The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide To Uluru
What is Uluru?
Uluru is the world’s largest insleberg (an isolated mountain rising abruptly) and is known for its vibrant red colour and cultural importance. Located in Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, in “The Red Centre” or Central Australia, Uluru holds great significance with the local Indigenous people, the Anangu people.
How do you pronounce Uluru?
A great thing to know before you visit is how to pronounce Uluru! You can say Uluru like this:
“Oo-luh-roo”
Where is Uluru?
Uluru is situated in the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, neighbouring Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), in the Northern Territory, Australia. This area of the NT is commonly referred to as the Red Centre or Central Australia.
How to get to Central Australia & Uluru?
It’s just over a 4.5-hour drive from Alice Springs (Mparntwe) airport to Uluru. There are limited buses and public transport to Uluru, so your best option is to hire a car and drive from Alice Springs.
Flights to Alice Springs airport are available from all over Australia. There is also a smaller airport in Yulara, often referred to as Uluru Airport, which is just a 30-minute drive to Uluru itself.
Why is Uluru so famous?
Uluru is an incredibly special and famous landmark, for both geological and cultural reasons. Towering at 348 metres above the sandy, desert plains it stands on and 863 metres above sea level, Uluru is a jaw-dropping sight, every time. Uluru is a part of the Anangu people’s belief system, and as one of the oldest human societies in the world, the Indigenous connection to land and history is a huge part of Uluru’s magic. Both ancient rock and culture can be seen in this corner of the rich Outback. Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park was named both a cultural and natural UNESCO World Wonder. The area is particularly striking at sunset when the golden rays illuminate the red and orange hues of the rock.
Culture, history & Uluru
The Anangu peoples date the creation of Uluru to times sacred and ancient, dating back some 550 million years. Creation stories of Uluru are ancient treasures passed down from generation to generation between the Anangu people, and you can truly feel the culmination of earth and history when you visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta domes. Centring the native wildlife like lizards and emus of the region, with underlying morals that are relevant to this day, these stories are just one part of the belief systems of the Anangu people.
When to visit Uluru
The best time to visit Uluru is between May and September to beat the heat, as the conditions out in the semi-arid desert of Central Australia are intense. With extreme heat and humidity starting in October and lasting until April, you will have a different kind of experience. While not impossible, visiting during the winter end is much more comfortable, including May, June, July, August and September. The days are comfortable (shirt and shorts weather), however, the nights are surprisingly cold, so make sure you have the appropriate gear for two seasons in one day! It is busier in Uluru during this time, as the many walking tracks are far more accessible without the heat.
Fun facts about Uluru
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Why is Uluru so red?
Thousands of years of oxidation and decaying of the insleberg's surface have created the iconic red colour that we see today. The arkosic sandstone, which has been subject to the harsh wind and water of the outback, has oxidised over time. So, in very simplified terms, the rock has rusted! However, if you venture inside the caves of Uluru, you will see that the original colour of the rock (a greyish, sandy-brown) remains, as these parts are more protected from the elements.
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Why was Uluru previously referred to as Ayers Rock?
The beautiful red icon has been called Uluru for thousands of years before Europeans colonized Australia. However, when Englishman William Gosse saw Uluru for the first time (as the first non-Indigenous person to do so) in 1873, he deemed it Ayers Rock, after the Chief Secretary of South Australia, Henry Ayers. Ayers Rock was thereafter the most common name amongst white colonisers, for over 100 years. ln 1993, when the rock was officially given dual names: Ayers Rock / Uluru. In 2002, the order of those names was reversed and is now most commonly referred to by Australian as Uluru, its original name.
Uluru comes from the ancient Pitjantjatjara language and is the respectful way to refer to this beautiful cultural and geological marvel.
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Is Uluru worth the visit?
Uluru is absolutely worth the visit. From rich, natural landscapes to deeply enchanting insights into Indigenous culture and history in Central Australia, the majestic inselberg is a must-see. Immerse yourself in the arid landscape, spot the unique wildlife, delve into local song, dance and art practices and watch the striking red hues of the golden rock light up at sunset.
How to respectfully visit Uluru
Can I climb Uluru?
You can not climb Uluru, as it was disallowed in 2019 out of respect for the Traditional Owners. The climbing of Uluru was banned due to the spiritual connection with the site, along with safety and environmental reasons. Please respect the sacred nature of Uluru and stay well within the marked areas for visitors.
Can I take photos of Uluru?
There are many parts of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park in which you can take photos, but there are a few that you can’t.
These areas in the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park are sensitive sites, meaning that visitors should not take photos, videos, paint or recordings. Please respect such sacred areas, follow the signage and ask your tour guide whether it’s appropriate for you to snap pictures where you are.
Where are the sensitive sites of Uluru?
The northern side of the rock, accessible only by the Uluru base walk and including Tapjuti, is a sensitive site. There is also another sensitive site of Uluru on the southern side of the rock, as you continue past the Park Headquarters toward the rock. This sensitive section intersects with the Lungkata walk and the Uluru base walk. Don’t fear, however, there are ample places where you can grab a gorgeous picture of the red inselberg.
What to bring to Uluru (day trip)
- Water
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun-safe shirt
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Any medication - remote
- Camera, of course!
How to see Uluru?
Our Recommended Uluru Experiences
You can either DIY your visit to Uluru with your own transport and self-guided walks. Or, you can opt for a guided tour, in which a local tour guide will illuminate a deeper level of history, fun facts and stories about this bucket-list icon. There are an array of unmissable day trips, with something for everyone's travel style, budget and time frame.
- Guided hiking / walking day trips
- Overnight guided camping (semi-permanent setups, hotels & BYO gear options)
- Cultural experiences (bush food, painting, natural medicine, language, history)
- Uluru base - sunrise/Sunset, segway, bikes
- Scenic flights - helicopters and scenic flights
- Hot air balloons
- Camel tours
- Stargazing
- Dining experiences
