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Natural features

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Australia Northern Territory Yulara

Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Photo: Chandrakant Sahu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The great red monolith in the centre of Australia, 348 m high and about 9.4 km around, sacred to its traditional owners, the Anangu. Climbing it has been banned since 2019. Instead, walk the flat 10.6 km base walk (about 3.5 hours), or join a free ranger-guided Mala walk to learn about the Anangu and their stories. The Cultural Centre near the rock is a must.


Watch the rock change colour at sunset from the car viewing area, and come back for sunrise. The Field of Light art installation of thousands of glowing lights is popular after dark. Some sites around the base are sacred, and photos aren't allowed there.


The only accommodation is at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort), 20 km away, which has its own airport with flights from major cities. The drive from Alice Springs is about 5 hours. Start walks early in summer, when temperatures can pass 40°C, and carry plenty of water.

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