Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock) National Park

126,132ha

In 1872 a surveyor called Ernest Giles became the first white man to see the rock. A year later it was more thoroughly surveyed and climbed by William Gosse, who named it after Henry Ayers, prime minister of South Australia.

Until the end of the Second World War only a few curious visitors came here by camel, guided by local cattle drivers. In 1948 it became accessible by road; the influx of tourists grew and a number of motels and camp sites were opened close to the rock. In 1948 these were demolished and a new tourist center with its own airstrip, Ayers Rock Resort, was established 20km away.

Things to See

Read More Uluru National Park

Address: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Box 119, Yulara, NT 0872, Australia

Hours:

March 1 to March 31: 5:30am-8:30pm

April 1 to April 30: 6am-8pm

May 1 to May 31: 6am-7:30pm

June 1 to July 31: 6:30am-7:30pm

August 1 to August 31: 6am-7:30pm

September 1 to September 30: 5:30am-8pm

October 1 to October 31: 5am-8pm

November 1 to November 30: 5am-8:30pm

December 1 to February 29: 5am-9pm

Tips: There are daily scheduled flights to Connellan Airport, 6km from Ayers Rock Resort. For individual travelers access is on the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, turning off at Erldunda. The road is asphalted all the way (c 450km from Alice Springs); even the notorious corrugated track between Ayers Rock and the Olgas has been straightened and asphalted. Admission is valid for three consecutive days. Parts of the park may be closed for cultural activities on occasion.

Transit: Country buses and excursion buses from Alice Springs.