Uluṟu rises about 348 metres above the surrounding plain in the south-west of the Northern Territory, roughly 450 km by road from Alice Springs. Together with Kata Tjuṯa, a group of great rounded domes about 50 km further west, it forms Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park — owned by its Aṉangu Traditional Owners and jointly managed with Parks Australia. Almost every visitor stays at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort), the purpose-built town just outside the park boundary.
- 348 mheight of Uluṟu above the plain
- ~10.6 kmUluṟu Base Walk loop
- 36domes at Kata Tjuṯa
- 1985park handed back to Aṉangu
Short on time and no car?
Most visitors spend two or three nights at Yulara, and the hardest thing to arrange without a car is getting to the sunrise viewing area and then on to Kata Tjuṯa before the heat builds. A morning tour solves both in one go.
Why Uluṟu is worth the journey
The light. Uluṟu is famous for changing colour — from deep purple before dawn to blazing orange in the first sun, and burnt red at sunset. Seeing both is the core of any visit; see our sunrise and sunset guide.
The walks. The flat Base Walk circles the whole rock, passing waterholes, caves and rock art, while at Kata Tjuṯa the Valley of the Winds is one of the best day walks in the Red Centre.
The culture. Uluṟu is a sacred place for Aṉangu. The Cultural Centre is the best introduction to Tjukurpa — the law, stories and knowledge that shape this landscape — and to why some areas must not be photographed. Climbing Uluṟu has been permanently closed since 26 October 2019.
The desert. Spinifex, desert oaks, red sand dunes and a night sky with almost no light pollution. After rain, waterfalls stream off the rock — a rare sight.
Planning essentials
- Getting there: fly direct to Ayers Rock Airport (Yulara), or drive or tour from Alice Springs. See getting to Uluru.
- Park pass: everyone entering the park needs a pass, bought online or at the entry station. See park pass and rules.
- When to go: May to September brings mild days and cold nights; summer days are very hot. See best time to visit.
- How long: two full days is the minimum for sunrise, sunset, the Base Walk and Kata Tjuṯa. See how many days.
- Where to stay: all accommodation is at Yulara, from campground to luxury. See where to stay.
Explore this guide
Start with the complete Uluru travel guide, compare tours, or jump straight to a ready-made 3-day itinerary.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you still climb Uluru?
No. The climb was permanently closed on 26 October 2019 at the request of the Aṉangu Traditional Owners. You can walk around the base instead.
Where do you stay when visiting Uluru?
At Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort), about 20 km from Uluṟu. It has a campground, apartments, hotels and a luxury option, plus a supermarket and restaurants.
How do I get to Uluru?
Fly to Ayers Rock Airport, which is a short transfer from Yulara, or travel about 450 km by road from Alice Springs by car, coach or tour.
