Ayers Rock (Uluru is official name)

Ayres Rock is officially known as Uluru since it was handed over to the Aboriginals in the 1980's. It was then leased back to the government and is now jointly administered. The rock is 450 km (270 miles) south west of Alice Springs, and is undoubtedly one of the most famous Australian icons. The mysterious red monolith rises some 1400 feet from the desert and is over 5.5 miles round its perimeter

Yulara

Yulara is outside the boundary to the north of the Uluru-Katatjuta National Park. The township is the only base from which to explore the area and includes a shopping centre and a resort- Ayres Rock Resort. This includes a good range of accommodation for tastes and budgets. No accommodation is permitted within the boundaries of the national park however. Ayres Rock Resort is multi award winning and successfully blends in with the native landscape. Such is the immense size of Ayres Rock that it can still be seen from the resort.

Uluru-Katatjuta National Park

Uluru is in the Uluru-Katatjuta National Park which covers an area of around 1300 square kilometres at the heart of Australia. The park is World Heritage Listed and administered by the Australia Government on behalf of the traditional owners, the Pitjantjatjara Ynd Yankuntjatjara people.

From Alice Springs, the park is reached by road (not recommended for un experienced or unprepared as travelling in Outback Australia can be unforgiving) via The Lasseter and Stuart Highways. Most visitors take a flight from Alice Springs to Conellan Airport.

Katatjuta ( The Olgas)

Katatjuta (previously known as The Olgas) is a collection of 36 rock domes which are around 500metres high. One of the rocks is actually higher than Ayers Rock (Uluru). Katatjuta is arguably as mesmerising as Uluru with a similar constantly changing appearance from purples, to greys to reds. The Olgas (Katatjuta) are around 50km west of Uluru.

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is another popular attraction within the region and sometimes referred to as Australia's Grand Canyon. It is to the north of Ayres Rock in the Watarrka National Park and a drive of around three hours and over several hundred km. Most visitors fly as there is a nearby airport. Like Uluru, the only accommodation is at the purpose built The Kings Canyon Resort. Over millions of years the 300 feet Canyon was created by Kings Creekeroding through the George Gill Range. There are several walks including the popular canyon floor and rim edge walk.

Ayres Rock hotels

Sails in the Desert Hotel.

The Resort's premier hotel. Luxury in the heart of the outback. Stunning architecture and decor, Aboriginal artefacts and landscaped terraces.

Desert Gardens Hotel.

Pool, Bunya Bar, White Gums Restaurant. View of sunset from lookouts is said to be Australia's best with the play of colours across the face of Uluru.

The Lost Camel

Contemporary boutique hotel with Distinctive village feel. Stylish studio rooms built around lush courtyards and pool.

Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge

Affordable hotel and budget cabins combined with a huge barbecue area and all the luxuries of the Resort, this is an ideal venue for families.

Emu Walk Apartments

Fully serviced apartments sheltered behind gardens of native trees. Spacious apartments can cater for up to six people, ideal for holidays with family or friends

A Strange Phenomenon

A strange phenomenon has been widely publicised over the years of visitors who take home mementos from the Yulara site eg pieces of rock or sand and report bad luck at home. The majority of people decide to post the pieces back to Uluru and find normality returns. We do get emails asking where to send back pieces and suggest you identify clearly where the artefact was taken from (as they get sent many items and not all are from the Yualra site) and return to: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park PO Box 119 Yulara NT 0872 Australia.

Out of respect for its sacred status to the Aboriginal people and because it can be hazardous, always check to see if climbing Uluru is permitted.

Uluru Map