Visiting Uluru (Ayers Rock)

What Exactly Is Uluru?

Uluru was created 600 million years ago, around the same time the Australian continent was formed. In geological terms, it is an inselberg or island mountain, a prominent structure rising from the surrounding plain. And Uluru is only the tip of this unusual land iceberg: the entire formation extends more than 2.5 kilometres underground. 

Uluru lies near the edge of the region called the Amadeus Basin, which was once a shallow sea that collected sediments over several hundred million years. After the mountains in the area gradually eroded, huge amounts of sediment washed away and formed deposits of gravel and sand, called alluvial fans. The original sediments that formed Uluru and Kata Tjuta came from that ancient Himalayan-sized mountain range. Uluru consists of layers of coarse red sandstone known as arkose. Its striking red colour is due to the oxidation of the iron-bearing minerals of the rock—without it, Uluru would be grey.

Why Is Uluru Important?

The traditional Aboriginal Australian owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta are called the Anangu people. Anangu are one of the oldest human societies who have inhabited this area for at least 30,000 years. For Anangu, Uluru is the centre of the universe. They believe that great ancestral beings emerged from the void at the beginning of time. They created the landscape surrounding Uluru and all living species. Being the direct descendants from the traditional creator spirits, Anangu were designated to protect the ancestral lands.

The foundation of Anangu culture is the Tjukurpa law, that embodies the principles of religious belief and behaviour. Anangu see it as their main responsibility to maintain Tjukurpa, a tradition that connects them with each other and with their land. 

Anangu ancient laws and traditions are passed down from generation to generation through Dreamtime stories that explain how each section of the earth was formed. For Anangu, Uluru marks the place where Dreamtime began, when the land and the people were created by the ancestral spirits. 

Anangu are extremely knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, landscape, and history of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. They still hunt in remote areas of the park just like they have done in the past. 

The Anangu people have always considered themselves to be the traditional owners and guardians of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. In 1985, they handed over the park to the Australian government on a 99-year lease. Today, Uluru is jointly managed by the Anangu and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of Australia.

How to Get to Uluru

Uluru is located 450 km from Alice Springs and 25 km from the town of Yulara which houses a small airport. There are several ways to reach Uluru:  

By car 

It is too far to drive from Sydney and other major Australian cities to Uluru, unless you have time for a very long trip (at least 30 hours non-stop). However, you can rent a car in Alice Springs and visit Uluru as part of a road trip through the Australian outback. Many people who travel to Uluru choose this option.

Sample itinerary: 6 Day Red Centre Self Drive from Alice Springs

By coach

Several luxury coach tours, including comprehensive commentaries of the outback scenery, depart from Alice Springs. The trip to Uluru takes approximately 6 hours.

View our Northern Territory Luxury Coach Tour selections

By plane

Ayers Rock (Uluru) Airport, also known as Connellan Airport, is located 30 km from Uluru.  

There are direct flights to Yulara from a number of Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide, and Alice Springs. 

Jetstar and Virgin Australia have direct daily flights from Sydney. Jetstar also operates regular direct flights from Melbourne and Brisbane. Qantas offers daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne via Alice Springs, a daily direct flight from Cairns, as well as twice-weekly direct flights from Darwin and Adelaide.

If you are visiting from abroad, purchasing Qantas Aussie AirPass is one of the most economical ways to include Uluru into your Australian itinerary.

Connellan Airport has no taxi services, however, most hotels in Yulara provide shuttle buses for their guests.

Sample itinerary: 10 Day Sydney, Rock and Reef Fly/Drive

When Is the Best Time to Visit Uluru?

Uluru weather is extreme—summer temperatures soar to 47°C while in winter, night temperatures can drop to -10°C. So what is the best time to visit?

May to September

The ideal time to travel to Uluru is between May and September when day temperatures cool down to around 28°C, the rock colours are more vibrant, and the sky is perfect for stargazing. August and September are the best months to travel if you wish to see the park’s wildflowers in bloom.

Not surprisingly, this period is by far the busiest time for tourists, particularly for US and European visitors. Be prepared for crowds and peak prices in flights, accommodation, and tours.

September to November

Australian spring months still have pleasant temperatures with highs around 30°C. Crowds have dissipated and you’ll find better deals for your stay. This time of the year is also ideal for taking photos of Uluru. 

December to February

You should definitely avoid Australia’s summer when considering a trip to Uluru. Temperatures often exceed 35°C and exploring the park can easily turn into an uncomfortable experience. 

When is the best season to travel to Australia?

The Climbing Ban

Anangu don’t climb Uluru. They believe that the only track was used by ancestral Mala shamans to access its summit on ceremonial occasions. Anangu have long advocated a climbing ban on the rock that has been a popular climbing site since the 1930s. 

In November 2017, Australia’s National Park Board voted unanimously to close Uluru to climbers. The climbing ban came into effect on 26 October this year, 34 years since the site was handed by the Australian government to the Anangu.

In the years preceding the ban announcement, many visitors had already become more sensitive to the beliefs and traditions of the indigenous people. In 2015, only 16% of tourists climbed the rock. Some past climbers have even sent back memorabilia they collected on Uluru, which are referred to as “sorry rocks”.

What Is There to Do in Uluru After the Ban?

Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park offers no shortage of fascinating sights and activities and you’ll need several days in order to make the most of your experience.

Cultural Centre

Make the Cultural Centre your first stop when visiting Uluru. Learn more about its origins, the indigenous people who live there, and about the significance of the Uluru walks. 

Rock art sites 

Explore the rock art sites around Uluru to get a better understanding of the Anangu culture. Petroglyphs made from natural minerals and white ash that depict Anangu creation stories are considered national cultural treasures. Anangu rarely create new rock art today, but they still use the ancient drawings to tell Dreamtime creation stories and pass on their traditions and beliefs.

Hiking

The most popular hikes in the park include the 10-kilometre Uluru base walk, the Mala walk where you can learn more about the Anangu’s ancestors, and Walpa Gorge walk ideal for observing Uluru’s rich wildlife and even spotting a few wallabies.

Birdwatching

With 178 types of birds, including some rare species, Uluru-Kata Tjuta is a bird-lover’s paradise. The best spot for birdwatching is the idyllic Lungkata walk.

Stargazing

Uluru has one of the most impressive skies in the world for stargazing. Low humidity, lack of light pollution and clear night skies mean there is nothing to interfere with a perfect view. Due to Uluru’s location in the Southern Hemisphere, you can catch a glimpse of Magellanic clouds—a dwarf satellite galaxy of the Milky Way—and the Southern Cross constellation that can be seen only in this part of the world.

Sunrise and sunset watching

Uluru is famous for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views with the rock changing colours before your very eyes. Two designated viewing areas provide the best viewpoints for sunrise and sunset watching.

Exploring Kata Tjuta 

Kata Tjuta or Mount Olga, an impressive group of 36 large dome-shaped rocks 25 kilometres west of Uluru, is another major landmark within the park. 

Visiting Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is known for its scenic Rim Walk, stunning rock formations, and lush gorges. Located 320 km from Uluru, it is a perfect day-trip destination.

Things to Know Before Visiting Uluru

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is open every day, all year round. The park opens between 5 am and 6.30 am and closes between 7.30 pm and 9 pm, depending on the season. 

• Avoid queues and purchase the park pass online. The admission fee is $25 per adult for a three-day pass, which can be extended to five days at no extra cost. 

• There is no accommodation within the park itself and visitors are not allowed to spend the night in the park. The tiny town of Yulara houses the Aboriginal-owned Ayers Rock Resort where you can find everything from accommodations (including a campground) to restaurants, shops, and galleries. 

• Make sure to charge your phone and download any guides and apps before visiting. The Cultural Centre has free Wi-Fi. 

• Bring your best camera. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for taking some phenomenal photos.

• Check the weather before you travel and pack accordingly. Keep in mind that Australian seasons are opposite from the Northern Hemisphere. 

• Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the heat and scorchingly hot desert sun.

• Keep in mind that the terrain around Uluru is very rough. A pair of sturdy comfortable hiking shoes is a must. 

• It takes around 3.5 hours to walk around the base of Uluru.

• The air in the park is often thick with flies. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent and a face net. You can also purchase them on site.

• Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

Dos and Don’ts When Visiting Uluru

Dos

• Remember that for Anangu Uluru is a sacred site. Be respectful of local traditions and beliefs.

• Try activities like skydiving, take a helicopter tour or go for a camelback ride through the park. 

• Join an Anangu guided tour and listen to the Uluru Dreamtime stories told by the Aboriginal people themselves. 

Don’ts

• Don’t climb Uluru. Anyone caught breaking the ban and climbing the rock risks a heavy fine.

• Don’t take photographs in places where it is forbidden to do so. Anangu believe that the spirits of the ancestral beings dwell in Uluru, and they still hold rituals in the caves around the base of the rock. Visitors are asked to refrain from taking photos or videos of those sacred ceremonies.

• Don’t feed dingoes—they may be cute, but feeding them only encourages the wild animals to gather in tourist areas.

Lets Recap: Is Uluru Worth Visiting?

Definitely. Let’s recap what are some of the many outstanding experiences Uluru has to offer: 

• See one of the oldest geological formations in Australia

• Witness the incredible natural beauty 

• Watch some of the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises anywhere in the world

• Observe a canopy of stars and constellations that will leave you breathless

• Experience a unique landscape and an abundance of wildlife

• Make most of the wonderful photography opportunities

• Learn firsthand about the spiritual significance that Uluru holds for Anangu

• Make most of the fantastic hiking opportunities

• Participate in a variety of fun activities in the park

• Join educational tours and learn more about the Aboriginal culture

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