Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Sacred red rock, ancient stories, starry nights.Sacred to the Anangu people, this park is home to the 348-meter-high Uluru rock and Kata Tjuta sandstone domes. Visitors can hike, camp, and experience Aboriginal culture.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia's Northern Territory is where you'll find two of the country's most recognizable natural landmarks - Uluru and Kata Tjuta. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can walk around the base of the massive red monolith Uluru, hike through the valleys of Kata Tjuta's domed rock formations, learn about Aboriginal culture, and watch the sun rise and set over the desert landscape. The park offers opportunities to explore an ancient desert ecosystem, view Aboriginal rock art, and stargaze under clear outback skies.
The Monolith of Uluru
Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith, stands 348 meters tall and has a circumference of 9.4 km. The rock's colors change throughout the day, shifting from deep reds to oranges and purples. You'll find caves, waterholes, and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites around Uluru. Take the 10 km Base Walk to see these features up close and gain a full appreciation of the monolith's scale.
The Domes of Kata Tjuta
About 40 km west of Uluru, you'll encounter Kata Tjuta, a group of 36 red rock domes spread over 20 km. The tallest dome reaches 546 meters above the desert floor. Hike the 7.4 km Valley of the Winds trail to walk between these massive formations and get views of the surrounding landscape. For a shorter option, take the 2.6 km return walk into Walpa Gorge, where you can observe desert plants growing on the steep walls.
Aboriginal Culture and Tjukurpa
The Anangu people, traditional owners of this land, consider Uluru and Kata Tjuta sacred sites central to their culture and spirituality. The Anangu and the Australian government jointly manage the park. You can learn about Tjukurpa - the foundation of Anangu culture - through guided tours, visits to rock art sites, and exhibits at the Cultural Centre. Tjukurpa encompasses Anangu law, knowledge, religion, and the relationship between people, plants, animals and the land.
Sunrise and Sunset Experiences
Watching the sun rise or set over Uluru and Kata Tjuta is a popular activity. The changing light causes the rocks to shift through various shades of red, orange, and purple. You can view the sunrise from the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku platform for Uluru or the Kata Tjuta dune viewing area. For sunset, visit the Uluru sunset viewing area or attend the Sounds of Silence dinner experience in the desert.
Desert Wildlife and Plants
You might spot red kangaroos, dingoes, and some of the 170 bird species that live in the park. After rains, desert frogs emerge from underground and shield shrimp appear in temporary pools. The park contains over 400 plant species, many of which Aboriginal people traditionally use for food and medicine. In spring, wildflowers bloom across the desert.
Practical Information
Stay in Yulara, 20 km from the park entrance, where you can choose from campsites to luxury resorts. You can fly into Ayers Rock Airport or drive 5 hours from Alice Springs. Park entry fees are $25 per adult, valid for 3 days. The best time to visit is between May and September when temperatures are milder - summer days can exceed 40°C. Remember to respect cultural sensitivities by staying on marked trails and not climbing Uluru.
