Location of Ayers Rock (Uluru)
From
Yulara, 12.16kms SE (19.8kms, 22mins driving)
From
Kulpitjata, 51.07kms N
From
Kaltukatjara (Docker River), 203kms E (225kms, 3hrs 15mins driving)
From
Kulgera, 233.72kms W (339kms, 4hrs 20mins driving)
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Description of Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Ayers Rocks (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.
The major activities in the National Park are photography and walking and these days more people are listening to the wishes of the traditional landowners and are not climbing the Rock.
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.
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Rock Facts
Uluru is 348m above the plain, and 863m above sea level.
It has a circumferance of 9.4km
Uluru is an inselberg meaning "island mountain" an isolated remnant left after the slow erosion of an original mountain range.
Walks & Climbs
The local Anangu people do not advise climbing the rock for fear of accidents scarring the sacred significance of this important part of their culture, however visitors are free to make their own choice.
The climb is extremely strenuous and many people underestimate the level of fitness required to make it to the top. The first section is the steepest and hardest, where a handrail helps guide (or pull) yourself along.
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Due to the increased number of visitors experiencing difficulties the rock is closed for climbing in extreme heat. The best time to climb is right on sunrise when when temperatures are low and crowds haven't yet arrived. In fact, if you can manage it, start climbing whilst it is still dark so you can view the sun rising from
the summit.
There are 3 major walks within the park:
- Uluru Circuit 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.
There are certain restrictions on photography because of the various sacred sites owned by Anangu. These include Pulari, Warayuki, Ngaltawata, Tjukatjapi, Kuniya Piti, Taputji, Kantju, and Mala Puta.
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Weather & Climate for Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Closest Weather Station
Yulara at 23:30 04 Jul CST
Distance from Ayers Rock (Uluru) 18.15km N
| Temperature | Feels Like | Rel. Humidity | Dew Point | Pressure | Rainfall | Wind Direction | Wind Speed | Gusts |
|---|
| 14.3°C |
11.3°C |
58% |
6.2°C |
1022.2hPa |
0.0mm |
E |
11km/h
6knots |
17km/h
9knots |
Closest Climatic Station
Yulara Aero
Distance from Ayers Rock (Uluru) 18.15km N
| | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Mean Max. °C |
38.4 | 36.9 | 34.5 | 29.9 |
24.4 | 20.4 | 20.4 | 23.5 |
28.7 | 32.0 | 35.0 | 36.4 |
| Mean Min. °C |
22.5 | 22.2 | 19.1 | 14.4 |
9.4 | 5.8 | 4.6 | 5.8 |
10.7 | 14.6 | 18.1 | 20.6 |
| Mean Rain mm |
27.1 | 46.3 | 33.4 | 14.6 |
13.0 | 22.7 | 22.4 | 3.7 |
6.6 | 19.9 | 30.8 | 40.9 |
What Others Say about Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Treks passing Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Finke to Uluru via Old Gunbarrel
An alternative route to access the wonderful Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, this trip from Finke east of the Stuart Highway takes in the Lambert Centre - the planimetric gravitational centre of Australia, and a short section of the Old Gunbarrel Highway before intersecting the main route of the Lasseter Highway near Curtain Springs.
[Feature Story]
Places within 5km of Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Olgas Sunrise Harley Tour - NT [2.3km]
Driving Motorbike
Head out before dawn on the back of a legendary Harley-Davidson to view the sunrise over the Olgas (Kata Tjuta). Roar through the Outback to watch this spectacular event. It's an early start but we guarantee you'll think it's worth it! Tour includes breakfast as you enjoy the magnificent view.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre - NT [2.33km]
The Cultural Centre is located inside the Park on the main road to Uluru - 13km from the entry station and 1km from Uluru. Look for the entry signs to the Cultural Centre as you approach Uluru. At the Cultural Centre you can experience art and craft demonstrations, bush tucker sessions, plants walks and cultural presentations.
Rock n Olgas - NT [2.49km]
Driving Motorbike
What a way to see Uluru/Ayers Rock! and the Olgas/Kata Tjuta Jump aboard a magnificent Harley-Davidson and venture off to one of Australia's greatest icons. Feel the rush as you race through the outback. Take a tour of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and a walk around the famous "rock."
Kata Tjuta and Dunes Tour - NT [2.91km]
Outdoor Nature & Eco
This is a fascinating introduction to the desert and its developments. Walk to the dune lookout to experience a spectacular panoramic view of the domes of Kata Tjuta. Afterwards walk into Walpa Gorge while your guide describes the ancient geology and unique flora of this arid environment.
Guided Walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock) - NT [2.92km]
Outdoor Nature & Eco
Explore the remarkable Uluru (Ayers Rock) with a guided walk. The 5 hour tour includes expert naturalist guide, sunrise viewing, picnic breakfast and an opportunity to best understand the natural and cultural significance of Uluru.
Ayers Rock Harley Sunrise - NT [2.95km]
Driving Motorbike
Be a passenger on a legendary Harley Davidson to see an unforgettable sunrise over Uluru. It's an early start, but definitely worth it! Roar through the outback, your driver will take you to a location that captures it all - the spectacular Ayers Rock/Uluru splashed with a magnificent sunrise.
Recommended Reading for Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Alice Springs to Uluru - Digital Map
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Natmap Digital Maps 2008
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SG5208 Uluru / Ayers Rock
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Red Centre - Alice Springs to Uluru
This map outlines all sealed and unsealed roads, four-wheel drive tracks and roads requiring permit access. Camping sites, accommodation, fuel supplies, emergency services and local attractions are all marked and National Park and Aboriginal land boundaries are clearly outlined.
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Alice Springs to Uluru
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This map pack includes the six Great Desert Tracks Maps, together with the Simpson Desert map, all packaged in a hard-cover folder with clear pockets.
This map pack is designed to offer an additional benefit to the constant map user by providing better value than buying the maps individually.
Great Desert Tracks of Australia NC
This map is just one of the set of 6 maps comprising the Great Desert Tracks Map Pack. This particular map covers the Tanami Track, Red Centre, Gary Junction Road and Sandy Blight Junction Track and includes Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Warbuton, Halls Creek, Finke.
