Uluru Trips
Uluru at blue hour beside a deep indigo winter sky with a faint green afterglow

Red Centre, Northern Territory · Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Uluṟu and the Domes of Kata Tjuṯa in Australia's Red Centre

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park sits on the red sand plain of central Australia and is World Heritage-listed for both its landscape and its Aṉangu culture. Walk the 10 km Uluṟu base walk or the 2 km Mala walk past caves and Aboriginal sites, then the 7.4 km Valley of the Winds circuit at Kata Tjuṯa, about 4 hours. One park pass covers both, and under-18s enter free. Stay in Yulara and plan early starts for the walks and sunrise.

Find where to stay near UluṟuRead the guide
  • Fly to Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ)
  • One park pass for Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa
  • Under-18s enter free
  • Base walk around Uluṟu, 10 km

Why visit Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa

Uluṟu and the rock domes of Kata Tjuṯa, to its west, rise from the flat red plain of the Northern Territory. Both are part of the traditional belief system of the Aṉangu, the park's traditional owners, and the park is World Heritage-listed for its natural and cultural values. Parks Australia manages it. You can walk all the way around Uluṟu on the 10 km base walk, through shaded sections with bush foods and wildlife and open stretches with little shade, to Muṯitjulu Waterhole on the Kuniya walk. At Kata Tjuṯa, the Valley of the Winds climbs to Karu and Karingana lookouts. Start at the Cultural Centre for printed guides, and watch the rock change colour at sunrise and sunset. After dark, Bruce Munro's Field of Light and Wintjiri Wiru, a drone, light and sound show created with Aṉangu that tells part of the Mala story, run near the resort.

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Where to stay

Where to stay and explore

Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort)

Best for most visitors

The only town near the park, where every place to stay belongs to the Aboriginal-owned Ayers Rock Resort: campground sites and cabins, backpacker rooms, self-contained apartments and 5-star hotels. Park tours leave from here regularly.

Uluṟu

Best for walkers and culture

There is no accommodation inside the park. Come for the 10 km base walk, starting from the Mala carpark, the Mala walk past caves and Aboriginal sites, Muṯitjulu Waterhole and the Cultural Centre.

Kata Tjuṯa

Best for longer hikes

A group of rock domes west of Uluṟu, covered by the same park pass. The Valley of the Winds is a 7.4 km grade 4 circuit; turn back at Karingana Lookout for a 5.4 km return walk.

Kings Creek Station

Best for combining with Kings Canyon

Listed by NT Tourism as accommodation in the Uluṟu region, further from the park than Yulara. A practical stop if you are also heading to Kings Canyon.

When to go

  1. December–February

    Very hot, often above 35°C and over 40°C at midday. Rain is more likely, and afternoon storms can send waterfalls down Uluṟu. Guides call this the hardest time to visit; walk only at first light.

  2. June–August

    Often called the best time for clear skies and pleasant days. Nights are cold and can drop to around 0°C, so pack warm layers for sunrise and evening shows.

  3. August–September

    Days around 28°C and nights around 10°C suit long walks such as the base walk and Valley of the Winds. Wildflowers and wildlife are more noticeable after rain.

Tips before you go

  • Buy your park pass online, save it on your phone or print it, and use the pre-paid lane at the park entrance.
  • Car hire and accommodation rates do not include the park pass, so budget for it separately.
  • The pass is valid only for this park; it does not cover Kakadu, and the NT Parks Visitor Pass is not accepted.
  • Start walks at first light with a hat, water and food, as rangers can close tracks when it gets too hot.
  • Download the free official Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa app and save its maps and walk details for offline use.

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