Uluru

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Introduction

Uluru

© All Rights Reserved Degolasse

In the heart of Australia, in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, lies one of the country's great landmarks, Uluru. It is a sandstone rock, some 300 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs. Formerly named Ayers Rock by white settlers, it is currently more commonly known by its Pitjantjara name Uluru. Uluru is a sandstone monolith standing 348 metres, although the bulk of the rock actually sits under the ground. It has a total circumference of 9.4 kilometres.
Uluru has a dual name, with Ulura being the traditional Aboriginal name, and Ayers Rock the English name. The colour of the rock changes with different times of the day and year, and looks silvery-grey on the rare occurences when it rains, with water running off the rock through channels.

Sights and Activities

• Walking around it is much more enjoyable (and respectful!) compared to climbing it. It takes about 2 hours, though more if you include breaks and photo stops.

Opening Hours

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is generally open all year round, closing at night and for occasional brief periods for cultural reasons.

Opening hours during the years are usually as follows: ^[1]

• 5am - 9pm during December, January, February.
• 5.30am - 8.30pm during March.
• 6am - 8pm during April.
• 6am - 7.30pm during May.
• 6.30am - 7.30pm during June, July.
• 6 am - 7.30 pm during August.
• 5.30am - 7.30pm during September.
• 5am - 8pm during October.
• 5am - 8pm during November.

The cultural centre is open from 7am till 6pm daily.

The Uluru Climb is open from half an hour before sunrise till half an hour after sunset, depending on weather conditions. Do take note that Uluru's Traditional Owners, the Anangu people, prefer that visitors do not climb Uluru, as it is a sacred site. It's expected that climbing Uluru will be forbidden from 2011 onwards.

Cost

Visitors to the National Park over the age of 16 are required to pay a park usage fee.

At the time of writing, the following prices apply.^[2]

• Standard 3 Day Pass - $25.00.
• Annual Individual Ticket - $32.50.
• Annual Vehicle Pass - $65.00 (NT Residents only).

Getting There

By Plane

It is possible to fly from several major cities to Connellan Airport or Ayers Rock Airport, just outside the park. Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) is serviced by daily flights from Sydney, Perth, Cairns and Alice Springs. All flights are operated by Qantas.

Most travellers, however, will first fly into Alice Springs and then catch a bus, hire a car or join a tour from there.

By Train

For those with more time on their hands, it is possible to board the world famous Ghan train to Alice Springs either from Darwin in the north or Adelaide in the south. It is an overnight journey, roughly taking a day from either direction. To visit Uluru you would need to spend some time in Alice Springs though as the train only stops for a few hours.

By Car

The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru should take around 9 hours to complete, assuming that metalled roadways (the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway) are solely used. It is possible to cut this down to around 6 hours, however this requires driving on a non-metalled road, so it is recommended that if a rental car is used, the terms and conditions are carefully checked to ensure the driver is covered. Otherwise, rent a 4wd vehicle to be sure of your capabilities.

When travelling for extended durations in the remote regions of the Outback, water and food supplies for 48 hours should be carried.

By Bus

Greyhound Australia offers a number of bus trips from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Camping is not permitted within the park.

Ayers Rock Resort is located in the township of Yulara, 8 kilometres from the entrance to the National Park, and 18 kilometres from Uluru itself. The Resort offers a variety of different accommodation styles, from the luxury Sails in the Desert Hotel to the more budget dormitories in the Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge. There is also a campground - camping is not permitted within the park itself.

For those wanting an upmarket, luxurious wilderness experience, Longitude 131 has 15 luxury tents with views over Uluru (not your typical family holiday camping tents!). Children under 12 are not welcome, and the resort comes with a suitably luxurious price tag to match its accommodation standards.