Exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta
An Adventure 550 Million Years in the Making
Less than 30 minutes from Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers 550 million years of history, culture, adventure and natural wonder. Covering over 1,300 square kilometres, the National Park is home to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, as well as an extensive range of flora and fauna, with more than 20 species of native mammals, over 200 species of birds, 73 species of reptiles, and 418 native plant species.
Visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Located just a 20-minute drive from Ayers Rock Resort, getting to and around the National Park is quick and easy.
Uluru Hop On Hop Off Bus offers scheduled shuttle transfers between Ayers Rock Resort and key sites in the National Park, including the Cultural Centre, sunrise and sunset lookouts, and walking tracks at Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Alternatively, hire a car for more flexibility, or join a guided tour with hotel pickup and expert insights into the region's natural and cultural heritage. As a World Heritage Listed area, visitors must stay on marked paths, respect signage, and avoid collecting rocks and soil.
In order to enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, visitors over the age of 18 will need to obtain a pass which can be purchased online through the Parks website here.
Exploring Uluru
As you enter the National Park, you'll encounter Uluru, rising 348 metres above the desert. Located approximately a 20-minute drive from Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru's landscapes have been central to Anangu culture and enchanted visitors for millennia.
Be immersed in Anangu culture with a guided tour at the base of Uluru, as part of our Desert Awakenings experience. Visiting sacred sites including the Kuniya Walk and Mutitjulu Waterhole, you'll explore tjukuritja (physical evidence) of the Mala Tjukurpa (creation story) and gain a deeper understanding of this ancient story.
Self-guided walks are also available, and range from 30 minutes to over four hours. Stop by the Cultural Centre for maps and tips, and be sure to bring sturdy walking shoes, water, a hat, and sunscreen.
Exploring Kata Tjuta
About 45 minutes west of Uluru - and approximately 40 minutes' drive from Ayers Rock Resort - Kata Tjuta, meaning "many heads" in the local Pitjantjatjara language, features 36 massive domes, with the tallest rising 546 metres, nearly 200 metres taller than Uluru. Made of conglomerate rock, Kata Tjuta is both culturally and geologically significant.
Public access is limited to protect the environment and respect Anangu traditions, but two walks are open: Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds. Many areas of Kata Tjuta are sacred, and some sites are off-limits to ensure cultural preservation.
Hiking at Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Hiking around Uluru and Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to admire these stunning landmarks.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta offer a range of walks for all levels. Around Uluru, the Mala Walk (2km, 1.5 hour return) takes you to Kantju Gorge, with stunning rock art and sunset views, while the Kuniya Walk (1km, 45 minute return) leads to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole. For experienced hikers, the Uluru Base Walk (10km, 3.5 hour return) circles the rock, and Kata Tjuta's Walpa Gorge Walk (2.6km, 1 hour return) is a breathtaking walk showcasing the region's flora and fauna.
The National Park also hosts free ranger-guided walks which depart daily from the Mala carpark along the base of Uluru. Along a shaded track, rangers share the story of the Mala (rufous hare wallaby) people and explore Anangu culture, rock art, and the park's history and management. Walks depart daily at 8am from October to April, and at 10am from May to September, lasting around 1.5 hours.
Visitor Guides and Maps
With your National Park entry ticket, you'll receive a map and details about the walks at Uluru and Kata Tjuta. For up-to-date information, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park website, or the Park Information Desk at the Cultural Centre, open daily from 8am to 5pm.
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Complete Guide to Hiking at Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Hiking around Uluru and Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to admire these stunning Australian landmarks. Here are some tips for making the most of your hike in the Red Centre.
The Secret of the Red Centre is Out
You would think that 36 large domes spread over an area of more than 20 kilometres and rising 546m above the plains (some 200m higher than Uluru) would be a little hard to miss, and yet Kata Tjuta largely remains the undiscovered Red Centre gem.
Tips for Travelling Sustainably
Ayers Rock Resort is located just outside of Uluru-Kata Tjut̲a National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural values.
Complete Guide to Hiking at Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Hiking around Uluru and Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to admire these stunning Australian landmarks. Here are some tips for making the most of your hike in the Red Centre.
The Secret of the Red Centre is Out
You would think that 36 large domes spread over an area of more than 20 kilometres and rising 546m above the plains (some 200m higher than Uluru) would be a little hard to miss, and yet Kata Tjuta largely remains the undiscovered Red Centre gem.
Tips for Travelling Sustainably
Ayers Rock Resort is located just outside of Uluru-Kata Tjut̲a National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural values.