most photographed monoliths in the world. Watching its surface shift from deep reds to glowing oranges as the sun moves across the sky is nothing short of amazing. The rapid changes in light during sunrise and sunset make these times of day the perfect opportunity to witness this natural spectacle in all its glory.
One of the true highlights of visiting Uluru is capturing those iconic shots of the rock bathed in the golden hues of sunrise or sunset. There are two designated viewing platforms, strategically located to give you the best possible angles of Uluru, with the sun rising or setting behind you, illuminating the rock in front. But be prepared—these spots can get crowded, especially during peak season, with plenty of others competing for the perfect shot of this world-famous scene.
If you’re a fan of silhouette photography like I am, or you simply want to avoid the crowds, here’s a little tip: head to the sunset viewing platform at sunrise and the sunrise point at sunset. Doing this gives you a chance to capture a beautiful silhouette of Uluru with the sun rising behind it in the morning, and in the evening, the sun will set off to the left of the rock, casting its shadow over the vast red desert. We did this and were pretty satisfied with our decision!
TIP: If you are a photography enthusiast, the Red Centre is a great place to take Astro photos. You may want to check the lunar calendar in line with what you want to photograph. We had a massive full moon, which was great to photograph but it meant that the stars weren’t as impressive due to the reflection of the moon light.
Alternative Spot Outside the Park
The Imalung Lookout in Yulara town offers an amazing location where to photograph Uluru at sunset outside the national park and hence free of charge. It’s at walking distance from all the hotels contained within Ayers Rock Resort. You will have the sun at your back as you look at the rock and you will see the change in colours as the sun goes down. Absolutely stunning, I 100% recommend.
Kata Tjuta
To be completely honest, I had always had Uluru on my bucket list, but it wasn’t until I started planning this trip that I stumbled across the existence of Kata Tjuṯa. My first thought? “It probably isn’t as impressive as Uluru.” But I couldn’t have been more wrong!
Kata Tjuṯa is actually bigger, wider, and taller than Uluru—a stunning collection of 36 enormous rock domes. In fact, it’s arguably one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, hardly mentioned even among Australians. Located just 40 km west of Uluru, these ochre-colored formations are absolutely mesmerizing. Geologists believe Kata Tjuṯa was once a massive uniform monolith, even larger than Uluru is today, but millions of years of erosion by wind and water gradually shaped it into the domes we see now.
For years, Kata Tjuṯa was referred to as ‘Mount Olga’ or simply ‘The Olgas,’ named by explorer Ernest Giles in 1872 after Queen Olga of Württemberg. However, its original name, “Kata Tjuṯa,” which means ‘many heads’ in the local Aboriginal language, was officially restored in 1993. By 2002, the traditional name was recognised as the primary name: Kata Tjuṯa/Mount Olga.
If you’re visiting Uluru, trust me—you absolutely don’t want to miss this magical place.
Walpa Gorge Walk
The Walpa Gorge Walk takes you through a natural creek bed nestled between the two tallest domes of Kata Tjuta, including Mount Olga, which towers an impressive 546 metres above the ground—significantly higher than Uluru. Unlike the Valley of the Winds or the Uluru Base Walk, this is a 2.6 km linear trail, meaning you’ll retrace your steps on the way back. It shouldn’t take more than one hour to complete, but do it at your own pace.
As you walk through the gorge, you’ll notice the lush flora thriving between the domes, thanks to the water that gets trapped there—creating a small oasis in the otherwise harsh desert environment. The gorge itself feels like a desert sanctuary, with a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of plants and animals.
The name ‘Walpa’ means “windy” in the local Aboriginal language, and let me tell you, they weren’t exaggerating—it definitely lives up to its name! One thing I didn’t bring and I regret was a wind jacket. I recommend brining one just in case.
Valley of the Winds
The Valley of the Winds hike at Kata Tjuṯa is a must for those seeking a more challenging, yet rewarding, experience. This 7.4 km (4.6 miles) loop takes you through the heart of the stunning domes, and though shorter than the Uluru Base Walk, it’s rated as a Grade 4 track due to its steeper and more difficult terrain. Unlike the mostly flat Base Walk at Uluru, the Valley of the Winds trail takes you up and down through valleys and creek beds, making for a dynamic and exciting hike.
The first lookout, Karu, is about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the car park and offers your initial glimpse of the breathtaking landscape. It’s a relatively easy walk to get there, and some might choose to turn around at this point. However, I highly recommend continuing on to the next viewpoint, Karingana Lookout.
Karingana offers arguably the best view in the entire hike, as you climb up to a ridge that opens out into a vast valley of domes, creeks, and ancient pathways. This section of the track is steeper and rockier, but the view at the top is nothing short of spectacular, and well worth the effort.
Just be aware that if the temperature is forecasted to hit 36°C, the track closes at the Karu Lookout by 11 am, so starting early is essential to complete the full loop. The hike can take around 3 hours, so you’ll need to plan for heat and hydration.
There’s a water refill station at the car park and two other taps along the way, but make sure to bring enough water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes with good grip, as the track can be rocky and slippery in places.
TIP: You will see there are a lot of flies here. If you decide to buy a fly net to cover your head, make sure you buy this outside Yulara region, as it will be way cheaper there!
Add On Tours
While it’s possible to enjoy Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa without booking any extra tours—simply witnessing the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and exploring the hikes —you might want to consider some of the following paid tours as fantastic enhancements to your visit. Keep in mind that these tours can be a bit pricey, but in my opinion, experiencing at least one is truly worth it.
Sound of Silence
In this tour, you are picked up from your hotel and taken to a private 360-degree platform overlooking both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The evening begins with canapés and drinks as you watch the amazing view of the sunset reflected in both rock monoliths. As night falls, you’ll walk down to a didgeridoo performance, followed by a buffet-style dinner under the stars, featuring bush flavors like barramundi, kangaroo, emu, and crocodile, along with Australian wine and beer.
After dinner, an Aboriginal guide shares fascinating insights during an astronomy talk. The night ends in total darkness, letting you soak in the peaceful “sounds of silence” beneath the stars. As of 2024, the experience costs $283 AUD (189 USD) per adult, and you can book tickets online.
Field of Light
The Field of Light is a breathtaking, immersive art installation created by British artist Bruce Munro. It’s one of the largest of its kind in Australia, featuring over 50,000 solar-powered lights spread across an area equivalent to five football fields, all connected by 390 km of fiber optic cables.
As the sun sets and darkness envelops the landscape, these lights come to life, transforming the desert into a dreamlike scene, resembling glowing flowers. Walking through the illuminated pathways under the night sky is truly magical, and I’m so glad we decided to do this tour. Tours can be booked online.
Scenic Plane Flight
For a truly unique way to experience this iconic landscape, consider taking a scenic plane ride. This thrilling 15–20-minute flight offers breathtaking views of Uluru from a completely new perspective. With expert commentary from the pilot and a guaranteed window seat, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of this awe-inspiring natural wonder.
FAQ
What to Pack
1. Comfortable, Sturdy Shoes: Both Uluru’s and Kata Tjuta’s have amazing hikes that can be long and involve rocky terrain, so make sure to wear hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip. This Columbia option would work well, as these shoes are lightweight, comfy and affordable.
2. Sun Protection: The Australian desert sun is intense, especially during the middle of the day. Pack a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
3. Light, Breathable Clothing: Opt for long sleeves and pants made from lightweight, breathable fabrics to protect your skin from the sun. Layers are also helpful as temperatures can vary significantly between morning and afternoon.
4. Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is critical. There are limited water refill stations, so carry a refillable water bottle. A hydration bladder, like this one, is a smart and convenient way to stay hydrated on the trail.
5. Fly Net : Although I didn’t bring one, flies can be relentless in this part of Australia, especially during certain seasons. A fly net for your head like this one will definitely help.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa is between May and September. During these months, daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. The cooler weather not only makes it more enjoyable to explore the area but also this period sees minimal rainfall.
Is Own Transportation Necessary?
Technically, you don’t need your own transportation to get from Yulara to the national park, as there are shuttle options available to both Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa. Prices range from $49 (32 USD) (Uluru) to $105 (72 USD) (Kata Tjuta) round trip.
However, unless you can’t drive or are only visiting the Red Centre for a day, I 100% recommend hiring a car. You should book in advance online for convenience. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the park at your own pace, stop for photos, and not rely on shuttle schedules. Plus, if you’re visiting both Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa on separate days (which most people do), renting a car will likely be cheaper, especially if you’re traveling with someone else.
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