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Guide to Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Welcome
Aboriginal
Getting to Uluru and Kata Tjuta
When to visit
Accessibility

The ancient rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta rise from the land to make an incredible sight. Immerse yourself in the Aboriginal stories of this special place, 500 million years in the making.

In Australia’s Red Centre lies the spectacular Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. Home to many ancient wonders, the park is most famous for the enormous monoliths it’s named after. Uluru and Kata Tjuta rise from the earth in all their red glory just 30km (19mi) from each other. Measuring 348m (1,140ft) high and 9.5km (6mi) in circumference, Uluru is the largest sandstone monolith in the world, while Kata Tjuta is made up of 36 giant domes spread over more than 20km (12mi). Both sites remain deeply spiritual and sacred to the local Anangu people, who have lived here for more than 30,000 years.

The Anangu people have called Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park home for over 30,000 years. Known as the beating heart of Central Australian culture, the landscape – which has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and natural significance – is believed by the Anangu people to have been created at the beginning of time. Visit the Cultural Centre to experience this region’s rich history.

Traditional name: Uluru-Kata Tjuta (pronounced Ooh-loo-roo-Kah-tuh-Joo-tuh)
Indigenous Peoples: Anangu
Traditional lands: Anangu
Traditional languages: Pitjantjatjara
How to say g’day in Anangu: Palya

Get to Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park by flying into Ayers Rock Airport or Alice Springs Airport.

Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) is 30km (19mi) from Uluru (approximately 30 minutes)
Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is 337km (209mi) from Uluru (approximately 4.5 hours)
Group tours and hire car options are available at both airports, but be sure to book ahead to avoid missing out

There are no taxis or public transport around Uluru, but all roads are sealed and easy to access with a 2WD vehicle. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, join a tour or purchase a pass for the Uluru Hop On Hop Off bus.

The best time to visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta is between May and September when the temperature sits between a pleasant 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). The cool and dry weather makes activities like walking and camel rides even more enjoyable.

High season: Dry season (May - September)
Low season: Wet season (October - April)
Don’t miss: Wandering through 50,000 illuminated bulbs at the Field of Light

Travellers with a disability can experience the magic of Uluru and Kata Tjuta through a variety of accessible options.

Arrival: Travellers arriving at Connellan Airport can book a wheelchair-accessible transfer to Yulara with AAT Kings. For those arriving at Alice Springs Airport, there is special assistance available.
Getting around: Public buses are accessible for those travelling with small wheelchairs and mobility aids and some accessible taxis are available at the time of booking.
Accessible experience highlights: Outback Tour Services provide bespoke safari tours that cater for people with disabilities. Those with limited mobility who are travelling with an able-bodied person can also join a tour with AAT Kings to explore the highlights of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Helpful resources: You can check out this five-day accessible itinerary to help you plan your adventure. Find more helpful information at Travability.

Top things to do in Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Wintjiri Wiru Voyages Indigenous Tourism, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Watch stories unfold in the sky

Watch as lights dance above sacred Uluru with an evening at Wintjiri Wiru. In this immersive experience, an ancient Anangu ancestral story unfolds high above the Red Centre's famous monolith, through lights, lasers, drones and projections.

Maruku Arts, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia/NTCB

Learn the local culture

Immerse yourself in the local Anangu culture with a visit to the award-winning Cultural Centre. From here, explore local Aboriginal artworks at the two on-site galleries: Maruku Arts and Walkatjara Art.

Sounds of Silence dining experience, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Red Centre, Northern Territory © Sounds of Silence

Dine under a dazzling sky

Come nightfall, the skies above Uluru reveal the wonders of the galaxy. Dine under the stars on a Sounds of Silence bush tucker dinner or Tali Wiru dinner featuring the sounds of the didgeridoo.

Field of Light, Uluru, Bruce Munro 2016, Northern Territory © Mark Pickthall

Gaze across a field of glistening lights

Lower your gaze to the base of Uluru and you’ll discover the Field of Light – an award-winning exhibition of over 50,000 glowing solar-powered stems. Visit at sunrise or sunset; it’ll be hard to forget such a beautiful sight.

Longitude 131, Northern Territory © Baillies Longitude 131

Sleep at a luxury outback camp

Nestled in the heart of the outback is the lavish Longitude 131. Wake up to views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, taste bush tucker at its finest and discover the local Anangu culture. There’s no better base to explore these World Heritage wonders.

Uluru Camel Cup Race, Northern Territory © Uluru Camel Tours

See camels in the desert – racing

If you’re looking for some feel-good excitement, the annual Uluru Camel Racing Cup will be sure to deliver. Get your gang together for a weekend of Aussie-style activities, from reptile shows to helicopter flights and, of course, camel racing.

Couple on a scenic flight over Uluru, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

Get a bird’s eye view

For a real showstopper sight, take to the air on a scenic flight and marvel at Uluru and its ancient surroundings from above. It’s not every day you get to soar above one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks.

Uluru Camel Tours, Uluru, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Nic Morley 2020

Dial the adventure up a notch

Witnessing Uluru up-close is a must, but why not make it extra special? Uluru is home to various adventurous tours, including motorbike, segway and camel experiences. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Take to the tracks

Uluru and Kata Tjuta are abundant with ancient walking tracks, enveloped by unique rock formations that are steeped in rich history and Anangu stories. Wander through these jaw-dropping paths and soak in the natural beauty around you.