Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park is home to the world-famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), the red heart of Australia and one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks. The monolith stands at a towering 348 metres tall and has a circumference of over 9km, with the bulk of its mass lying underground.
Known for its amazing views at sunrise, the perfect place to capture the amazing landscape is from the Talinguṟu Nyakunytjaku viewing area. Offering uninterrupted 360° views of Uluru with the glow of the sun bringing the surrounding desert landscape to life.
Things to Know About Uluru
Before you book a tour to Uluru, there are a few things you should know about in order to enhance your experience.
History of Uluru
In 1873, surveyor William Gosse sighted ‘the Rock’ and in honour of the then Chief Secretary of South Australia Sir Henry Ayers, named it Ayers Rock. It wasn’t until 1993 that Uluru became the first icon in Australia to be given back its Aboriginal name and making it the first official dual-named feature in the Northern Territory.
Art & Culture
There is an incredible amount of Indigenous Australian’s art and culture in the surrounding areas. Learn about the Aboriginal creation stories, ancestral beings, admire local art and discover the significance of the several walks available around the area. Stop by the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre, the best place to get acquainted with the Anangu country. A wander through the “Tjukurpa Tunnel” will introduce you to the culture of the Anangu people and Aboriginal law (Tjukurpa).
Walking Uluru
Walking around the 9km perimeter is one of the key highlights of visiting Uluru, with plenty of walking options, it may be difficult to know where to begin. At AAT Kings, we recommend the Kuniya Base Walk and the Mala Walk, both highly rated by tourists and locals. While walking through these walks, you will encounter indigenous sacred sites and art.
The Kuniya Base Walk is an insightful track that leads to the Muṯitjulu waterhole, home of a wanampi, an ancestral water snake. You’ll gain a unique insight into the sheer physical and spiritual enormity of Uluru and pass by ancient cave paintings and other sites significant to the local Anangu and the early explorers.
The Mala Walk leads you past several areas of rock art and sacred sites where Aboriginal communities live and prepare for ceremony. It’s believed that as you walk through this area, you’ll be surrounded by the spirit of the Mala Tjukurpa – the hare-wallaby people. The walk will take you to the peaceful Kaṉtju Gorge.
Local Wildlife
There is plenty of local wildlife to see in Uluru and its surrounds such as the dingos and the rufous hare-wallaby. You will be also able to encounter the largest land mammal in Australia, the ‘red kangaroo’, which can be found in the plains, woodlands and even desert. Birdwatching is also a popular for those that visit the area as many take shelter within the rocky slopes of the park. Uluru is home to over 178 species of birds throughout the arid landscape and a remarkable place to spot some rare species. You will be able to encounter the brown falcon, the black-faced woodswallow zebra finches, so remember to keep any eye out.
AAT Kings’ Tours of Uluru
For those that are interested in visiting Uluru, AAT Kings offers a variety of different tours, from one-off coach transfers to 19 Day Guided Holidays. Our selection of tours is suitable for all ages and interest, with short and long Uluru tours available. If you are looking at exploring Uluru either by yourself or friends and family, browse our selection of Uluru-specific tours below.
Uluru Coach Transfers
AAT Kings offer a transfer service for those that are looking to explore the area on their own. Travel by an air-conditioned coach through to the desert landscapes, while looking out the window for wild animals that inhabit the area. The transfer services includes comprehensive commentary by our experienced guide. See below for more information about our selection of transfer routes to and from Uluru:
- Ayers Rock to Alice Springs Transfer
- Kings Canyon Resort to Ayers Rock Transfer
- Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Transfer
Uluru Half Day Tours
Our selection of Half Days Tours is suitable for those that are short of time or are looking for the perfect way to enhance a day trip. The Half Day Tours offers a variety of short trips to Uluru (Ayers Rock), as you sit back and relax the guides will take you on a relaxed adventure in exploring Uluru with spectacular views. If you are looking at enhancing your day trip by exploring Uluru, browse below from our selection of boutique experiences.
Uluru Morning Guided Base Walk
In the intimacy of a small group, join your driver guide on a 10.5km walk around the entire base of Uluru. Visit sacred sites, view Aboriginal rock art, and the vision of a waterfall in a desert setting is really something to see, especially after rain when the water flows from the side of Uluru and plunges into Kantju Gorge.
View the full itinerary of the Uluru Morning Guided Base Walk.
Uluru Sunset
Sit back and relax as you travel into the amazing Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. Your driver guide will provide expert commentary while you enjoy the amazing surroundings and the sight of Uluru in the distance. You’ll be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence and inherent spirituality.
View the full itinerary of the Uluru Sunset Half Day Tour.
Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset
Travel in the comfort of your coach around the base of Uluru with your driver guide who will provide details on its incredible history. Learn about the significance of ancient Aboriginal rock art, culture of its traditional owners, the Anangu and the surrounding areas’ flora and fauna. Your day concludes with a spectacular sunset view at Uluru.
View the full itinerary of the Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset Half Day Tour.
Uluru Sunrise & Field of Light
Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro is noted for his immersive site-specific installations that employ light to evoke emotional response, often in an outdoor context and on a monumental scale. His Field of Light, inspired by a trip to Uluru over 27 years ago, is installed in a remote desert area within sight of majestic Uluru. It is truly a magical sight to behold.
View the full itinerary of the Uluru Sunrise & Field of Light Half Day Tour.
Uluru Short Breaks
Our selection of Short Break tours is suitable for those that looking to explore the rich history and culture of Uluru. The Short Break tours offers a variety of 2-day tours to Uluru, which you will have the opportunity to explore indigenous culture, while encountering the beautiful landscape and sunset of Uluru. Exploration of the intricacies of this major Australian landmark is better, when it is done over time. If you are looking at visiting Uluru, browse below from our selection of short break experiences.
Uluru Unearthed – 2 Day Short Break
Take in the magnificent beauty of Uluru by passing through the stunning landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Walk between the domes of Kata Tjuta, witness Uluru’s mesmerising sunset and sunrise and discover its rich history and culture.
View the full itinerary of the Uluru Unearthed 2 Day Short Break.
Uluru Highlights – 2 Day Short Break
Take in the sights of the marvellous Red Centre. Explore the domes of Kata Tjuta and venture into Walpa Gorge. Witness an unforgettable sunset and sunrise at Uluru and immerse yourself in ancient Anangu culture on a guided base walk.
View the full itinerary of the Uluru Highlights 2 Day Short Break.
Browse more of our tours below to learn about experiencing Uluru with AAT Kings.
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