Uluru Attractions: Best Things to Do in Australia’s Red Centre

Uluru is a massive sandstone monolith located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. It holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land. Beyond its striking appearance, Uluru is a living cultural landscape, rich with ancient stories, sacred sites, and rock art that reflect tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal heritage.

Three days is ideal. This gives you time to experience sunrise and sunset, explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta, visit the Cultural Centre, and enjoy activities like camel rides, bike trails, and the Field of Light.

Yes! Uluru is a fantastic destination for families. Many walks are pram-friendly, and activities like bike rides, cultural workshops, and light shows are engaging for children. Just plan around the heat and bring plenty of water.

Yes. All visitors need a Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Pass, which can be purchased online or at the entry station. It’s valid for 3 consecutive days and helps support park maintenance and the Anangu community.

Yes. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is open 365 days a year, including public holidays. However, opening and closing times vary by season.

Opening hours change monthly to align with daylight and safety conditions. For example:

• June–July: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm

• December–February: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm Visitors must exit the park by closing time each day.

Yes. All main roads to and within the park are sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles. A 4WD is only needed if you’re exploring remote areas outside the park.

Mostly no. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a declared alcohol-free zone, except for two designated sunset viewing areas where responsible drinking is permitted.

Bring sun protection, reusable water bottles, warm layers for early mornings, and comfortable walking shoes. A fly net is also handy in warmer months.

The Cultural Centre is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:45 pm, offering exhibits, local art, and visitor information.

No. Overnight stays are not permitted inside the park. Accommodation is available nearby at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort), just outside the park boundary.

It’s a 52 km drive (about 40 minutes) on sealed roads—perfect for a morning or sunset visit from Ayers Rock Resort.

The name “The Olgas” comes from Mount Olga, the tallest dome in the Kata Tjuṯa formation. It was named in 1872 by explorer Ernest Giles to honour Queen Olga of Württemberg, following a suggestion from botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller. However, the site’s traditional name—Kata Tjuṯa, meaning “many heads” in the Pitjantjatjara language—better reflects its cultural and geological significance. Today, the official name is Kata Tjuṯa / Mount Olga, with the Indigenous name given precedence.