Tourists can't resist Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), especially for its well-known hiking, romance, food, and resorts.
The park is most known for its namesakes. The Uluru is one of Australia's most famous natural formations. The long domed rock, or giant boulder, expands 5 kilometers beneath the desert surface and 348 meters above it. The beautiful colors seen in these formations change throughout the day. This sight is so iconic it has become one of the national symbols for Australia.
Kata Tjuta is the other most known formation in this park. These 36 variously sized rock domes are located 36 kilometers west of Uluru. Many believe this area was once an even larger rock dome that has been worn down by erosion over the centuries.
However, to start your day in this wonderful national park, make your first stop the Cultural Centre. Here you will learn about Aboriginal creation stories, and see articles about the history and sacredness of the area.
Another option for an amazing start to the day is to head to Talinguru Nyakuntjaku. It literally means "place to look from the sand dune," and it is where you will experience one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life.
This place is a hiker's dream come true. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is full of scenic trails and challenging climbs all ready for the right adventurer.
The Uluru Base Walk is 9.8 kilometers and takes approximately three to four hours to finish. The beginning of this trek is a bit crowded, but as you continue the crowds thin out to occasional walkers.
The Mala Walk is for the traveler looking for a lighter trek. At only two kilometers long, the trail goes from the parking lot to breathtaking Kantju Gorge.
The Liru Walk begins at the Cultural Centre and spans 4 kilometers to the base of Uluru. Set aside an hour and a half for this walk. The Kuniya Walk is an easier, one-kilometer walk on the southern side of Uluru ending at the Mutitjulu Waterhole.
The Valley of the Winds Walk is a single path taking about three hours to complete. As you travel between two stunning lookout points in Kata Tjuta. Carrying water is highly recommended. Your best bet is to hit the trail during the morning hours – you'll avoid the crowds and have a better chance at seeing wildlife.
For a spectacular view you can arrange a helicopter tour at Yulara. Spend as much time as you want in the sky with tours ranging from a quick trip over the park to longer trips extending all the way to King's Canyon.
Another special way to enjoy the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is by camel ride. As you experience the incredible views and natural wonders, you'll hear stories of camel history and the surrounding area.
Hiking:
The hiking around Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is simply top-notch. There are countless walks in the area that pass by stunning viewpoints and surreal rock formations. You can feel the natural beauty and the spirituality of the park as you soak up the other-worldly landscape. Out of respect for the people and nature, always stay on marked trails.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Aboriginal Homelands Experience for $240 details
- Alice Springs School of the Air Guided Tour Ticket for $10 details
- Uluru Audio Tour App for $13 details