Northern Territory, central Australia · Australia
A monolith of red sandstone rising from the desert, the domes of Kata Tjuta and the canyon of Kings Canyon, at the spiritual heart of the world's oldest living culture.
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
Uluru, a vast sandstone monolith 348 metres high and about 9 km around, rises abruptly from the flat red plains of central Australia. It is sacred to the Anangu, the traditional owners, whose ancestors have lived in the region for tens of thousands of years, and its caves, waterholes and rock art are tied to creation stories called Tjukurpa. The rock, and the nearby domes of Kata Tjuta, are protected in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which was listed by UNESCO for both natural and cultural values.
Climbing Uluru was closed permanently on 26 October 2019, at the wish of the Anangu, who had long asked visitors not to climb. Instead, visitors walk the base of the rock, join guided walks with Anangu guides, watch the colours change at sunrise and sunset and visit the cultural centre. The 10.6-km base walk circles the rock, passing waterholes, caves and sacred sites.
The Red Centre is remote and dramatic. The resort of Yulara, 20 km from the rock, is the only place to stay, while Alice Springs is about 450 km away and Kings Canyon about 300 km. It rewards visitors who arrive with time, respect for the country and a willingness to see the desert in early morning and late afternoon light.
Why visit
Uluru is one of the most powerful natural and cultural sites in the world, and Australia's iconic image.
The scale, colour and isolation of the rock are astonishing, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Guided walks and the cultural centre share stories, art and knowledge of the land.
A group of 36 large domes, with excellent walks in the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge.
Some of the clearest night skies on earth, with installations such as the Field of Light.
A dramatic sandstone canyon with a rim walk, about 300 km away.
Main attractions
The main sights are within the national park, with Kings Canyon an optional extra.
A flat 10.6-km walk around the rock, passing waterholes, caves and rock art, with signs describing the stories. Some parts are sacred and photography is restricted.
Tip Start at sunrise, and bring water and a hat.
The rock changes colour through the day, from dark purple to glowing orange and deep red. There are designated viewing areas for both.
Tip Arrive early to secure a spot.
Thirty-six rock domes, about 30 km west of Uluru, with walks through the Valley of the Winds (about 7 km) and Walpa Gorge (2.6 km). The Valley of the Winds may close in extreme heat.
Tip Start early, as the walk is closed later on very hot days.
A centre at the base of Uluru, where Anangu artists and guides share Tjukurpa, and where you can buy art directly.
Tip Visit before you walk.
An art installation of about 50,000 slender stems of light spread across the desert at dusk, created by Bruce Munro. Check whether it is still open.
Tip Book a sunrise or sunset session.
A 270-metre-deep canyon with a 6-km rim walk and a green oasis called the Garden of Eden, about 3 to 4 hours' drive from Uluru.
Tip Start the rim walk early, when it is cool.
Things to do
Most experiences are about the light, the rock and the stories.
See the rock's colours change, in a peaceful desert dawn.
Tip Dress warmly, since it is cold before sunrise.
Learn about bush foods, rock art and creation stories directly from the traditional owners.
Tip Book in advance.
A rewarding hike among the domes of Kata Tjuta.
Tip Check for heat closures.
Evening dinners with astronomers, in the open desert, are popular.
Tip Book early.
Camel tours cross the dunes at Yulara.
Tip Check the operator's welfare record.
A scenic flight gives a view of the whole landscape.
Tip Expensive but memorable.
Local food
Food in the Red Centre is mostly resort dining, with some bush foods on the menus.
Native ingredients, such as wattleseed, quandong and lemon myrtle, appear in dishes and drinks.
Where to try it Restaurants at Ayers Rock Resort.
Lean native meats, grilled or in stews.
Where to try it Restaurants at Yulara.
Steaks, sausages and seafood cooked on open grills.
Where to try it Campground and resort barbecues.
Traditional bush bread baked in the coals.
Where to try it Outback dinners.
Local wines and craft beers at sunset events.
Where to try it Sunset viewing areas.
Accommodation
All accommodation is at Yulara, the resort village near the park, with options from campsites to luxury.
Transport
Uluru is in the middle of the continent, far from anywhere.
Distances are long, and tours are a common choice.
When to go
The desert is extremely hot in summer and cold at night in winter. Autumn and spring are best.
Warm days, cool nights and settled weather.
Mild to warm days, but freezing nights.
Warming up, with wildflowers after rain.
Extremely hot, often above 40°C, with flies and closures.
Worth planning around: December to February, when walks may close because of heat.
Itinerary
The rock, Kata Tjuta and an evening under the stars.
Domes and sunset.
The base walk.
A canyon day.
Travel tips
The desert needs some preparation.
FAQ
No. It was permanently closed to climbers in October 2019, at the request of the Anangu traditional owners.
Two to three days for the rock, Kata Tjuta and the cultural centre.
April to September. Summer is very hot.
Yes, a pass is required to enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Check the current price and validity.
Yes, if you have an extra day or are driving to Alice Springs.
Yes, in most areas, but some sacred sites are off limits. Follow the signs.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Uluru, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Northern Territory, tropical north, Australia
Australia's largest national park, a UNESCO site for both nature and culture, with Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art, Yellow Water cruises, Jim Jim Falls and Litchfield, reached from Darwin.
Don't miss Sunset from Ubirr, looking over the floodplains after a walk past thousands of years of rock art.
Explore Destination — Kakadu and the Top EndNew South Wales, east coast, Australia
Australia's largest city: the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, the Botanic Garden, Bondi and Manly beaches, cliff walks, ferries and a lively food and café scene.
Don't miss A ferry across the harbour at sunset, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge lit gold behind you.
Explore Destination — SydneyFar North Queensland, Australia
Two UNESCO World Heritage wonders in one: reef trips from Cairns and Port Douglas, and the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, plus the scenic railway to Kuranda.
Don't miss Floating over a coral garden on the outer reef, with turtles and shoals of fish drifting past.
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