Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a dual World Heritage-listed (natural and cultural values) in the heart of Australia, called the Red Centre or Central Australia. The famous Uluru, previously also known by its colonial name, Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith, rising 348 meters above the desert with a base circumference of over 9 kilometers. Other than that, Kata Tjuta features an amazing hiking trail and 36 massive conglomerate rock domes.
Unfortunately, huge sections of Uluru and Kata Tjuta are culturally sensitive areas, where photography (and even illustrations) of the rock formations are prohibited, so I cannot show you the full extent of the national park’s epic landscapes. Still, the sections where I can take photos are still superb, and you’ll have to come and see for yourself for the ones in the sensitive areas.
You will need to buy a pass to enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You can buy the pass online or from the park’s entrance. The minimum is a 3-day pass and that is a good amount of time to spend here. I recommend spending at least one full day on Uluru and another on Kata Tjuta.
Accommodation At Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara
The small tourist town of Yulara is an unincorporated enclave, and it’s a base to stay nearest to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park about 20km away. While there are many accommodations with different hotel names, they are all under the same company of Ayers Rock Resort (except for the luxury camp Longitude 131).
Those who are looking for the most budget option in Yulara might opt for the Ayers Rock Campground but do read the reviews first. When I was looking for accommodations the existing reviews of Ayers Rock Campground were quite bad, but looking at the reviews now, it seems like things have improved a lot. Anyway, when comparing the prices with the hostel (Outback Lodge) that I stayed at, it’s only $5-$10 difference. So, I went for the hostel, which is the second cheapest option, but the most valuable one in my opinion.
What’s nice about Yulara is that there are complimentary shutter buses that operate in frequent intervals, taking you to different parts of the town for groceries and sightseeing. I took the bus to the nearby camel farm to have a look.
Some other animals other than camels.
Uluru Base Walk
Uluru Base Walk is a 10.6km loop that also shares/includes the short Mala Walk and Kuniya Walk to the waterholes and gorge side trip.
There are two carpark options to start the walk, and I went to the Kuniya carpark to start and end the loop. Not long before the turning to Kuniya carpark, there is a small roadside space to stop to admire the view of Uluru’s southern flank.
9.55am: Starting Uluru Base Walk from Kuniya carpark.
(+8)10.03am: As I saw a big family group walking towards the waterhole of Kuniya Walk, I decided to proceed the base walk first in a clockwise direction, and to visit that waterhole at the end of the loop.
(+10)10.13am: The huge wall of Uluru up close, right after passing a section of no-photography sensitive zone.
(+3)10.16am
(+2)10.18am
(+5)10.23am
(+16)10.39am: The walking trail close to Mala carpark.
(+5)10.44am: The rocks and shapes of Uluru were interpreted by the aboriginal elders a long time ago, some are secrets only shared to limited members of the tribe, while some are open to the public, like this one with interpretive signages.
There are some little caves with ancient rock paintings used to transfer knowledge among the tribes. However, we are not allowed to take photos of the paintings, as they believe these teachings are strictly meant to be interpreted in their original location.
(+15)10.59am: A cave once used as the kitchen.
(+2)11.01am: Old people’s cave (also no photography allowed).
Mala Walk (Tjukatjapi Waṟayuki & Kantju Gorge)
(+4)11.05am: Part of Mala Walk and side trip to Tjukatjapi Waṟayuki and Kantju Gorge.
(+6)11.11am: At the end of the side trip is a little waterhole. On rare times when it rains, waterfall spills over the edge above. The black stain on the rock wall is algae growing along the path left from the water. At the waterhole you can see the high water mark, and you can compare it with the current water level as an indication of how much rain has fallen recently.
(+31)11.42am: Next, continuing the loop is a long section of culturally sensitive area on Uluru’s northern flank where I can’t take any photos. Here is the end of the sensitive area back to the southern flank of Uluru.
(+8)11.50am: I would like to add that most of the walk is exposed to the sun, so be prepared and try to avoid the afternoon heat in the hottest months. Anyway, it is a desert, so having sun-protection is a no-brainer.
Some interesting desert plants along the trail.
(+7)11.57am
(+16)12.13pm
(+31)12.44pm
(+28)1.12pm: Fascinating wave-like rock wall. Don’t mind the photo-bomb by a fly. Oh, I forgot to mention about the flies. There are many of them, they love flying into your face, and they are very persistent. Please bring along a fly net so you can actually enjoy the walk.
(+4)1.16pm
Kuniya Walk (Muṯitjulu Waterhole)
Side trip to Muṯitjulu Waterhole at the end of the loop at Kuniya Walk. Big tadpoles can be spotted swimming in the water.
Uluru Sunset Viewing
The sunset in the Red Centre is one marvelous phenomena to behold, and one should experience the sunset for at least two days: one at Uluru, another at Kata Tjuta. What you would see is the changing of colors of the great rocks as the sun sets.
There are designated sunrise and sunset viewing areas with plenty of car parks, but can still be packed during peak seasons. So, come earlier, say, at least 30-40 minutes before sunset to ensure you get a spot and ready to indulge in the experience before it starts.
6.09pm: The sun’s still well above the horizon, Uluru gets a bright highlight from the reflection of the sun.
(+15)6.24pm: As the sun begins to set and turns red, Uluru turns bright red along with the sun!
(+2)6.26pm: This moment is quick, as the sun disappears on the horizon, the last angle of light that still hits the top of the rock is lighting up the top tip of Uluru.
(+6)6.32pm: Finally, when the direct sunlight leaves the rock, it’s the background sky’s turn to put on a show with colorful hues.
Kata Tjuta
While still within the same national park, Kata Tjuta is 50km further away from Yulara and Uluru. I would recommend spending a full day here and taking it slow, instead of driving back and forth to town for food and the sunset. So, pack your meals, plenty of water, salty snacks (hyponatraemia or low blood salt is a real risk) and a fly net (just in case the flies are too friendly) and spend your whole day at Kata Tjuta, if the weather allows.
Kata Tjuta Sunrise Viewing
On the way to Kata Tjuta is a sunrise viewing carpark area. There’s just a short walk from the carpark to the viewing platforms. It is worth coming here even if not for the sunrise, as you can see the full length of Kata Tjuta domes.
Also, from the platforms, look down towards the sand below. You would see plenty of animal tracks who are active at night, such as scorpions, dingos, lizards, snakes and mice. If you’re lucky with excellent eyes, you might even spot reptiles such as the thorny devils and sand goannas warming themselves in the sun (they may get onto the road to sunbath, so keep your eyes peeled to avoid running them over).
Crested pigeons at the carpark. I call them the punk birds (look at their punk hairstyle).
Kata Tjuta - Valley Of The Winds Circuit Hike
This amazing hike was the highlight of my Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park trip. The full 7.4km circuit features stony, rugged and isolated trails through spectacular lookouts and a shaded windtunnel valley that takes you to a whole new environment.
Unfortunately, this whole hike is in the culturally sensitive zone, where I cannot take any photos that include the rock formations. The aboriginal people believe that the rock details and features describe culturally important information that must only be viewed in their original location.
So, when you come to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, please visit Kata Tjuta and the Valley Of The Winds hike! In terms of difficulty, the trail is probably the most challenging among the others in the park. It’s got some big uphill and downhill trails, and mostly exposed to direct sun, but as long the weather is not too hot, and you are well-prepared (water, snacks and electrolyte; there are two water-filling stations along the hike, and one at the carpark), take your time, and you’ll be right!
Waḻpa Gorge Walk
Walpa Gorge Walk is a 2.6km return hike between two gigantic, elongated domes. I find this a good quiet spot to just lie down in the cool shades in the afternoon for hours while waiting to leave for the sunset viewing.
2.13pm: The view of the two massive domes from the carpark.
(+16)2.29pm: It’s an exposed walk at the start with some inclination, but once you reach the domes, one of them would provide good shade along the rest of the hike (unless it’s noon).
(+13)2.52pm: First I thought this was the end of the trail, but on the left side across a small stream, the trail continues further to a raised resting platform.
At the actual end of the trail with benches on a raised platform, looking back towards the entrance. It was a nice quiet spot (when tour groups are not around) to sit back, observe and listen to the birds and lizards doing their thing.
I switched between the trail-end platform and the middle gorge section with streams as noisy tour groups came and went. In the little streams I spotted many frogs and tadpoles.
Kata Tjuta Sunset Viewing
At Kata Tjuta sunset viewing area, instead of viewing from the main bare area, I sat at one of the shaded huts far back from the incoming crowds. I find this an excellent spot even though the crowds were right in front, but far enough to not notice them (also mostly blocked by the trees).
Look at the three different colors! All taken from the same spot, but different stages of sunset.
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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