Uluru is the highlight of Australia’s Red Centre, whether you embark on a sunrise base walk, discover the Aboriginal heritage of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, or dig into an Aussie-style barbecue at sunset. Most tours depart from Ayers Rock, Yulara, or Alice Springs and include nearby sights such as the Olgas (Kata Tjuta), Kings Canyon, or Lake Amadeus. Heighten the adventure on a Segway tour of Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kantju Gorge; a helicopter flight over the park; a desert camel ride; or a skydive over Ayers Rock.
Cell phone coverage can be limited, but WiFi is available at the Cultural Centre in Uluru and Ayers Rock Resort.
Uluru is a sacred Aboriginal site, and climbing it is considered disrespectful to the Anangu; a ban on climbing is in the works.
Uluru is located in the desert, so sunscreen, a hat, water, and comfortable shoes are a must. Prepare for high temperatures during the day and chilly weather at night.
Many areas of Uluru, including viewing areas and part of the base walk, are wheelchair accessible.
Alcohol is not allowed in the park except on organized tours.
Uluru is located in Central Australia, 276 miles (445 kilometers) southwest of Alice Springs (about a 4.5-hour drive). The closest accommodations and restaurants to the landmark are at the Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara, 11 miles (18 kilometers) north. Regular flights run to Ayers Rock Airport at Yulara and Alice Springs Airport, while cars and buses arrive via the Northern Territory's scenic Red Centre Way.
Uluru is open year round, but visit May through September for cooler weather that’s better suited to hiking and sightseeing tours. In summer (December to March) with temperatures of 100°F (38°C), it’s best to plan activities before 11am to avoid the midday sun. Try to visit at sunrise or sunset, when the changing light casts colorful hues over the rock.
A solid mass measuring 2.5 miles (3.6 kilometers) long and (1,141 feet) 348 meters high, Uluru is a one-of-a-kind geological feature formed more than 900 million years ago. The visible rock—an estimated 4 million tons of arkose sandstone—may only be a third of the entire mass. The important Aboriginal site is overseen by its traditional protectors, the Anangu people.