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Uluru

The sacred red heart of Australia - a colossal sandstone monolith rising alone from the desert, glowing crimson at sunrise and sunset, deeply sacred to its Aboriginal custodians, a UNESCO site.

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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.

UNESCO World Heritage

Typeviewpoint

WhereNorthern Territory

Nearest cityYulara

Best seasonMay to September

Time to allowA day to two

Getting thereIn the central desert; flights to Ayers Rock (Yulara), then by road

EntryNational park pass required

Uluru, once known as Ayers Rock, is the sacred red heart of Australia, a colossal sandstone monolith rising 348 metres alone from the flat desert of the Red Centre. Deeply sacred to its Aboriginal custodians, the Anangu people, it is famous for the way it glows in shifting shades of ochre, crimson and purple at sunrise and sunset. A UNESCO site of natural and cultural significance, it is one of Australia's most spiritual places.

What you actually see

The rock at sunrise and sunset - the monolith glowing crimson and purple.
The base walk - the trail around the rock past sacred sites and waterholes.
The Aboriginal culture - the art, stories and custodianship of the Anangu.
Kata Tjuta - the domes of the Olgas nearby.

When to go

May to September, the cooler months, as the desert summer is dangerously hot; sunrise and sunset are the magical hours when the rock glows. The Field of Light art installation and cultural tours add to the experience.

Honest expectations

Out of respect for the Anangu, climbing Uluru has been permanently banned since 2019, and certain sacred areas may not be photographed, which is clearly signed. It is very remote, reached by a flight or a long drive, and desert heat can be extreme. Flies can be a real nuisance, so a head net helps.