Uluru

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 km south west of Alice Springs. Formerly named Ayers Rock by white settlers, it is currently more commonly known by its Pitjantjara name Uluru.

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.

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, just outside the park. 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 and non-metalled and 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.

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

By Bus

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Camping is not permitted within the park.

Ayers Rock Resort is located just outside the Park.