Uluru is protected within the
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, which is a Commonwealth reserve inscribed on the World
Heritage List for both the cultural and natural values of its landscape. The park protects the cultural values of Anangu,
the rock outcrops of Uluru and
Kata Tjuta, outstanding examples of arid zone flora and fauna, and outstanding scenic beauty. All visitors to Uluru will be required to pay an entry fee, valid for 3 days. This enables you to visit any of the areas within the
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park.
NOTE: A permanent ban on climbing Uluru comes into effect on 26th October 2019.
Getting There
Many people underestimate just how far from Uluru is from
Alice Springs. The Uluru - Kata Tjut National Park is 335km SW of
Alice Springs (straight line distance) and 450km by road. Once there, the National Park is large - covering some 1325 square kilometres. With a driving distance of 50km between the two major features being Ayers
Rock and the Olgas. Both sites have numerous walks so visitors should allow 2-3 days in the area.
Rock Facts
Uluru is 348m above the plain, and 863m above sea level.
It has a circumference of 9.4km
Uluru is an inselberg meaning "island mountain" an isolated remnant left after the slow erosion of an original mountain range.
Walks
There are 3 major walks within the park:
- Uluru Base Walk (8.4km)
- Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta (8km)
- Olga Gorge (1km)
Photography
Keep in mind that weather has no adverse affect on the viewing of Ayers
Rock, in fact one of the most spectacular sights is
the rock during rain. Huge pools of water stream over
the rock and brilliant unusual photographs of this event are a real treat. Of course, climbing
the rock during rain is prohibited. The road around the base of
the rock is now tarred and you can can get great photos from just about anywhere. For sunset photography of
the rock in its many changing moods there are specially marked
parking bays for buses and a separate area for cars or 4WDs. Try to get there early and get a good position. Take your chair, nibbles and bottle of bubbly and join in the festive atmosphere in watching one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.
Both Uluru and
Kata Tjuta are excellent sunset photographic subjects so you'll need to allow 2 evenings for this as they are over 50km apart.